McAvoy Wanted a Young Picard Series
For many fans, the worlds of science fiction and epic cinema intertwine in the most satisfying ways. Among the devoted enthusiasts of the Starfleet universe, James McAvoy stands out, bringing a deep, enduring passion for Star Trek: The Next Generation.
McAvoy has already demonstrated his knack for inhabiting iconic roles, most notably by stepping into the shoes of a younger Professor Charles X. Xavier in the X-Men film series, taking on the role of Patrick Stewart’s character.
Yet, beneath the surface of his acclaimed performances lies a lifelong fascination with the characters and narratives that define the genre. This passion recently spilled over into a bold career wish: McAvoy has long harbored a deep desire to portray Captain Jean-Luc Picard, a figure as legendary as the captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise.
This desire wasn’t just a fleeting thought; it evolved into a pitch. McAvoy reportedly pitched a project centered on Picard’s early days, dreaming up an alternate narrative that explored the events leading up to the starship’s journey. The vision was so compelling that it nearly became reality, leading to the concept of a limited series titled Mutiny on the Stargazer.
“That was a whole idea I had I pitched to the Star Trek people as well, and we nearly did it…I had this whole story of a young Picard that I love. I pitched, it was like a one-off standalone season … when he took over as captain of the Stargazer and what actually happened, and the secret he’s been holding his entire career. I just pitched it to them, talking to them, and they were into it, but we had logistical issues that meant we couldn’t do it. But I love that story that I just got to bed and think about it at night,” McAvoy shared about the experience.
The story of Picard’s time aboard the Stargazer, and the events that unfolded, are notably referenced throughout the original Next Generation series, including the pivotal first season episode “The Battle.” It is clear that the narrative resonated deeply with McAvoy, fueling his desire to explore those untold moments on screen.
Beyond his love for Starfleet, McAvoy’s artistic preferences also offer a glimpse into his creative tastes. When asked about his favorite superhero films, he admitted a subtle preference, favoring X-Men: First Class over X-Men: Days of Future Past, even acknowledging that the latter remains one of the greatest superhero films ever made.
Buy on Amazon
Credit
