Patrick Stewart to return as Jean-Luc Picard in new ‘Star Trek’ series

Brace for impact: Captain Jean-Luc Picard is returning to the “Star Trek” universe in a new series for CBS All Access. 

The surprise announcement was made Saturday by none other than Sir Patrick Stewart, who portrayed the beloved icon through seven seasons on “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and four feature films.

“I will always be very proud to have been a part of ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation,’ but when we wrapped the final movie in the spring of 2002, I truly felt my time with ‘Star Trek’ had run its natural course,” said Stewart, 78, in a statement he shared on Twitter.

“It is, therefore, an unexpected but delightful surprise to find myself excited and invigorated to be returning to Jean-Luc Picard and to explore new dimensions within him. Seeking out new life for him, when I thought that life was over.”

Stewart played the “Next Generation” hero from 1987 to 1994, reprising Picard in subsequent franchise movies “Star Trek Generations” (1994), “Star Trek: First Contact” (1996), “Star Trek: Insurrection” (1998) and “Star Trek: Nemesis” (2002).

The untitled show joins prequel series ”Star Trek: Discovery,” created by Bryan Fuller and Alex Kurtzman, which is slated to debut a second season on CBS’ streaming platform in 2019.

Kurtzman will reportedly take the reins of the newly announced Picard series, which “tells the story of the next chapter in Picard’s life,” according to CBS.

“During these past years, it has been humbling to hear stories about how ‘The Next Generation’ brought people comfort, saw them through difficult periods in their lives or how the example of Jean-Luc inspired so many to follow in his footsteps, pursuing science, exploration and leadership,” Stewart wrote in his statement.

“I feel I’m ready to return to him for the same reason - to research and experience what comforting and reforming light he might share on these often very dark times. I look forward to working with our brilliant creative team as we endeavor to bring a fresh, unexpected and pertinent story to life once more.”