A Star Trek icon confirms return to the franchise in the near future

Star Trek has the ability to bring generations together. With each new series or film, the franchise affords itself a new viewer-base, not just through marketing, but through shared experiences. So much of the Star Trek fandom is passed down from parent to child, or from one older fan to a younger one.

The franchise has been able to thrive over the years because of the shared ability to experience Star Trek with one another. The fandom has been galvanized by that concept. Yet, it's not just the fandom that benefits from the fact that the older generation passes something down to the younger generation.

Those who make the shows and films we love so much do the same thing. Starting with The Next Generation, the first in the non-William Shatner-led Star Trek properties, the previous generation has always been there to lend a hand to the newer generation. A concept that has continued on through the recent era of Nu Trek.

One of the biggest forces in this distribution of Star Trek from generation to generation has been Jonathan Frakes. Originally the man who brought Will Riker to life, Frakes has transitioned into a world of directing. Something he found he had a knack for in the 1990s and it remains something he continues today.

His time with Star Trek has spanned nearly 40 years, and for the most part, he never had a long break from the franchise the same way others like Patrick Stewart or Kate Mulgrew had. Still, after Star Trek: Picard wrapped up, and his directorial duties were wrapped up, it was reported that Frakes would take a break from Star Trek for a time.

We weren't sure how long he'd be gone for but recently, Frakes revealed he's coming back for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, most likely serving as a director for one of the episodes. At the recent Star Trek convention (via TrekMovie.com) in New Jersey, Frakes, alongside Brent Spiner, revealed he was returning to the franchise during a panel;

" I am going to go do the new Star Trek called Starfleet Academy. It’s starring Holly Hunter, Academy Award-winner, and Paul Giamatti. Featuring one of our family members, Robert Picardo. [Tatiana Maslany] I have her in my episode. She is fabulous. I think Mary Wiseman too… Oded Fehr, who I love."

His return to the franchise should help Starfleet Academy find the right tone for the series, something the franchise has done a better job of ever since Star Trek: Strange New Worlds debuted. With Frakes involved, a new generation of cast and crew will learn about the wonder that is Star Trek.