The Mind-Blowing Evolution of the Picard Maneuver: Patrick Stewart Reveals the Stunning Secrets Behind Star Trek: TNG's Uniform Change!

Summary

In his autobiography, Patrick Stewart reveals the extent of discomfort caused by the original Star Trek: The Next Generation uniforms, and discusses the extraordinary measures he undertook to procure new costumes for the cast.

Stewart's efforts to modify the uniforms were ignored until his agent stepped in and threatened legal action. This ultimately forced the introduction of new uniforms in season 3.

Crafted by Robert Blackman, the new attire consisted of polyester material and a two-piece design, offering enhanced comfort and flexibility. Nevertheless, Captain Picard's uniform still required a smooth appearance, leading to the iconic "Picard Maneuver" of adjusting the hem of his tunic.

Star Trek: The Next Generation underwent a uniform change in its third season, as Patrick Stewart reveals in his autobiography "Making It So: A Memoir." In this revealing book, Stewart shares anecdotes from his tenure as Captain Jean-Luc Picard on TNG, the subsequent four films, and the recent series Star Trek: Picard. Throughout the pages, Stewart's recollections transport readers to the early days of TNG, where he recounts the significant discomfort caused by the Starfleet uniform worn during the show's first two seasons.

Check out the following excerpt from "Making It So: A Memoir," where Stewart unveils the clever strategy he and his agent devised to secure a more comfortable and fitting costume for his character.

Our one-piece uniforms, crafted by William Ware Theiss, the original costume designer of Star Trek, were made from spandex and deliberately cut a size too small to prevent wrinkling and showcase our bodies. However, these form-fitting uniforms were so restrictive that they caused discomfort and even pain. Despite my efforts to convince Gene to change the uniforms, my pleas fell on deaf ears. Fortunately, my agent, Steve Dontaville, came up with a brilliant solution. He suggested that I consult with my doctor and have him appeal, as a medical professional, for a uniform change. Additionally, Steve warned the Paramount executives that if the matter was not addressed, he would pursue a lawsuit for any muscle or joint damage I sustained. Ultimately, our plan proved successful, leading to the introduction of new Star Trek: The Next Generation uniforms in the show's third season. This change also gave rise to the iconic "Picard maneuver." Please find Patrick Stewart's quote below:

Our strategy was successful. It took a couple of seasons to implement the changes, but eventually, our new costume designer, Robert Blackman, came up with a sympathetic solution: a two-piece uniform made of polyester. My new outfit, consisting of a separate top and trousers, still fit snugly but allowed for flexibility. However, Gene was insistent that Captain Picard's uniform always maintained a flawlessly smooth appearance. As a result, every time I sat down in my captain's chair, I would instinctively adjust the hem of my tunic—a habit that Star Trek fans have aptly named the "Picard Maneuver."

Star Trek: The Next Generation's Uniforms Changed Twice More In The TNG Movies

The costumes worn by the Star Trek: The Next Generation cast underwent two additional changes for the TNG movies. Initially, redesigned uniforms for Star Trek Generations were abandoned last-minute, leading to the utilization of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's turtleneck and jumpsuit-style uniforms. Since these were not originally intended for the TNG cast, it explained the slightly off appearance and improper fit of the swapped uniforms in Star Trek: Generations. Subsequently, Star Trek: First Contact introduced sleek, new uniforms that not only featured in the final three TNG movies but were also adopted by the cast of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

Patrick Stewart, in his memoir "Making It So," reveals that one condition he had for taking on the role of Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: Picard was that his character would not be seen wearing a Starfleet uniform. Stewart wanted to portray a Jean-Luc who had moved past his Starfleet life. In the third season of Star Trek: Picard, Stewart's character did not don a Starfleet uniform, opting instead for dark and functional street clothes paired with a jacket that symbolized his years of service in Starfleet. Additionally, the renowned "Picard maneuver" has become an iconic aspect of Star Trek: The Next Generation mythology.