Patrick Stewart hated the Star Trek movie for having no exciting scenes

Noah Miller 10/30/2026

For many fans, the name Patrick Stewart is synonymous with the captain of the Enterprise—the iconic role of Jean-Luc Picard. No matter what other cinematic achievements he amassed across his legendary career, the enduring connection remains firmly rooted in that stellar portrayal.

Stewart first stepped into the role of Picard in 1987 for the beloved series Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG). The character became an indelible part of his persona, following him throughout his journey into the vast expanse of the Starfleet universe.

This association only deepened with his subsequent work, including the standalone series Picard, which delved into the life of the former captain as an older man. Beyond the main franchise, Stewart also lent his talents to other memorable appearances, including playing Picard in the 1994 film Generations and the critically acclaimed movie First Contact.

First Contact remains a favorite for many, and for good reason. While the narrative involved time travel and alien machinery, the film presented Picard with a problem that transcended simple command. His history with the Borg introduced a profound layer of personal conflict, transforming the normally measured captain into someone dangerously driven by revenge. It was a story where the weight of judgment, rather than mere navigation, placed the entire crew in jeopardy.

For an actor known for making authority look effortless, this role offered Stewart a rich canvas. The depth required moved beyond simply saving the galaxy, giving him substantial material to explore. The captain’s difficult choices became the central focus, providing far more substance than any single speech about interstellar diplomacy.

As the franchise continued, some films failed to live up to the high standards set by the original series. Stewart, however, maintained his commitment to quality. He observed that as the cinematic journey progressed, the quality of the later installments seemed to wane, leading to a notable shift in his focus.

This sentiment was particularly true for films like Star Trek: Insurrection and especially Star Trek: Nemesis, which many viewers found underwhelming. Stewart himself reflected that he had hoped the filmography would continue the strong trajectory of the original franchise, but those later entries proved to be a letdown.

The plot of Star Trek: Nemesis, for instance, introduced a complicated twist involving a new Romulan leader who was, in fact, a human clone of Picard—a role helmed by Tom Hardy. While this twist added intrigue, the film’s overall reception proved to be a misstep. It ultimately contributed to a period where Stewart deliberately stepped away from the space opera to pursue other projects.

Ultimately, this experience provided Stewart with the space to explore new creative avenues. It allowed him to step back from the demands of outer space and uniforms, ultimately enabling him to pursue roles that captured his attention, ensuring that his legacy continued to evolve long after the stars faded from the screen.