Key Takeaways:
– Actor Michael Dorn, best known for his role as Worf in Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG), initially disliked the idea of Sir Patrick Stewart replacing William Shatner as Captain Kirk.
– Despite the early skepticism, Dorn grew to respect Stewart's role, finding him to be a worthy successor to Shatner.
– Early on in the TNG series, Patrick Stewart struggled with adjusting to the casual atmosphere on set, which differed from his disciplined theater background.
A Blast from Star Trek's Past
Fans and fellow cast members of the beloved science fiction series, Star Trek: The Next Generation, originally had doubts about Sir Patrick Stewart taking over as the face of the iconic franchise. Known for his role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Stewart replaced William Shatner's legendary Captain James Tiberius Kirk. Initial skepticism about this casting move was not limited to the fans, however. Even co-actor, Michael Dorn, best known as Worf in the series, had doubts about Stewart's suitability for the role.
Understanding Michael Dorn's Skepticism
When it was announced that an “unknown British Shakespearean actor” was replacing their favorite Captain Kirk, the trekkies were apprehensive. This sense of unease was shared by Dorn, who admitted in an interview that he was not immediately excited about Patrick Stewart taking over as the new captain. Dorn initially felt that Stewart wasn't Kirk, or even close to being like him. However, his apprehension swiftly faded upon working alongside Stewart on the TNG set. Dorn's realization that Stewart was indeed the right choice for the role marked the beginning of a dramatic turn of events on set.
Patrick Stewart's Early Struggles
It wasn't just the fans and fellow actors who faced difficulties with the captain's transition. Patrick Stewart also experienced his fair share of challenges early on the TNG set. Hailing from a disciplined theater background, Stewart found the less focused and serious atmosphere on set hard to adapt to. The extent of this issue came to the fore when he called a meeting to chastise his co-stars about their behaviors on set. This stern approach, however, backfired, leaving Stewart feeling humiliated and realizing that he had “failed to read the room.”
Turning the Tide
Despite a rocky start, Stewart's time on Star Trek: TNG eventually smoothed out. The actor's relationship with his fellow cast mates improved over time, and they eventually became close friends by the time the seven seasons came to an end. This only goes to show how initial skepticism and doubts can often be unfounded and fade away when given the opportunity. In retrospect, it is safe to say that Star Trek: The Next Generation wouldn't have been the successful series it was without Sir Patrick Stewart steering the ship.
As of today, all the fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation, including Michael Dorn, appreciate Sir Patrick Stewart's contribution to the remarkable series that it turned out to be. His powerful portrayal of Jean-Luc Picard, which was initially met with skepticism, has eventually become one of the most iconic contributions to modern pop culture. Indeed, Stewart's work on the series has truly made him a legendary figure in the field, and Star Trek: The Next Generation remains a beloved classic that can be streamed on Paramount+.
