“It’s wishful thinking” - Star Trek: Enterprise star Scott Bakula opens up about his potential return to the franchise

Scott Bakula, the beloved actor of Star Trek: Enterprise, addressed rumors of his return to the long-running science fiction franchise. He spoke about his four seasons playing Captain Jonathan Archer in Star Trek: Enterprise. Bakula confirmed his personal interest in reprising the role. He stated directly that he would “love to do more” Star Trek.

When interviewer Dylan Dreyer initially used the phrase "wishful thinking" to describe the intense fan speculation about his comeback. Dreyer, an American television meteorologist currently working for NBC News. However, Bakula acknowledged the rumors were not official. He praised the intense loyalty of the Star Trek fans driving the conversation. The actor’s recent remarks validate the excitement for the show’s potential return.

Star Trek: Enterprise originally broadcast from 2001 to 2005. It tracked the journeys of the first starship to carry the Enterprise name. This series created the essential structures of the Federation.

Star Trek: Enterprise: Origin of the rumors and Scott Bakula's response

The current discussion was not started by studio executives. Instead, it came from within the writing team of Star Trek: Enterprise. Michael Sussman, a writer and producer for the show, publicly discussed a new pitch. He unveiled the concept for a series called Star Trek: United.

Sussman imagined a political thriller set many years after Captain Archer's voyages. The show would star Bakula as President Jonathan Archer. The narrative would focus on Archer and his adult children trying to save the young United Federation of Planets.

This plot would offer a fresh way to revisit the character. It also gives the actor a new kind of role to play. Sussman developed the concept after the success of Star Trek: Picard. He worked on the idea with input from Scott Bakula himself.

Bakula’s cautious optimism

During his interview on the Today Show, Bakula was careful with his words. He was asked directly about the intense rumors. He explained that he cannot “clear up any rumors” because he did not start them. He said the talk was not "planted" by him or the studio. To this, Dylan Dreyer said:

"It’s wishful thinking from the fans’ perspective."

Bakula complimented the dedicated nature of the fan base. He called Star Trek fans "spectacular," "ardent," and also "loyal." He viewed their excitement as a good reaction to Sussman's pitch:

"Star Trek fans are spectacular, and ardent, and loyal. It’s fun to be around them, and they’re running with something, a little piece of information that went out, and they’re having a ball with it. So, enjoy."

Bakula’s co-star, Ariana DeBose, supported the conversation. She publicly suggested the studio should deliver what the people want. Bakula summarized the widespread excitement with a clear remark.

The road ahead for Star Trek: United

The creative concept has already made its way to the decision-makers. Sussman brought his pitch to Paramount and the production team overseeing the franchise. Initial meetings were not immediately successful. At that time, studio executives felt Star Trek: United was too close to another project. They were already developing a series called Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.

The initial rejection did not kill the idea completely. Sussman has since reworked the concept for Star Trek: United. This modification opens the door for a second chance. Sussman has even compared the potential series to the popular Star Wars: Andor. This comparison suggests a darker, more politically focused drama. Such an approach would let the Star Trek: Enterprise character mature into a serious governing role.

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Fans feel hopeful that Bakula wants to return as President Archer. He offers a chance to continue a beloved storyline. The original conclusion of Star Trek: Enterprise has always been controversial among fans. A new series would provide a new conclusion. It could give the four-season series the strong, prestigious ending many fans have desired for years.

The ball rests in the court of the production company. Bakula remains interested, and the fan demand for Star Trek: Enterprise is clear. The question is whether the timing is right for President Archer to take the screen.

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