The Ultimate Star Trek: DS9 Revival Wishlist - 13 Characters Who Must Return (With or Without Sisko)

Summary

The revival of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine would greatly benefit from the return of core characters, including Benjamin Sisko, Kasidy Yates, Jake Sisko, Jadzia Dax, Gul Dukat, Elim Garak, Dr. Julian Bashir, Ezri Dax, Miles O'Brien, Rom, Leeta, Quark, Colonel Kira Nerys, and Worf.

While certain actors from the original cast might not be able to return, recasting or using animated versions could ensure that their characters can still exist in the storyline. The inclusion of Deep Space Nine characters in recent Star Trek shows demonstrates the potential for a comeback and reassures fans that the cherished series is not over yet.

The characters who must return for a revival of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine include Colonel Kira Nerys (Nana Visitor), Quark (Armin Shimerman), Grand Nagus Rom (Max Grodénchik), First Clerk Leeta (Chase Masterson), Constable Odo (formerly portrayed by René Auberjonois), Ensign Nog (formerly portrayed by Aron Eisenberg), and crossover favorite Worf (Michael Dorn).

13 Avery Brooks as Captain Benjamin Sisko

At the end of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Captain Benjamin Sisko fulfills the will of the Prophets as the Bajoran Emissary, ascending to a higher plane. This has been his destiny since DS9's inception. Although it is unlikely that Avery Brooks will return to Star Trek in the near future, he has requested a script change that includes Sisko's promise to return to his family. Therefore, there exists an in-universe opportunity for Captain Sisko to come back, even if Brooks himself does not reprise his role. If it becomes necessary to recast the character, the existence of the Prophets outside of linear time could provide an explanation for any differences. Alternatively, Brooks might consider voicing Captain Sisko for an animated DS9 revival.

12 Penny Johnson as Kasidy Yates with Benjamin Sisko's Unnamed Child

Captain Kasidy Yates plays a vital role in Benjamin Sisko's journey. In Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Kasidy becomes Benjamin's romantic partner, and by the end of the series, they are happily married and expecting a child. In the event that Avery Brooks cannot reprise his role in DS9, the story could still continue with their grown-up child as the focal point. This would provide an intriguing narrative, as the child would grapple with their identity as the Emissary's offspring, especially if they grow up surrounded by the predominantly Bajoran culture on DS9.

11 Cirroc Lofton as Jake Sisko

Jake Sisko's decision to diverge from his father's Starfleet path leads him towards a successful career as a writer. During the Dominion War, Jake excels as a field reporter, showcasing his abilities to capture compelling stories. His experience as a reporter would provide a valuable perspective for any potential Star Trek: Deep Space Nine revival, particularly due to the political backdrop that often warrants outside investigation, like that of the press. With his intimate knowledge of DS9, Jake emerges as an ideal candidate for such an assignment. An intriguing possibility arose when Cirroc Lofton considered returning to the Star Trek universe for a potential storyline in Season 3 of Star Trek: Picard, aligning closely with the essence of this premise. It would truly be a delight to witness this concept come to fruition.

10 Terry Farrell as Jadzia Dax

At the conclusion of season 6 in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Jadzia Dax's demise was regarded as a regrettable decision influenced by behind-the-scenes conflicts. Consequently, reintroducing any version of Jadzia in a revival of DS9 would likely be met with enthusiasm from fans. Considering Jadzia was a joined Trill, her memories persist within the Dax symbiont, facilitating her potential return. In line with Star Trek: Discovery's approach to reviving a former Trill host, Jadzia Dax could make a comeback in an updated Deep Space Nine alongside the original cast.

9 Marc Alaimo as Gul Dukat

Gul Dukat may have met his fate in the Fire Caves of Bajor after devoting his life to the Pah-wraiths, but the primary adversary of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is bound to return. Dukat's ultimate downfall mirrors Sisko's corresponding rise as the Emissary, just as the Pah-wraiths stand as the opposite of the Bajoran Prophets residing in the wormhole. Therefore, Dukat's apparent demise should not be mistaken as his ultimate end. His reappearance in a DS9 revival could ignite the entire series, as he returns to haunt the station that was once his domain—now infested with the malevolent presence of the Pah-wraiths, adding an extra layer of villainy.

8 Andrew Robinson as Elim Garak

Regardless of Elim Garak's current endeavors, he should unequivocally be part of any future Star Trek: Deep Space Nine revival. Garak undergoes a captivating evolution, reminiscent of DS9's most exceptional guest stars, transforming into a multifaceted and alluring individual who captivates audiences with his unique blend of cleverness and mystery. While Garak ultimately returns to Cardassia after his exile on DS9, there remains a possibility that his capricious nature could lead to unexpected appearances on the station for brief visits, solely to assess the progress of events. No ulterior motive. Promise.

7 Alexander Siddig as Dr. Julian Bashir

Dr. Julian Bashir's recruitment by Section 31, the secret intelligence agency of Starfleet, in the later stages of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, offers a compelling reason for his potential involvement in a revival. As Bashir operates as a double agent during the Dominion War, his loyalty to Captain Sisko remains steadfast, yet his enduring fascination with spycraft could evolve him into a genuine agent if a revival were to occur. Furthermore, given Dr. Bashir's role as an operative, it is entirely plausible that he may return to DS9, the focal point where all leads converge, revealing a mysterious new threat to Federation security.

6 Nicole deBoer as Ezri Dax

Ezri Dax proved to be an unexpected but cherished addition to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine in season 7. Despite taking over the role of the beloved Jadzia Dax, Ezri seamlessly integrated into DS9 and left her own indelible mark. Serving as the station's counselor, she played a vital role in the post-Dominion War healing process by tending to the mental well-being of both soldiers and civilians. With her continued presence on Deep Space Nine, there is ample opportunity for her involvement in future storylines. Additionally, her romantic relationship with Dr. Bashir lends itself to potential exploration and development in a revival.

5 Colm Meaney as Miles O'Brien

A far-future gag on Star Trek: Lower Decks introduces the notion that Chief Miles O'Brien is revered as the most significant figure in Starfleet. Retuning to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, O'Brien's presence sets the foundation for this legendary status. Following the Dominion War, Miles O'Brien assumes the role of a professor at Starfleet Academy. In Star Trek: Picard, it becomes pivotal to manipulate the transporter technology, in turn influencing the younger generation of Starfleet officers. Thus, in a post-Picard version of DS9, O'Brien's expertise in transporters and mechanical aptitude possess the potential to safeguard the entire Starfleet, regardless of whether he remains stationed on Earth or returns to the station.

4 Max Grodénchik as Grand Nagus Rom & Chase Masterson as First Clerk Leeta

Rom and Leeta's romance in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine blossoms and thrives, culminating in their marriage and Rom's appointment as the next Grand Nagus. Star Trek: Lower Decks catches up with the DS9 power couple during a visit to Ferenginar and showcases Rom's evolving role as a leader, transforming Ferengi society to the extent that Ferenginar is now seeking membership in the Federation. It would be a fantastic addition to a DS9 revival to witness Rom guiding Ferenginar into a new era as a Federation world, considering that DS9 notably brought the Ferengi into the spotlight as a complex and intriguing society in its own right.

3 Armin Shimerman as Quark

Quark, a long-standing figure on Deep Space Nine since the station's Cardassian command days, would be a natural fit for a Star Trek: Deep Space Nine revival as the proprietor and operator of the original Quark's Bar. The existence of Quark's as an interstellar franchise operation in the 2380s is well-established by Star Trek: Picard and Star Trek: Lower Decks, with venues on Freecloud and Ferenginar, among others. While Quark may not have attained enough wealth to purchase a moon just yet, it would be fascinating to witness how his licensed brand, advanced replicators, and relationship to the Grand Nagus might bring him something resembling contentment.

2 Nana Visitor Colonel Kira Nerys

Colonel Kira Nerys is an essential component of any Star Trek: Deep Space Nine revival. After Benjamin Sisko ascends to the Prophets, Colonel Kira assumes command of DS9. Even when Star Trek: Lower Decks visits DS9, Colonel Kira continues to manage the station, providing a strong foundation for her story as a capable leader. In non-canonical books and games, Kira embarks on a spiritual journey and becomes a Bajoran Vedek. However, if circumstances allow, Kira could also advocate for Bajor's membership in the Federation during her lifetime. Ultimately, the future of Colonel Kira on DS9 is wide open, as long as her unwavering faith in Bajor and her deep love for the planet continue to guide her.

1 Michael Dorn as Worf

Worf's extensive onscreen time in Star Trek sets a record that could be further extended with a potential revival of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. In Star Trek: Picard, Worf returns as an independent contracted warrior poet, bringing with him a captivating past of working with or within Starfleet Intelligence. An animated DS9 revival could delve into Worf's beginnings as Starfleet's liaison to Chancellor Martok's Klingon Empire, showcasing his transformation into the composed mentor seen in Picard, while a live-action continuation of DS9 would pick up where Picard left off, reuniting Worf with DS9 and possibly Section 31, as they combat a potential new Changeling threat at its source.

One of the reasons why Star Trek: Deep Space Nine gained a devoted fanbase throughout its seven-year run was its extensive and diverse cast, featuring characters with complex and relatable personalities. A revival that includes any of these beloved characters would be warmly received. Although an official revival has not been announced, the presence of DS9 characters and references in recent Star Trek shows like Star Trek: Lower Decks, Star Trek: Picard, and potentially Star Trek: Legacy, assures audiences that Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is far from being forgotten.