Why the STAR TREK Movies Should Reboot TNG & Who Could Play the Enterprise Crew

In modern streaming times, “Star Trek” has continued to flourish with numerous series, yet it’s been almost a decade since a “Star Trek” feature film. Paramount has consistently announced development on several movies over the years, but none have come to fruition. Lately, there have been whispers that Paramount is keen on one more movie featuring the Kelvin timeline crew, or what was once called “Star Trek 4.” This would mean a final voyage for Chris Pine as Captain Kirk and Zachary Quinto as Spock. However, given these characters have been portrayed by different actors in “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” one might question if the same crew still makes sense. The new leader of Paramount has stated that a “Star Trek” feature film is a top priority. Considering this, and following Spock’s logic, it seems plausible that the Kelvin timeline from the J.J. Abrams trilogy could leap into the era of “Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Absolutely! This indicates that Paramount could potentially remake or reimagine stories featuring Captain Picard, Data, Worf, and the rest of the Starship Enterprise-D crew. From a business perspective, they might choose to do this because The Next Generation is the only Star Trek series whose characters are as universally recognized as those of Kirk and Spock among general audiences.

Despite our eagerness for a brand-new team and storyline for a 14th Star Trek movie, we’re skeptical that they would dare such a risk with a blockbuster film nowadays. Instead, it seems more plausible to see this unfold as a streaming series. Redoing iconic roles like Captain Picard would generate significant buzz, potentially boosting box office sales. If they wanted to link it back to the original films, they could create a role for Zachary Quinto’s Spock since Vulcans have long lifespans, and he’s still alive during the TNG era. However, filling Patrick Stewart’s boots would be no easy task. We’ve been brainstorming potential candidates who might utter “Make it so” in the near future, should a big-screen Star Trek: The Next Generation return to cinemas.

Cast Tom Hardy as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in a Star Trek: The Next Generation Reboot

In the past two decades, Tom Hardy portrayed a younger clone of Captain Jean-Luc Picard named Shinzon in “Star Trek: Nemesis.” Despite the movie’s poor performance at both box offices and among critics, many fans believe that Hardy delivered an exceptional performance. Given his subsequent rise to prominence, it seems fitting that he could receive a chance for redemption within the Star Trek universe. Why not consider casting him as the alternate timeline’s version of Picard? It is intriguing to note that Hardy is now roughly the same age as Sir Patrick Stewart was when Gene Roddenberry first cast him as Captain of the Enterprise. Perhaps this is destiny waiting to happen.

Cast Richard Madden as Commander William Riker as a Leader with Fuzz

In a simpler and more conversational style:

Richard Madden from “Game of Thrones” has a similar charisma as young Jonathan Frakes portrayed Commander William Riker in the early seasons of “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” Based on his performance as Robb Stark, we’re confident that Madden can showcase strong leadership skills. Unlike how they handled Riker without his beard initially, let’s appreciate Richard Madden with some facial hair instead.

Cast Tilda Swinton as Lt. Commander Data, The Perfect Otherwordly Actor for a Star Trek: The Next Generation Reboot

In an intriguing twist for the Kevlin timeline, I’d argue that Dr. Noonian Soong’s sentient android creation Data needn’t be limited to a masculine presentation. Instead, I envision Tilda Swinton stepping into the role of Lt. Commander Data. Her ethereal beauty and otherworldly charm, showcased in films like “Only Lovers Left Alive” and “Constantine,” make her an ideal candidate for this golden android on a journey to find her place among the stars as Picard’s trusted second-in-command. Swinton would undoubtedly breathe life into Brent Spiner’s iconic character, while simultaneously carving out her own unique positronic path in the Star Trek universe.

Cast Caleb McLaughlin as Lt. Geordi La Forge, a Cool and Nerdy Character

As a potential actor stepping into Geordi La Forge’s shoes, originally played by LeVar Burton, one needs to embody both an awkward yet handsome charm, as well as convincingly portray a brilliant scientific mind. Additionally, it would be beneficial if the actor could make a distinctive accessory like a banana clip look less outlandish. Given his versatile acting skills and growing maturity, I believe Caleb McLaughlin, known for his role as Lucas in Stranger Things, would be an excellent fit. At 23, he’s ready to move beyond his high school character and take on the challenging role of a capable young officer in a Star Trek: The Next Generation Reboot, with potential to become the Enterprise’s Chief Engineer.

Cast Marie Avgeropoulos as Counselor Deanna Troi and Retain Troi’s Greek Roots in a Star Trek: The Next Generation Reboot

The Next Generation,” often serving as a voice of reason and truth-teller for Captain Picard without facing any repercussions. Originally portrayed by British actress Marina Sirtis, who is of Greek descent, we propose Marie Avgeropoulos from “The 100” as a potential candidate to continue Deanna’s legacy, transitioning from a post-apocalyptic setting to the Star Trek universe.

Cast Jessica Chastain as Dr. Beverly Crusher—Every Fan’s Dream

In a former time, Jessica Chastain was widely anticipated to portray the mature Beverly Marsh in “It: Chapter Two.” Lo and behold, Chastain secured the part, and now we yearn for this dream casting to materialize again. We hope that Chastain will essay another eminent Beverly – Starfleet’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Beverly Crusher. With her commanding presence and more, she would perfectly portray the compassionate yet firm-handed medical expert in a revival of “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” And it wouldn’t be amiss if there was some romantic chemistry between her and Tom Hardy’s interpretation of Picard. We believe Gates McFadden would appreciate having the Academy Award-nominated actress wield her medical tricorder in continuation.

Cast John Boyega as Lt. Worf So Boyega Can go From Star Wars to Star Trek in a The Next Generation Reboot

Fans adore John Boyega for his performance as Finn in the Star Wars sequels, but he’s expressed disappointment about Finn’s character growth in the trilogy. Perhaps it’s time to explore a different “Star” universe then. The grumpy Klingon officer Worf is one of the most iconic characters in Star Trek history, and his character was developed extensively across two series. We believe Boyega could excel as the Son of Mogh, a role initially portrayed by Michael Dorn. When we say “excel,” we mean it with the skill of a Bat’leth warrior, of course. And for those doubting Boyega’s ability to play a fierce Klingon warrior due to his “nice guy” image, we recommend watching Attack the Block.

Cast Julia Garner as Lt. Tasha Yar, A Lieutenant with a Hard Edge and a Big Heart

Previously serving as the security chief aboard the Starship Enterprise-D, prior to Worf, was Lt. Tasha Yar. Tragically, this character met her end while in service when Denise Crosby, the actress portraying her, chose to depart from the series at the conclusion of season one. Despite her untimely demise on television, Tasha reappeared throughout subsequent seasons due to time travel plot devices. A film adaptation could potentially provide a more fulfilling narrative arc for this character compared to her small-screen counterpart. We believe Julia Garner, fresh from her roles in ‘Weapons’ and ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, has the acting chops to bring both toughness and compassion to the role that Tasha Yar was renowned for.

Cast Lupita Nyong’o as Star Trek‘s Guinan to Make Even That The Next Generation Hat Look Good

Considering another actor from the Star Wars sequel series who might benefit from a switch to the Starship Enterprise is Lupita Nyong’o. She seems ideal for the part of Guinan, the centuries-old bartender at Ten Forward. While she already embodied a thousand-year-old, deeply insightful bartender in Star Wars as Maz Kanata, it could be intriguing to see her explore a comparable role without the need for motion capture or animatronic voiceover. If anyone can give the quirky hats worn by Whoopi Goldberg on Star Trek: The Next Generation a modern and stylish twist, it’s surely Lupita Nyong’o.

Cast Jacob Tremblay as Ensign Wesley Crusher so We Can All Hear ‘Shut Up Wesley’

I suppose it didn’t cross your mind that we might overlook Starship Enterprise’s prodigious teenager, did it? The genius kid was generally the most grating crew member during the series’ inaugural season due to his excessive know-it-all attitude. Can’t help but remember Captain Picard barking “Wesley, be quiet!” on the bridge, though!

1. Over time, Wes became an essential team player and an exceptionally competent officer. Despite the fact that actor Jacob Tremblay (from ‘Doctor Sleep’) is now 18 years old, he carries a youthful aura, much like Wesley. He’d make a perfect fit for the role of the acting ensign aboard the Enterprise in a reboot of ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’.

2. Wes ultimately proved to be an integral team member and a highly skilled officer. Despite being 18 years old, actor Jacob Tremblay (from ‘Doctor Sleep’) has a youthful charm reminiscent of Wesley. He’d be a fantastic choice for playing the acting ensign onboard the Enterprise in a new version of ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’.

2025-08-19 01:36