Based on new comments from Q actor John de Lancie, Star Trek: Picard seasons 2 and 3 might be filming back-to-back. Last year, CBS All Access (now Paramount+) continued to expand its Star Trek collection with Picard, the second series in the newest generation of shows for the franchise. It centers on TNG captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) as he enters a new chapter in his life and embarks on a personal mission for an old friend. Star Trek: Picard season 1 dropped in early 2020 and concluded in March, with season 2 being greenlit just before the show premiered.
Despite the success of the first season, Star Trek: Picard was forced to wait longer than expected to begin work on its sophomore run, largely due to the coronavirus pandemic. At long last, filming on season 2 kicked off in February. Plot details for the new episodes are still being kept under wraps, but the first trailer for Star Trek: Picard season 2 confirmed one major development: Fan favorite Next Generation adversary Q is back and ready to clash with Picard once more.
De Lancie has been keeping himself busy, between work on Picard and his many Cameo requests. It's in those quick fan shout-outs (via TrekMovie.com) that the actor has revealed some information about his upcoming return to the live-action side of the Star Trek franchise, including the fact that work on season 3 is already beginning. De Lancie had this to say in a Cameo:
Q is coming back. As a matter of fact, for the last two weeks I have been filming on Picard and really annoying Picard – really annoying him. [laughs] Patrick was delighted to see me for the first couple of days and after a couple of more days of really annoying scenes, he said, “SO, how many episodes are you doing?” In other words, ‘When are you going to get out of my face?’ And the answer is six episodes. I think they are going to be coming out – actually I don’t know. But we are shooting season two and three all at the same time right now.
Star Trek: Picard season 3 has yet to be officially ordered by Paramount+, though at the time of the season 2 renewal, it was reported the series was given permission to also start developing ahead. Considering Paramount+'s ambitious plans for the Star Trek franchise, it isn't too surprising that Picard will likely be granted a third season, The back-to-back production plans are especially smart. Though the long delay between the end of season 1 and the start of filming on season 2 had nothing to do with the show itself, the lack of a major hiatus between 2 and 3 can ensure there will be less of a wait for Star Trek: Picard's audience.
This also seems to indicate Q will be sticking around beyond Star Trek: Picard season 2. As a whole, de Lancie said he was signed on for 6 episodes, but they might not be all grouped together. This could mean Q isn't around for a whole storyline, but will be more of a recurring figure who Picard can see every once in a while. Everything is speculation for the time being, though it feels fitting that de Lancie said he's been "really annoying" Picard in his first episodes. It will be quite interesting to see how the relationship between Q and Jean-Luc has evolved by the time it picks up in Star Trek: Picard season 2... and perhaps 3.
Source: Cameo (via TrekMovie.com)