Levar Burton Is Jealous Of Jonathan Frakes Directing Star Trek: Discovery

It appears that more than one Star Trek: The Next Generation alum is interested in lending their talents to the upcoming Star Trek: Discovery.

While at Star Trek Las Vegas earlier this month, LeVar Burton (who played Geordi La Forge on the long-running series) was asked why he hadn’t been approached to direct an episode of Discovery, like his TNG costar Jonathan Frakes. What followed was an amusing exchange between Burton and his panel-mate, Data actor Brent Spiner.

After Burton pretended to hang his head in shame, Spiner attempted to offer words of encouragement.

“It’ll happen.” Spiner reassured. “Sixth season. You’ll be there. Yep.”

In between fake tears, Burton responded to the question – adding how jealous he is of Frakes’ opportunity.

“I’m so glad you asked that question.” Burton revealed. “I actually have deep love and respect for my friend Jonathan Frakes. And at the same time I hate him.”

“There is such a fine line between hate and love,” mused Spiner, “isn’t there?”

“That line is called Discovery.” Burton joked.

All joking aside, Discovery is already going above and beyond to pay homage to the franchise’s previous series. Showrunner Gretchen Berg recently revealed that Star Trek: The Original Series and TNG have had a large narrative influence on Discovery.

And behind the camera, many homages to the previous Trek properties can be felt. Between Frakes, who played Riker on TNG, getting to direct, and the writers room being filled with Trekkies, it’s certainly a possibility that Burton could have a hand in directing one of the CBS All Access series’ later endeavors.

Star Trek: Discovery premieres Sept. 24, 2017.

Set 10 years prior to the five-year mission of the Enterprise in Star Trek: The Original Series, Star Trek: Discovery follows the adventures of Starfleet on their missions to discover new worlds and new lifeforms, and one Starfleet officer who must learn that to truly understand all things alien, you must first understand yourself. The series will feature a new ship, new characters, and new missions while embracing the same ideology and hope for the future that inspired a generation of dreamers and doers.