Star Trek: Colm Meaney has spent enough time in space, for now

Star Trek alum Colm Meaney, who was a supporting character on the Next Generation and a starring member of Deep Space Nine, portrayed Miles O’Brien for nearly 12 years across all of Star Trek’s canon. His portrayal of the everyman O’Brien made him beloved and respected by fans old and new.

Now 20-plus years later, with so many people being asked to appear in new Star Trek shows, or asked if they will appear, it was only a matter of time before Meaney was presented with the same question.

Speaking with CBR.com’s Cynthia Vinney, O’Brien expressed hesitation about rejoining the Star Trek universe, citing his seven years as a main character on Deep Space Nine as more than enough service time in space

"No, I’ve always kind of felt like seven years in space was long enough. I had a great time doing it. And sometimes, you’re always a bit loathe to go back, especially with something that you enjoyed and was successful because going back, sometimes things end up being ruined."

Even though Meaney has no interest now, doesn’t mean he can’t be convinced; however.

"…But, you never say never. I know there’s a lot of intrigue and that Patrick [Stewart] is doing his new series [Star Trek: Picard] now, and so, who knows? But it’s not something that’s ever been sort of in the forefront of my mind to go back and reprise [the character] O’Brien."

O’Brien’s arc on both The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine was one of the more pivotal and important in the franchise. In a lot of ways, O’Brien represented mankind in the 20th century. He was, at times, sullen, loud, brash, and stuck in his ways. A lot of his issues with his wife Keiko were relatable. He was the everyman of Star Trek.

A role that the series and the universe needed as a whole. When you have fantastic aliens and pious captains, you need to have characters that make you feel understood. O’Brien offered that and Meaney brought those nuances to life.