Summary
ThoughStar Trekfans had verymixed feelings aboutStar Trek: Picard, the series gave them the opportunity to see one of their favorite captains back on the bridge. Now, another fan-favorite captain is talking about the possibility of returning to theStar Trekuniverse for their ownStar Trek:Picard-style show.
Kate Mulgrew, known to fans asCaptain Kathryn Janeway, was a Trekverse pioneer in myriad ways. She was the first female captain in the lead role of aStar Trekseries. Her crew was the first to explore the Delta Quadrant, making it the first Trek show to take place almost entirely outside the Alpha Quadrant. Janeway was the original #GirlBoss of the Treverse, inspiring a generation of girls and women.
Though Mulgrew returned to the iconic role of Janeway via voice acting inStar Trek: Prodigy,fans haven’t seen Janeway in the flesh since her appearance in theStar Trek: The Next GenerationmovieStar Trek: Nemesis. In a recent interview withCollider, Mulgrew said she hasn’t ruled out the possibility of coming back to the Treverse if she was offered her own show, especially if the premise was good enough.
‘I haven’t closed the door’
In the interview, Mulgrew revealed that she has discussed the possibility of aPicard-style show featuring Janeway with the creative team behind the Paramount+Star Trekuniverse.
“[Alex] Kurtzman has talked to me about this, of course he has. Janeway is beloved.”
But as of right now, she hasn’t heard a pitch that wouldconvince her to bring Janeway backto the screen. Mulgrew is notoriously protective of her groundbreaking character, for obvious reasons. She toldColliderthat the only way she’d reprise Janeway in a live-action series was if the writers gave her an unforgettable storyline.
“It would have to be so good. And I’m not sure it has all of the elements I need it to have,” Mulgrew explained.
That being said, Mulgrew hasn’t completely ruled out a live-action Janeway series. If she does hear a pitch that meets her high standards, it could happen. As the Paramount+ Trekverse has proven time and time again, nothing is impossible.
What Could ‘Star Trek: Janeway’ Explore?
In spite of its flaws,Star Trek: Picardadmirably succeeded at one thing – exploring aspects of fan-favoriteStar Trekcharacters that their previous series never had space to examine. As the captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise, Picard hardly ever got to be vulnerable or deal with the complex traumas he’d faced, andPicardmade space for those topics, while showing that Picard could maintain his strength, resilience, and heroism through his struggles.
IfStar Trek: Janewayever came to fruition, it could similarly examine Janeway. The series could pick up in the aftermath of the events depicted inPicard’sfinal season. With the Borg finally eliminated and theChangeling threatunder control, for now,Janewaycould focus on Admiral Janeway’s work to stabilize Starfleet after the tumultuous events of the first two years of the 25th century. The show would also be an excellent opportunity to explore how Janeway emotionally dealt with a recurrence of the Borg threat, the final destruction of the Borg, and the infiltration of Starfleet by Changelings.
Of course,Picard’sfinale left plenty of room for the Changelings to return as a major adversary for Starfleet.Janewaycould also tackle a continued Changeling threat and maybe even a return ofthe Dominion. The possibilities are limitless.
Star Trekfans shouldn’t hold their breath, though. Until Mulgrew sees a premise worthy of Janeway’s return,Star Trek: Janewayis little more than a dream.
Star Trek: Voyager
Follow Captain Kathryn Janeway and her diverse crew in Star Trek Voyager as they navigate the distant Delta Quadrant, encountering new civilizations, alliances, and adversaries. This iconic sci-fi series blends thrilling exploration with compelling character dynamics, inviting viewers to witness the resilience and unity that define the Voyager’s quest for home.
