Just as Gates McFadden makes her triumphant return to Star Trek screens in Season 3 of Star Trek: Picard, her iconic character’s twisted doppelganger, Dr. Beverly Crusher, first time in Star Trek Online as part of the Refractions update! This Terran version of Dr. Crusher has never been voiced by Gates McFadden before, and she gives a deep and dark performance as she searches to save her son, the Terran Emperor himself, before he can destroy both universes.
The last time McFadden and Wil Wheaton, who portrayed Wesley Crusher in Star Trek: The Next Generation, shared a screen together as those characters was decades ago, in a deleted scene from Star Trek: Nemesis. Star Trek Online Design Lead Al Rivera worked closely with McFadden and Wheaton to create a story that tells their twisted family history.
“One of the things we try to do with our stories is that we try to end our storylines, not with Pew Pew and not just with killing the villain. But we always like to end our stories in a very Starfleet-esque way. How can you solve this problem, often a problem that threatens the universe, in a way befitting Starfleet? In a peaceful way, in an emotional way. And so we said how would you defeat Emperor Crusher who has this power of travel as well as this fused power of V’ger? His mother.
“So his mother, both as a doctor and scientist and as a mother, was able to really connect with him. It was a logical decision to choose her. And Gates walked in and she’s a wonderful person. Her character is a beloved character and I was so excited that we got to work with her while she comes back. And we see her again in Picard, and it’s so great to see her come back. If we ever have the opportunity to bring her back I would really appreciate it.”
“If we ever have the opportunity to bring her back, I would really appreciate it.”
For her part, McFadden went straight back into her previous character’s footsteps, which Rivera now expects: “What I find is that most of the actors have been playing these characters for years, they really know their characters, and they have no trouble tuning in. And sometimes it’s really scary how you talk to them in the recording studio and how a normal person would talk to them. And then when they step into character, it’s like you flip a switch and all of a sudden you hear an episode of Star Trek.”
We hope you like the new update, Star Trek Online: Refractions, now live on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One! The game is completely free to play and all of this story content is free to access. Our goal is to create the best place online to celebrate your Star Trek fandom, so come and join us if you can. Your captain, your Trek story.
Star Trek Online
Gearbox Publishing
Star Trek Online puts you in the captain’s chair of your own adventure in the Star Trek universe. You can lead your ship and crew on adventures in space and on earth in this ever-expanding, completely free online universe. Key Features: 100% Free to Play: Free to download, free to play, no hidden paywalls and all our content updates are completely free. Intrigue in the Final Frontier: We have a rich storyline that unfolds over 125 episodes, featuring friends and foes from all parts of the Star Trek universe. Celebrity Involvement: Star Trek Online features over 15 actors from all of Star Trek’s series. You’ll have the chance to celebrate with Worf, Seven of Nine, Tuvok, Harry Kim and many, many more. Choose your faction: explore with the Federation, fight for honor with the Klingon Empire, or rebuild your species with the Romulan Republic, the choice is yours!
