As a longtime fan, I’m happy to report that Star Trek is still delivering quality television. And get this – a beloved captain might be returning to our screens! Right now, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is giving us a glimpse at the future of Starfleet, following the adventures of young cadets. It’s not for everyone – some fans just aren’t interested in seeing the next generation come up – but I think it’s a worthwhile addition to the Star Trek universe. What’s even more exciting is that they recently brought in a director with a huge legacy from The Next Generation to helm an episode – a fantastic move!
Jonathan Frakes recently discussed directing the Star Trek episode “300th Night” and his potential future with the franchise in an interview with TrekMovie. He enthusiastically hinted that Captain Riker might reappear in a future Star Trek project. While he’s been directing episodes of the Big Bang Theory spinoff, Stewart Fails to Save the Universe, which he described as related to Star Trek, Frakes made it clear he’s eager to return to the franchise. He stated he’s always optimistic and not ready to stop being involved, and when asked directly if he’d reprise his on-screen role, he responded with a hopeful, “Why not?”
Jonathan Frakes Remains Connected to Star Trek
Jonathan Frakes has remained closely connected to Star Trek ever since playing William Riker in The Next Generation. He’s been involved in the franchise through appearances in the TV series and films, as well as regular convention appearances. Beyond acting, he’s directed two Star Trek movies – First Contact and Insurrection – and has directed episodes of nearly every Star Trek series, including Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Enterprise, Discovery, Strange New Worlds, Picard, and the new series Starfleet Academy. He’s also reprised his role as Riker on Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Enterprise, Picard, and Lower Decks.
Jonathan Frakes played Captain William T. Riker in both Star Trek: Picard and Star Trek: Lower Decks. After commanding the USS Titan with his wife, Deanna Troi, and raising their two children, he settled on the planet Nepenthe. However, he later rejoined Starfleet in 2401, assisting Picard in the newer series.
What kind of story Riker could be involved in remains to be seen, but as Jonathan Frakes showed in Picard, he can still do whatever is needed of him as he gets older. It also helps that he has remained closely connected with the Star Trek universe, especially with his new podcast alongside Brent Spiner called Dropping Names with Brent and Jonny. It is clear Frakes still has a great love for the franchise, and seeing Captain Riker back one day could be a huge treat for Trekkies everywhere.
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2026-03-07 23:41