Kathryn Janeway has to be the focus for Kate Mulgrew to return to live-action Star Trek

When we talk about the first ladies of Star Trek, one of the first names that comes to mind is Kate Mulgrew. She's among one of the most transformative actresses that have ever been in the franchise. Having helmed the show, Star Trek: Voyager as the show's first female lead, as well as the first Star Trek show to appear on a network in a non-syndicated format, the stakes were huge for her. She rose to the challenge and established herself as one of the best talents who have ever lifted the Trek banner.

Her time with the series was admittedly shorter than most, namely the crews of the Original Series and The Next Generation. Serving only seven seasons and one minor cameo, many were sure they had seen the last of Mulgrew as Captain (or admiral) Kathryn Janeway by the time the 2009 film reboot came around.

Yet, those lucky fans who waited for her return would be rewarded in the 2020s when it was revealed that Mulgrew would return as Janeway for Star Trek: Prodigy. It was an animated outing, allowing her to play the character at any age, which she would essentially have to do. She nailed it, however. Whether she was the "younger" Emergency Command Hologram program that helped guide the children or the older, battle-tested Admiral. Janeway nailed it.

Fans, however, were still longing for more. With some asking constantly if she would return in a live-action format. An idea she's not turned off by. For that to happen, Mulgrew would need to have certain demands met. Demands that sound a bit similar to that of William Shatner. Shatner, like Mulgrew, doesn't want a cameo. Both want to make sure their return means something.

In Mulgrew's case, she wants Janeway to feature in whatever story they're telling. TrekMovie interviewed with Mulgrew, where she went on to say;

"She would have to be central to whatever it is that she’s doing. Yes. Absolutely. Otherwise, why bother? She was central for seven years. Why should it change? Right?"

Mulgrew also revealed that she had a meeting with Alex Kurtzman, the head of Star Trek. It's unclear what was said during the meeting, but it seems like the two were talking turkey. Possibly even more appearances in the Star Trek universe. If Mulgrew does pop up, it'd have to be in a brand-new show, but we're not sure what show makes sense.

A "Janeway" series, akin to the panned Star Trek: Picard series, would probably be best avoided. Then we have the idea of a Voyager reunion, a more appetizing idea, but only by so much. We're not sure how it'd be best to bring Janeway back, but we do know we'd like to see her once again in a live-action role.

And if not, a third season of Prodigy would be just fine.