Nearly 40 years ago, in 1987, Star Trek: The Next Generation attempted to become the unlikely Psycho II to Alfred Hitchcock’s macabre classic Psycho (1960), at least in the annals of creator Gene Roddenberry’s beloved science fiction universe. No one thought that sublime horror sequel could live up to the original film, nor did many people think Star Trek: The Original Series could be effectively followed up by a fledgling new series. However, it did happen, and Jonathan Frakes was a major part of that magical ride — or, should I say Trek?
Today, though, Frakes is reacting to the news about the recently announced Star Trek feature film project helmed by Spider-Man: Homecoming’s writing team of Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley. When Frakes first heard about it, he responded by saying (via TrekMovie.com):
“Really? Wow, that IS big news.”
Frakes portrayed Commander William Riker during all seven seasons of TNG, and he reprised the role of the USS Enterprise-D's First Officer on the Silver Screen in four Next Gen feature films. However, his most memorable reprisal of Riker came in the third season of Star Trek: Picard years later.
Frakes also wished Goldstein and Daley, also of D&D fame, the best of luck in the most Mr. Spock way possible. He added:
“Oh, the Dungeons & Dragons guys. May they live long and prosper and stay safe. And come in on budget and on time — and they’ll do fine.”
Frakes was genuinely caught off guard when he heard about the upcoming Star Trek film project, so, sadly, Trekkies shouldn't get too excited about a possible cameo from William Riker. Frakes also said:
“So, it’s all new, no legacy characters from any [of the older shows/films]?”
Unfortunately, there aren't any details available about the third Star Trek movie currently in the works from the Paramount Skydance Corporation, nor is there a projected release date. However, wouldn’t it be wonderful if The Next Generation cast was somehow involved in one of the upcoming film projects? This Trekkie is dying to see Will Riker and the crew of the USS Enterprise-D reunite on the Silver Screen at least one more time. How about you?
For more Star Trek content, and to share your thoughts/comments on the matter, visit the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages.