A Star Trek icon isn't likely to return to the franchise

Star Trek has seen a resurgence in recent years of returning characters and actors to the franchise. Leads of Star Trek shows like Patrick Stewart, Kate Mulgrew, and others have popped in and out of the franchise in recent years, reprising roles for Picard, Lower Decks, and Prodigy, while also seeing various characters return for Strange New Wolds, Discovery, and other shows as well.

Yet, not everyone has returned or even wants to. Having featured and then later starred on both the Next Generation and Deep Space Nine respectively, Colm Meaney has seemingly shut the door on ever returning.

Formerly a recurring cast member on The Next Generation, Meaney played Miles O'Brien, a minor background character, who would go on to play a major role on Deep Space Nine. One of the starring characters, O'Brien went from a somewhat seen character to truly one of the best parts of Deep Space Nine.

Yet, it looks like his time in space is over, according to a new interview with Comic Book Movie's website.

""I think seven years in a space suit was enough, you know? I'm often asked that question and you never say never, of course, but first of all I wouldn't fit in it anymore [Laughs] and...I remember people saying at the time when Voyager got going, 'How many times can you go to the well? How many times can you revamp this?

...They successfully did it with Star Trek and they're still doing it. Good luck to them. Do you want to see an elderly Miles O'Brien? I don't know. It's certainly not at the top of my agenda of things I'd like to do at the moment.""

Meaney, now 71, has had a long career since Deep Space Nine ended and has been working regularly ever since. He's in high demand still and isn't looking to slow down his workload by any means. That's not to say he couldn't fit some time in with Starfleet, but it does seem like he's ok if he never wears the uniform again.

With so many people returning, among those who want to return, it doesn't make much sense to pine over someone content with that part of his life being done.