Star Trek: Picard’s Showrunner Knew Data Had to Be Part of the Next Generation Reunion

When it comes to the long-awaited return of Star Trek: The Next Generation, one of the biggest questions on fans’ minds was: will Data be a part of it? After all, the beloved android was a major player in the hit show and the crew of the USS Enterprise-D were seemingly inseparable, even years later. Fortunately, it appears fans got their wish, as Executive Producer and Showrunner for Star Trek: Picard, Michael Chabon, recently revealed that he had always planned for Data to be a part of the show from the start.

In an interview, Chabon explained his desire to bring the beloved android back. He said he wanted the reunion of the Next Generation crew to feel like a real gathering of old friends, and the only way he could do that was by having each of them present. He admitted that the implications were that Data had some sort of connection to the new show, but said he wasn’t at liberty to reveal what.

At the same time, Chabon also wanted to keep Data’s actual return a surprise, not wanting to spoil it for viewers. To that end, he and the team at CBS All Access (the home of Star Trek: Picard) worked diligently to keep the character’s true role in the new show a surprise. Chabon also said he consulted with the late actor Brent Spiner, who portrayed Data on the original show, and took every step possible to make sure the actor was comfortable with the decision.

The addition of Data as part of Star Trek: Picard’s Next Generation crew reunion gives fans new hope that the show will be as beloved as its predecessor. And by keeping Data’s involvement a secret before the show’s launch, Chabon and the team at CBS All Access have managed to create a real sense of anticipation and excitement with the fans. Already, viewers are debating what role Data is going to play in the show and how he’ll interact with the show’s other characters.

It’s clear that Star Trek: Picard’s Showrunner, Michael Chabon, had a vision for the new show and added Data to the mix to make sure it was as authentic as possible. The inclusion of Data was no doubt a brilliant move, and will surely leave Trek fans satisfied for the foreseeable future.