LeVar Burton confirms that Geordi in Star Trek: Picard “has been talked about”

LeVar Burton spills the beans on Geordi in Star Trek: Picard

APRIL 16, 2020 - LeVar Burton has given his strongest indication yet that we can expect to see some of his Star Trek: The Next Generation character, Geordi LaForge, in season two of Star Trek: Picard.

In a video interview with Entertainment Tonight via Yahoo! Entertainment, Burton was asked - directly - whether he would revisit his role. After wondering, “How do I answer this without getting myself in trouble?” Burton answered, “I think that it is reasonable to assume that those people are still a part of Picard’s life and...Sure, what the hell. Yeah, absolutely.”

Pressed on whether that meant he was definitely doing it, Burton continued to dance around an answer, saying, “I think you’ll see us all. [...] Probably not all at the same time. Although, you know, you never say never.”

There has been much speculation about what position we might see Geordi in, in a Picard series. In the Picard Countdown comics, it was revealed that some time after the events of Star Trek Nemesis, he took up a position at the shipyards at Utopia Planitia. While his fate after that was unclear, a passing reference to him in the Star Trek: Picard episode “Maps and Legends” implied that he is safe and well living contemporary to the new series.

So what would Burton have Geordi doing in a new season of Picard? Burton said he suggested to the producers that his character be in a position of teaching, or passing knowledge onto the next generation (if you’ll pardon the pun). But, Burton said, “Alex [Kurtzman] and the folks are in charge and they’re doing an amazing job [...] and whatever it is they want me to do, I’m pretty sure it’s going to be spectacular.”

That...sounds pretty concrete. Does that mean something’s been filmed? “No,” said Burton, “nothing in the can.” When pressed for clarification, he followed up, “It has been talked about.” However, Burton did remain coy about whether an actual deal has been signed, saying only, “Mum’s the word.”

This is far from the first time Burton has hinted that there could be a future for Geordi in Star Trek: Picard, but it is worth noting Burton has admitted talks with the producers. And since Whoopi Goldberg is already expected to reprise her role as Guinan in season two, perhaps that means the door has opened for further cameos as well.