The Orville: A Missed Opportunity for a Patrick Stewart Cameo

The Orville's Star Trek Connection

The Orville has had many cameos from Star Trek actors over its three seasons, but there's still a big name missing from its list of guest stars. The actors crossing over from Star Trek to The Orville are not limited to bit parts and one-off characters. Main cast members such as Star Trek: The Next Generation's Marina Sirtis have appeared in the Seth MacFarlane show. Other examples include Star Trek: Voyager's Robert Picardo, and Star Trek: Enterprise's John Billingsley. Beginning in late 2017, MacFarlane's show immediately showed many similarities to Star Trek. The Orville makes many sci-fi references throughout its run, but it's impossible to ignore the parallels between The Orville and Star Trek, especially specific properties such as The Next Generation. The familiar setting is acknowledged with a revolving door of former Star Trek actors, compounding the feel of 90s-era episodes aboard the USS Enterprise. However, there's an actor who still very much needs to make his debut on The Orville before the show reaches its end.

Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard looking curious in Star Trek: The Next Generation

The Orville Needs A Cameo From Star Trek's Patrick Stewart. He would be the biggest Star Trek actor to join the cast of The Orville. Patrick Stewart played the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in all seven seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation, a role he reprised for four movies and the sequel series, Star Trek: Picard. Stewart has become synonymous with the storied science-fiction franchise throughout his career. However, he is surprisingly still yet to join his Star Trek alumni on The Orville. Stewart's authoritative aura and distinctive voice would be a great fit for the Seth MacFarlane show, as well as being a huge nod to the production's origins. The absence of the Star Trek megastar is even more surprising when it's considered that he has a strong working relationship with Seth MacFarlane that far precedes The Orville. Stewart has voiced many side characters on Family Guy, as well as appearing as himself on the same show. In addition, American Dad!'s Avery Bullock uses Stewart's likeness, as well as being voiced by the actor as part of the show's main cast. Both of these animated properties were created by, and star, Seth MacFarlane. The entire cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation appear as themselves in Family Guy season 7, episode 11, 'Not All Dogs Go to Heaven.'

Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: First Contact

Potential for a Patrick Stewart Cameo

How An Appearance From Patrick Stewart In The Orville Is Still Possible. Seth MacFarlane may still be able to involve Patrick Stewart. Although The Orville season 3 ending may have marked the show's final outing, it hasn't yet been officially canceled. This means that the chance remains alive for Stewart to make an appearance on the show as a guest star. In fact, the show's creator and star, Seth MacFarlane, recently teased in an interview with IGN that The Orville season 4 could very well be a possibility. Speaking about the fate of his creation, MacFarlane said, 'There is no death certificate for The Orville.' The show has been on rocky ground several times, so the chances for a Patrick Stewart cameo would seem to be running out. If The Orville returns for season 4, MacFarlane and company need to bring Stewart into the fold and make the show's biggest Star Trek cameo yet a reality. The Orville seasons 1-3 are available to stream on Disney+. Source: IGN

Seth MacFarlane looking into the distance as Captain Ed Mercer in The Orville

Conclusion

The potential for a Patrick Stewart cameo in The Orville presents an exciting opportunity for fans of both The Orville and Star Trek. With the show's future uncertain and the possibility of a fourth season hanging in the balance, the inclusion of Stewart would be a fitting tribute to the legacy of Star Trek and a testament to the crossover appeal of The Orville. As the speculation continues, fans eagerly await news of The Orville's fate and the potential for Patrick Stewart to join the cast in what would undoubtedly be a monumental moment for both franchises.

Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard playing the flute in Star Trek: The Next Generation