Ian McKellen Says He Warned Patrick Stewart Not To Take on The Role of Captain Picard in STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
Patrick Stewart taking on the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation is one of the best things to happen to the Star Trek franchise. So, it’s surprising to learn that Sir Ian McKellan actually warned Stewart not to take the role!
While speaking to The Guardian, McKellan talked about the ridiculously bad career advice he offered about not trading in "success as a classical actor with the Royal Shakespeare and National Theatre companies," for a sci-fi TV show like Star Trek. "He’s long forgiven me my advice not to risk a solid career on the British stage by falling for an uncertain future in Star Trek."
Mckellen went on to say that "How he got that job is a prime example of how luck can be a lady and it will be a riveting chapter in the memoir he must write. He has so much to tell."
Well, all I can say is that I’m glad that Stewart ignored McKellen’s advice! I don’t know what Star Trek would be like without Stewart’s version of Picard in it! I can’t even imagine it! He was perfect in that role.