Patrick Stewart Will Return as Jean-Luc Picard for New Star Trek Series

One of Star Trek's most beloved characters is returning to TV.

Patrick Stewart, better known to fans as the venerable Captain Jean-Luc Picard fromStar Trek: Next Generation, announced during a Star Trek convention in Las Vegas on Saturday that he'll be returning to the franchise in a brand new Trek series for CBS All Access.

"I will always be very proud to have been a part of Star Trek: The Next Generation, but when we wrapped that final movie in the spring of 2002, I truly felt my time with Star Trek had run its natural course," Stewart said in a statement. "It is, therefore, an unexpected but delightful surprise to find myself excited and invigorated to be returning to Jean-Luc Picard and to explore new dimensions within him. Seeking out new life for him, when I thought that life was over."

"During these past years, it has been humbling to hear stories about how The Next Generation brought people comfort, saw them through difficult periods in their lives or how the example of Jean-Luc inspired so many to follow in his footsteps, pursuing science, exploration and leadership," Stewart continued. "I feel I'm ready to return to him for the same reason - to research and experience what comforting and reforming light he might shine on these often very dark times. I look forward to working with our brilliant creative team as we endeavor to bring a fresh, unexpected and pertinent story to life once more."

After a brief introduction from Discovery showrunner Alex Kurtzman, Stewart appeared on stage to deliver the big news, and fans understandably went wild. The showcase of love and support touched Stewart, who teared up after making the huge announcement.

Stewart played Picard from 1987 to 1994 in The Next Generation and then reprised the role in four Trek movies, ending with Star Trek: Nemesis in 2002. Star Trek star William Shatner, who played USS Enterprise captain James T. Kirk in the original series, shared his excitement over Stewart's return to the franchise.

"I'm so glad for Patrick," Shatner told TV Guide. "He's wonderful and he'll do his usual great job. I'm looking forward to it."

In addition to starring, Stewart will executive-produce the new series with Star Trek: Discovery co-creator Alex Kurtzman. Any other details surrounding the new series -- including a name, premiere date or episode count -- have yet to be announced, but the show will take place after the events of The Next Generation and find Picard a changed man.

"With overwhelming joy, it's a privilege to welcome Sir Patrick Stewart back to the Star Trek fold. For over 20 years, fans have hoped for the return of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and that day is finally here. We can't wait to forge new ground, surprise people, and honor generations both new and old," Kurtzman said.

The untitled series will be CBS All Access' second Star Trek show, after the successful launch of Star Trek: Discovery last year. CBS is currently developing several other Star Trek projects and will debut a four-part miniseries Star Trek: Short Treks this fall that explores characters and themes from Discovery.

Additional reporting by Keisha Hatchett

(Full disclosure: TV Guide is owned by CBS)