Star Trek: The Next Generation, which aired from 1987 to 1994, remains the most beloved installment in the Star Trek franchise, largely due to Sir Patrick Stewart’s portrayal of Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Picard’s character, commanding the USS Enterprise, was more reflective and measured compared to the bold and impulsive Captain James T. Kirk, played by William Shatner in the original series. Stewart’s extensive Shakespearean background brought a distinct gravitas to the role, elevating the show’s appeal beyond typical science fiction. However, Sir Ian McKellen, a fellow esteemed actor and close friend, initially warned Stewart against taking the role, fearing it would damage his acting career.
Stewart and McKellen’s friendship began during their time with the Royal Shakespeare Company, long before they appeared together in the 2000 X-Men film. When Stewart was offered the chance to become Picard, McKellen offered firm advice against it. Recalling this moment in his 2023 memoir Making It So, Stewart shared McKellen’s warning:
No, you must not do that. You must not. You have too much important theater work to do. You can’t throw that away to do TV. You can’t.
Ian McKellen, Actor
Both actors had experience on television, primarily through British adaptations of classic literature, but neither had committed to a series as long and demanding as Star Trek: The Next Generation. McKellen’s concern stemmed from the belief that the show would consume Stewart’s time and potentially tarnish his reputation as a serious stage actor. Despite deeply respecting McKellen’s perspective, Stewart chose to accept the role, motivated by the rare chance to reach a global audience and confident the show wouldn’t last long enough to prevent future theatrical work.
The Unexpected Success of Star Trek: The Next Generation
Stewart’s gamble paid off as Star Trek: The Next Generation became a major hit, establishing a new standard for the franchise and securing Stewart’s place in television history. His portrayal opened doors for viewers who normally might not have been drawn to science fiction, proving that television could host performances of considerable artistic merit. Without Stewart’s dedication and nuanced performance, the show may not have flourished, potentially jeopardizing the entire Star Trek legacy.
Looking back, McKellen’s caution seems overly cautious because the show boosted Stewart’s fame without sidelining his theatrical ambitions. After the series ended, Stewart resumed his stage work in 1995 and continued to balance screen and theatre roles throughout his career. Nevertheless, McKellen’s apprehensions were justified at the time, given the risks involved with reviving a franchise two decades after its original series concluded. There was no guarantee The Next Generation would resonate with audiences or critics, and fans could hardly have anticipated how influential the series would become.
Reflections on McKellen’s Advice and Stewart’s Career Choices
McKellen has since acknowledged that his warning was mistaken, and his friendship with Stewart remains strong. In a 2020 interview with The Guardian, McKellen admitted:
[Stewart’s] long forgiven me my advice not to risk a solid career on the British stage by falling for an uncertain future in Star Trek. How he got that job is a prime example of how luck can be a lady and it will be a riveting chapter in the memoir he must write.
Ian McKellen, Actor
McKellen himself eventually embraced roles in genre fiction, most famously as Gandalf in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Alongside Stewart, who entered the superhero film realm with the X-Men series, they are both set to return as their iconic comic book characters in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday. Stewart’s journey illustrates that taking career risks can yield remarkable rewards and shows that actors can successfully expand beyond their established artistic boundaries without losing their foundation in classical theater.
