LeVar Burton Finally Opens Up About Possibly Appearing On Star Trek: Picard

Star Trek: The Next Generation LeVar Burton Geordi La Forge
(Image credit: Star Trek: The Next Generation Screenshot / CBS Television Distribution)

From the moment Star Trek: Picard was first announced, fans have been hoping to see the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation pop up on the show. Well, prepare to celebrate LeVar Burton is teasing the return of the classic crew, including his own fan-favorite character Geordi La Forge:

Patrick Stewart previously explained why fans would not see Michael Dorn’s Worf or LeVar Burton’s Geordi during Star Trek: Picard’s first season, but thank goodness for Season 2. Although he didn't confirm who fans would see during the new season, LeVar Burton did offer an incredibly hopeful update regarding guest appearances when asked by ET:

How do I answer this without getting myself in trouble? I think it is reasonable to think that those people are still a part of Picard’s life. Sure, what the hell, absolutely. You will see us all, probably not all at the same time but... You know, never say never.

Exciting news alert! Those paying close attention to Season 2 already knew that Star Trek: Picard was tapping veterans to make guest appearances. Now, LeVar Burton's recent comments strongly indicate that he will be among those to make a return to the Star Trek franchise. It's hard to imagine how big a role he would play, but I think many are likely hoping Burton gets more than a one-off cameo appearance.

Last year, LeVar Burton spoke optimistically about a reunion between Jean-Luc Picard and his friends from Star Trek: The Next Generation. Burton pointed out that it would make sense for Picard to still be in contact with his friends while saying there was a good story in there if he had not remained so.

LeVar Burton reprising his role as Geordi for Star Trek: Picard’s next season will undoubtedly bring some joy to fans, they wait for the series’ return. The freshman drama signed off last month with an intriguing potential set-up. Needless to say, Geordi playing a role in whatever happens next would be yet another wonderful gain for long-time Trekkies.

Star Trek: Picard’s first season saw the return of several key characters including Jeri Ryan's Seven of Nine, Brent Spiner's Data, Marina Sirtis' Deanna Troi, and Jonathan Frakes' Riker. In addition to speculating about new faces, fans of the sci-fi drama will have to stay tuned to see if those who appeared in the first season return in Season 2. Luckily though, the showrunner has weighed in on Seven of Nine' potential return with a somewhat positive update.

Time will tell if Michael Dorn, who was originally confirmed not to be appearing in Season 1, joins LeVar Burton in appearing next season. That would be a cause for even further celebration. On the bright side, it appears fans can indeed expect to see Whoopi Goldberg reprise her role as Guinan, as Patrick Stewart gave her a formal invitation during his most recent appearance on The View.

Of all the questions that fans may have waiting for Season 2 of Star Trek: Picard, the return of LeVar Burton’s Geordi La Forge seems to be answered. Hopefully, more will join him and some promotional footage of Geordi reuniting with Picard will eventually start making the rounds.

Until then, the first season of Star Trek: Picard is currently streaming on CBS All Access and, while you look forward to Season 2 and LeVar Burton, you can take in this spring’s premieres.

Britt Lawrence

Like a contented Hallmark movie character, Britt happily lives in the same city she grew up in. Along with movies and television, she is passionate about competitive figure skating. She has been writing about entertainment for 5 years, and as you may suspect, still finds it as entertaining to do as when she began.