Patrick Stewart Envious of Wil Wheaton's Confidence on Star Trek: TNG - Here's Why!

Summary

Patrick Stewart initially found Wil Wheaton's self-assuredness off-putting, perceiving him as cocky. However, as time passed, Stewart recognized his own vulnerability and came to admire Wheaton's confidence. #MakingItSoMemoir

Stewart openly discusses his concerns regarding the "teen-on-the-Enterprise" idea and how he found it to be gimmicky in his autobiography, "Making It So: A Memoir." The book offers valuable insight into the actor's journey in embodying the beloved character Captain Jean-Luc Picard, along with his initial difficulties involving Wesley Crusher and Wil Wheaton.

In an excerpt from his autobiography "Making It So: A Memoir," Patrick Stewart candidly reflects on his early difficulties with the character of Wesley Crusher and the actor who portrayed him, Wil Wheaton. The Hollywood Reporter published the quote, which sheds light on Stewart's initial challenges with the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, a character that would ultimately become his most iconic.

I felt that the teen-on-the-Enterprise concept was somewhat gimmicky, but I was also put off by Wil’s adolescent self-assurance... Initially, he appeared arrogant to me. Yet upon further reflection, I realized that my reservations were not truly about Wil or the idea that he should act according to his age as an actor — they actually stemmed from my own insecurities. During those initial weeks, I longed for the same level of confidence that Wil possessed.

Wil Wheaton's Role In Star Trek Today

In the more than 30 years since Star Trek: The Next Generation aired, the cast has remained a tight-knit group, including Wil Wheaton who is still close friends with Patrick Stewart. Over time, Stewart overcame his initial issues with Wheaton and the Wesley Crusher character, just as he moved past his admitted difficulty on set and began to enjoy the company of his TNG co-stars. Wheaton departed from TNG in season 4, but made a few additional appearances as Wesley Crusher, including a cameo in Star Trek: Nemesis, before returning as a cosmic Traveler in the finale of Star Trek: Picard season 2.

Wil Wheaton, known for his acting roles and geeky pursuits, also takes on the role of hosting Star Trek on Paramount+'s aftershow, The Ready Room. In this show, he engages in insightful interviews with the casts and creatives of different Star Trek series. As a respected TNG legacy actor, Wheaton has become an influential figure within the Star Trek community, admired by newer actors. However, the most remarkable episodes of The Ready Room are when Wheaton reunites with his co-stars from Star Trek: The Next Generation, whom he considers to be his family, and vice versa. Of particular warmth and delight is watching the dynamic between Wil Wheaton and Patrick Stewart, as they reflect on the profound growth of their relationship since a young Wesley Crusher first stepped onto Captain Picard's bridge on the USS Enterprise-D.

Patrick Stewart's captivating memoir, "Making It So," can now be found in bookstores.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter