“It’s really truly happening: Patrick Stewart has been cast in a new ‘Star Trek’ series,” writes James Hibberd on the website of Entertainment Weekly.  

The story continues, “Stewart will reprise his iconic character, Jean-Luc Picard, for a CBS All Access series that ‘will tell the story of the next chapter of Picard’s life.’” 

In a tweet Stewart said, “I will always be very proud to have been a part of ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation,’ but when we wrapped that final movie in the spring of 2002, I truly felt my time with ‘Star Trek’ had run its natural course. It is, therefore, an unexpected but delightful surprise to find myself excited and invigorated to be returning to Jean-Luc Picard and to explore new dimensions within him. Seeking out new life for him, when I thought that life was over.  

“During these past years, it has been humbling to hear many stories about how ‘The Next Generation’ brought people comfort, saw them through difficult periods in their lives or how the example of Jean-Luc inspired so many to follow in his footsteps, pursuing science, exploration and leadership. I feel I’m ready to return to him for the same reason — to research and experience what comforting and reforming light he might shine on these often very dark times. I look forward to working with our brilliant creative team as we endeavor to bring a fresh, unexpected and pertinent story to life once more.” 

According to EW, Stewart announced the news “in a surprise appearance at the Las Vegas Star Trek Convention” on Saturday.

Here’s a video of Stewart making the announcement at the convention, posted by CBS …