Recasting Star Trek: The Next Generation If It Were Made Today

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The *Star Trek* franchise is known for its careful casting choices. The original crew of the Enterprise is so iconic that finding actors to play those roles is a challenge. In the films directed by J.J. Abrams, stars like Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, and Zoe Saldaña strive to pay tribute to the original actors, sometimes by imitating them and other times by forging their own paths. This dedication to honoring the past also applies to the performers involved in the newest *Star Trek* series, which are set in the same era.

Paramount has been hesitant to recast the original crew of *Star Trek: The Next Generation*. While *Star Trek: Picard* brought back those beloved actors to continue their stories, it’s inevitable that new actors will eventually need to take on those iconic roles. This explores what the cast of *The Next Generation* might look like if the show were being made today.

8) Jacob Tremblay as Wesley Crusher

Wesley Crusher is one of the most debated characters in *Star Trek* history. When he joined the *Enterprise-D*, he often came across as arrogant due to his intelligence, and he was usually right! The upcoming series will recast the role with Jacob Tremblay, known for playing gifted characters, to avoid the criticisms of the original portrayal. Tremblay is expected to bring a much-needed sense of humility to Wesley, which will hopefully make him a more likable and enduring character.

7) Stephanie Beatriz as Deanna Troi

Throughout *The Next Generation*, Deanna Troi, played by Marina Sirtis, consistently offers a calming and rational perspective as the ship’s counselor, using her empathic abilities to connect with others. Stephanie Beatriz possesses the skill to capture this same sense of tranquility. Though she’s known for her tough character in *Brooklyn Nine-Nine*, Beatriz has demonstrated incredible versatility as an actress. If cast as Troi, she would effortlessly draw out the personal struggles of her fellow crew members, encouraging them to open up and share their feelings.

6) Kirsten Dunst as Beverly Crusher

The Chief Medical Officer often gets overlooked on Starfleet ships, but Beverly Crusher is so skilled she consistently stands out. The main weakness of her character is that *The Next Generation* sometimes doesn’t give her enough to do, often leaving her out of important storylines. Casting Kirsten Dunst would solve this problem; she’s an incredibly versatile actress who commands attention and could create compelling chemistry with Jean-Luc Picard, whoever plays him.

5) Winston Duke as Worf

Throughout its run, *The Next Generation* actively worked to move beyond the one-dimensional portrayal of Klingons as villains. A major step in this direction was the introduction of Worf, a Klingon character who became a core member of the crew. As Chief Security Officer under Captain Picard, Worf was a formidable presence, effectively deterring potential threats to Starfleet. Winston Duke, known for his role in *Black Panther*, has proven capable of playing strong, imposing characters, but also possesses the depth to portray Worf’s complex and often troubled inner life.

4) Asa Butterfield as Data

Similar to Spock in the original series, the character of Data—an android—takes on that logical, outsider role in *The Next Generation*. Data doesn’t quite grasp human behavior, but he becomes a crucial member of the crew. While Brent Spiner’s portrayal of Data is iconic, Asa Butterfield seems perfectly suited to take on the part. He’s known for playing awkward characters, like Otis Milburn in *Sex Education*, but his role as Ender Wiggin in *Ender’s Game* is particularly relevant, as Ender is a character who is more reserved and strategic than those around him.

3) John Boyega as Geordi La Forge

Geordi La Forge is a standout character who truly accepts Data for who he is, and their friendship is a highlight of *The Next Generation*. However, Levar Burton’s character arguably drives much of their dynamic. If the show were to be reimagined, John Boyega – known for his role as Finn in the *Star Wars* sequels – could brilliantly capture Burton’s optimistic spirit. If he’s willing to take on the role, he’d be a perfect fit.

2) Jack Lowden as William Riker

William Riker, the first officer, isn’t known for being serious – he often comes across as self-satisfied and seems more interested in socializing than focusing on the job. But when it counts, he’s a brilliant strategist. The Apple TV+ series *Slow Horses* features a similar character, River Cartwright, played by Jack Lowden. River initially appears clumsy and inept, but consistently proves his worth by devising unexpected solutions and helping his colleagues at Slough House succeed.

1) James McAvoy as Jean-Luc Picard

Finding someone to replace Patrick Stewart is a huge challenge in Hollywood. Luckily, 20th Century Fox already addressed this by having James McAvoy take over the role of Charles Xavier in the *X-Men* movies. McAvoy has all the skills to capture what makes Picard so compelling, and he’s already shown he can handle a shaved head. Sometimes the simplest choice is the best, particularly when a lead role in a *Star Trek* series is at stake.

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2025-10-18 20:14