The Enigmatic Doctor Julian Bashir: Unraveling Star Trek DS9’s Alexander Siddig

Summary

Alexander Siddig played Dr. Julian Bashir, the Chief Medical Officer of Deep Space Nine, and became a vital player in the Star Trek franchise.

Dr. Bashir featured prominently in the majority of episodes in Deep Space Nine, developing close bonds with Chief O'Brien and former Cardassian operative Garak. Siddig has shown keen interest in reprising the role, pondering on potential plotlines for Bashir and his potential involvement in the Section 31 film.

Dr. Julian Bashir, portrayed by Alexander Siddig, becomes the essential doctor character in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He first appears in the pilot episode, "Emissary," alongside Commander Benjamin Sisko, played by Avery Brooks. As the Chief Medical Officer of the space station, Dr. Bashir is a regular presence in almost every episode of DS9. Alongside his medical responsibilities, he frequently spends time with his best friend and coworker, Chief Operations Officer Chief Miles O'Brien (Colm Meaney), on the holodeck.

Dr. Bashir also makes an early appearance in the sixth season of Star Trek: The Next Generation in the episode, "Birthright, Part 1." When the USS Enterprise, commanded by Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), visits Deep Space Nine for repairs, Dr. Bashir takes a keen interest in the android Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner). He assists Data and Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton) in investigating the cause of Data's visions. Dr. Bashir's character evolves to become a significant figure in the Star Trek franchise and stars in several remarkable episodes of Deep Space Nine.

Alexander Siddig Plays Dr. Julian Bashir on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Dr. Julian Bashir, graduating at the top of his class at Starfleet Academy, had his pick of positions and ultimately chose to become the Chief Medical Officer on Deep Space 9. His desire to explore the outermost reaches of Federation territory and aid those in need drew him to this role. During his childhood, Julian underwent genetic engineering that enhanced his intelligence, strength, and speed. As the CMO of Deep Space 9, Bashir was responsible for overseeing all medical affairs aboard the space station. Throughout his time there, he formed close friendships with Chief O'Brien and former Cardassian spy Garak (portrayed by Andrew Robinson), and he also served during the Dominion War.

Following his time on Deep Space Nine, Alexander Siddig appeared in various television shows and made-for-TV movies, including a seven-episode arc on 24. He also made guest appearances on Merlin, Waking the Dead, Strike Back, Primeval, and Atlantis. Siddig portrayed Doran Martell in five Game of Thrones episodes, Ruben Oliver in six episodes of Peaky Blinders, and Al-Rahim in Da Vinci's Demons. Additionally, he played the Batman villain Ra's al Ghul in Gotham and appeared in the 2019 film 21 Bridges alongside Chadwick Boseman. More recently, Alexander Siddig has been seen in Foundation and Shantaram for Apple TV+ as well as in the role of Cardinal Russo in the upcoming 2023 film Deliver Us.

Will Dr. Bashir & DS9 Return To Star Trek?

Dr. Bashir has not yet made a return to the Star Trek franchise, unlike some other characters from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. However, in the Star Trek: Lower Decks season 3 episode "Hear All, Trust Nothing," the USS Cerritos visits Deep Space 9 and encounters the original actors behind Quark (Armin Shimerman) and Colonel Kira Nerys (Nana Visitor). In the series finale of DS9, Dr. Bashir had been recruited by Section 31, a Starfleet Intelligence organization. While working as a double agent for Captain Sisko, it is possible that Bashir could have continued his affiliation with Section 31. Considering the upcoming Section 31 movie featuring Michelle Yeoh, it is plausible that Dr. Bashir could return to the Star Trek universe as a Section 31 agent.

Alexander Siddig, the actor who portrayed Dr. Bashir, has expressed his interest in reprising the role. In a 2021 interview with Trek News, Siddig stated that he would be intrigued by a closer examination of Bashir's character and his current circumstances. Siddig also offered speculation on where Julian Bashir could be in the Star Trek timeline, such as being compromised by Section 31 or leaving the Federation to become a professor or commander. Regardless of the possibilities, the time feels right for Dr. Julian Bashir to make a comeback and revisit the world and characters of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.