See Patrick Stewart Replaced As Picard By Mads Mikkelsen
We had an AI create images of Mads Mikkelsen as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek 4, and the result is incredible.
The next generation of Star Trek may be on the way. Captain Kirk actor Chris Pine told Esquire that the future of Star Trek films feels cursed as Paramount scrambles to chart the right course. The possibilities for Trek’s next installment are endless, and if the Kelvin Timeline extends to the adventures of Captain Picard and The Next Generation crew, Mads Mikkelsen could be the perfect man to take the con.
Using AI, Giant Freakin Robot has envisioned Casino Royale actor Mads Mikkelson as one of the greatest captains in the Star Trek franchise, Jean-Luc Picard. Mikkelsen is known for his compelling, quiet brooding with flashes of high emotion. His piercing eyes, natural intelligence, and level-headed intensity make him a perfect fit for the character.
Patrick Stewart originated the role of Picard in the late 1980s on Star Trek: The Next Generation. Stewart continued the role for four movies and three seasons of the spin-off show Picard. Patrick Stewart is likely to bow out of the role with the conclusion of Picard, leaving the role open for an actor like Mads Mikkelsen in a new Star Trek film.
In 2009, J.J. Abrams brought fresh faces to familiar roles, telling the origin story of the original Star Trek series’ characters with an updated cast and an alternate history dubbed the Kelvin Timeline. This new reality could offer a fresh slate for Mads Mikkelsen to lead a Star Trek: The Next Generation reboot, continuing the spirit of the characters without the burden of the show’s beloved canon.
A fourth Kelvin Timeline film has been developing for several years, with actors like Chris Hemsworth, Gal Gadot, and Henry Cavill rumored to participate. Jessica Jones director S.J. Clarkson and WandVision creator Matt Shakman have both been on board to helm the Trek film, but both have departed. Mads Mikkelsen and the Next Generation rumors are the latest in the long, tumultuous development of the highly-anticipated Star Trek sequel.
Mads Mikkelsen is no stranger to big franchises like Star Trek. The Danish actor has been working since the mid-90s, but he made a big blip on Americans’ radar when he faced Daniel Craig’s 007 in Casino Royale. Since then, Mikkelsen has balanced indie and arthouse films with the likes of Doctor Strange, The Three Musketeers, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.
This summer, Mikkelsen will hit the big screen in his next franchise film, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. As he often does, he will play a villain opposite Harrison Ford in the blockbuster, but Mikkelsen is an actor with great range. Mads Mikkelsen as the hero in a Star Trek film, would offer a fascinating opportunity to see the actor play against type on a grand scale.
Mads Mikkelsen leading a Star Trek film is far from official news, but the proof is in the art: Mikkelsen looks the part. Beyond that, his demeanor fits the role, and his acting ability is undeniable. If Paramount does continue the Star Trek franchise with a reboot of The Next Generation, Mads Mikkelsen should top the list to succeed Patrick Stewart in one of the most iconic roles of the franchise.
