Robert Picardo, best known for his portrayal of The Doctor in the iconic series *Star Trek: Voyager*, has made a return to the beloved franchise with the upcoming live-action series *Star Trek: Starfleet Academy*. The new series is set to premiere in 2026, taking place nearly a millennium after Picardo last represented his character on screen.
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In an exclusive interview with *People*, the 72-year-old actor described his surprise at being invited back into the Star Trek universe, expressing that he initially thought it might have been a mistake. “I would say it was very unexpected,” Picardo explained. After lending his voice to The Doctor in the animated series *Star Trek: Prodigy*, he learned that other producers from the franchise wanted to meet with him for a potential new role. Initially believing it would be just another voice part, he was bemused to discover it involved a return to live-action and a new character arc.
The initial uncertainty around what the producers wanted from him kept Picardo anxious for several weeks. When the details were finally revealed, he learned that The Doctor would be involved in teaching cadets at a newly reopened Starfleet Academy. “Those first three or four weeks waiting for that meeting were really strange,” he recalled. The new series presents a future version of The Doctor, a character Picardo previously portrayed from 1995 to 2001, in a very different context.
In this series, The Doctor is set almost 1,000 years in the future, prompting Picardo to grapple with how the passage of time would alter the character’s perspective and interactions. “It’s mind-blowing,” he said, as he considered the implications of The Doctor having extensive digital memory. This technological advancement raises thought-provoking questions about how a character designed for medical assistance would evolve in response to decades of changing relationships and experiences.
Intriguingly, in this advanced timeline, The Doctor is presented with the challenge of developing personal connections in a world where he witnesses generations of organic beings age and pass away. In pondering this dynamic, Picardo highlighted the narrative push-and-pull experienced by his character, retaining some ego and attitude while also questioning the depth of his relationships. “On the surface, he would seem the same, but he wasn’t very interested in going deeper,” he remarked.
The character’s emotional barriers are tested by a young photonic being, SAM, played by Kerrice Brooks, who seeks guidance and mentorship from The Doctor. Picardo noted that their interactions provoke an internal conflict within The Doctor, oscillating between his desire to maintain a unique identity and the emerging chemistry with this eager protégé.
As the episodes of the new series are released weekly, Picardo has kept an eye on the passionate discussions surrounding them. He understands that it typically takes a new *Star Trek* series two years to hit its stride, recalling the initial scepticism that met his previous performances. He reflected on earlier controversies regarding the inclusion of female characters, pointing out how groundbreaking those roles have become over the decades.
Throughout his career, Picardo has often found himself with strong female leads, from *Star Trek* to other notable productions, citing it as a stroke of luck to participate in shows rich with dynamic female characters. His experience spans discussions on the representation of women in media, particularly in roles that challenge traditional narratives.
Integral to Picardo’s portrayal of The Doctor is his reflection on artificial intelligence, a topic that has gained prominence in recent years. He acknowledged that *Star Trek* was ahead of its time in exploring concerns about AI, particularly with stories focused on The Doctor being manipulated and transitioning from healer to a potential threat. This theme resonates today as society grapples with similar issues in real-world AI applications.
Picardo shared a memorable encounter with a physician researching AI, who revealed how his character had influenced his interest in medical ethics and patient care. The notion that knowledge in medicine is insufficient without the human element—trust and empathy—echoes the very essence of The Doctor’s character.
Furthermore, he commented on the importance of *Star Trek* in predicting technological advancements. “Star Trek has always been in the game of dreaming up something and science tries to catch up,” he stated, expressing admiration for how the franchise has inspired creativity among its viewers.
Picardo’s dedication to fostering interest in space exploration has expanded beyond acting; he has invested time with the Planetary Society, supporting NASA and promoting engagement in science. The legacy of *Star Trek*, for him, transcends entertainment—it has connected him with remarkable individuals and forged a greater sense of purpose throughout his career.
In conclusion, Robert Picardo’s return as The Doctor in *Star Trek: Starfleet Academy* not only highlights the evolving landscape of storytelling in the franchise but also reflects enduring themes of humanity and technology. As fans prepare to embrace the latest chapter in the *Star Trek* saga, Picardo’s reflections on his character and the ideas it represents continue to resonate powerfully in today’s societal context.