English film and television star Patrick Stewart will reprise his role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in a new Star Trek series for US network CBS.
Stewart, who played Captain Picard on television in Star Trek: The Next Generation from 1987 to 1994 as well four feature films, announced his return to the Star Trek franchise on Twitter.
Having not played Picard since the 2002 film Star Trek: Nemesis, Stewart said he had expected his time with Star Trek had "run its natural course".
"It is 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," Stewart said.
Variety reported the series is expected to take place after the events of Star Trek: The Next Generation, but the exact details are unknown.
It will be shown in the US on subscription service CBS All Access, which last year began streaming the new series Star Trek: Discovery.
The news has been enthusiastically greeted by Star Trek fans, who Stewart acknowledged played a role in his return to the character.
"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, pursing science, exploration and leadership," he said.
"I feel I'm ready to return to him for the same reason — to research and experience what comforting and reforming light he might shine on these often very dark times.
"I look forward to working with our brilliant creative team as we endeavour to bring a fresh, unexpected and pertinent story to life once more."
No premiere date for the new series has been announced.
