Star Trek: Picard star Todd Stashwick reveals what it would take for him to join the spinoff: Here’s what he said

Star Trek: Picard lent a new dimension to Jean-Luc Picard’s character, introducing him to a new audience. The series still maintains a stronghold in Star Trek discourse, long after concluding its third and final season in April 2023.

Even though there is no official announcement of a direct sequel, the allure of a possible spinoff dubbed Star Trek: Legacy has created a fan buzz.

At the center of the speculation stands Todd Stashwick, who portrayed Captain Liam Shaw in Star Trek: Picard Season 3. Even though Shaw had a tragic death at the hands of the Borg, the character’s story is far from closed. Both Stashwick and showrunner Terry Matalas have talked openly about creative ideas for Shaw’s comeback on screen.

Stashwick, during an event in August, hinted at his character’s possible appearance in Star Trek: Legacy as an Emergency Engineering Hologram, a “Shawlogram.” The demand for the spinoff is incessant, showing how eager fans are for more stories from this universe. Stashwick has now mentioned his conditions for returning, which include bringing together the lovable Legacy cast and creating the right style of production.

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Star Trek: Picard star Todd Stashwick on rejoining the Star Trek universe

Todd Stashwick made it very clear how eager he was to be part of the Star Trek universe again, particularly if the Legacy spinoff comes to fruition. At the same time, he pointed out that the quality and people involved in the project would determine his participation. He was quoted by ScreenRant as saying:

“I love workin’. I love the character of Shaw. I love the Star Trek universe, and I love all the people that… If someone chooses to greenlight this project and fills it with all the people that the Legacy show would have: Jeri Ryan, Michelle Hurd, Ed Speleers, Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut, Mica Burton, I would love to work with those people. If that means appearing as a hologram, and it contributes to my health and pension, I’m there.”

The actor's willingness to come back “as a hologram”, here a “Shawlogram.” This is a nod to the Star Trek tradition of bringing back characters through high technology or classic narrative tricks. The showrunner, Terry Matalas, has hinted at such a scenario during fan conventions, highlighting the possibility of Shaw’s return despite his death in the series.

As for the spinoff’s future, Stashwick was realistic. Legacy could be developed depending on a range of factors, including the availability of Matalas and recent changes following the Paramount/Skydance merger.

Speaking with ScreenRant earlier, Stashwick said:

“I think there’s always a chance that they could do a Legacy. It’s just not gonna happen this year [and] probably not next year. Terry Matalas is tied up doing other stuff. So they’d probably have to wait til he’s available.”

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What is Star Trek: Picard about?

Star Trek: Picard made its premiere in 2020, bringing viewers back to connect with Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart). This return comes decades after the adventures in the series The Next Generation that made him iconic.

The series quickly dives into the core of Picard’s psychological conflicts. He struggles with the burdens of legacy, the anguish of losing someone dear, and his unresolved need to fix the mistakes of the past. Physically, he has aged, but spiritually, he is still very much alive and tormented by the unfinished business and decisions of the past that continue to influence his present.

With every episode, the layers go deeper, revealing that even the great ones are not immune to questioning and lamenting.

With the arrival of Star Trek: Picard Season 3, nostalgia is at its peak. The entire crew of the Enterprise-D nearly reunites for one last fight against the Borg, a menace that has played a huge part in their shared story. The stakes are high, and the reunion is both warm and bittersweet. The final goodbye to a beloved era of Starfleet through their last mission together is heartfelt.

Among these figures is Captain Shaw (Todd Stashwick), the tough commander of the USS Titan-A. Shaw’s harsh realism and firmness set him apart from the idealistic heroes of yesteryear. His relationship with Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan), who is eagerly carving out her own career in Starfleet, brings new tension to the story. Similarly, his interactions with Jack Crusher (Ed Speleers), who is grappling with his heritage, add another layer of conflict. Their conflicts and teamwork emphasize generational differences and the difficulty of developing new personalities while being overshadowed by legendary figures.

The final chapter of Star Trek: Picard expertly wraps up long-standing threads. The Borg menace is finally neutralized, granting Picard closure. Jean-Luc also finds an emotional payoff through reconciliation with his son.

On the other hand, Seven of Nine boldly assumes her new position as captain of the newly named USS Enterprise-G. This act signifies the passing of the torch and the emergence of new leadership. Jack, influenced by Shaw’s tough-love approach, joins the crew, still grappling with the expectations placed on him but ready and willing to participate in the next chapter.

The scenario for possible spin-offs has been set, with Jack’s journey only beginning, while Seven’s captaincy has already opened new areas for the crew to explore. Ed Speleers has been very supportive of fans’ online discourse, urging them to continue rallying for Paramount+ to give an official go-ahead to a Legacy series.

The end of Star Trek: Picard, while concluding the current storylines, carefully builds anticipation for future stories. It keeps the legacy of both old and new characters alive and glowing.

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Also Read: I was surprised to learn the real reason Captain Picard quit Starfleet in Star Trek Picard