Although Brent Spiner believes that Star Trek will return, he warned fans not to expect him to play Data again as he publicised his new series.

Spiner plays a microbiologist looking into the possibility that Earth is being invaded by aliens in Threshold, which is produced by former Star Trek executive producer Brannon Braga. He told The Toronto Sun (via CANOE Jam!) that after years of wearing makeup and yellow eyes to play Data, he appreciates being able to appear with his own white hair and glasses on the new series.

"The difference in doing this sci-fi show as opposed to that sci-fi show is probably how [classic movie Tarzan] Johnny Weismuller felt when he started doing Jungle Jim," observed Spiner. "I'm still in the jungle, but this time I get to wear pants."

But as for the possibility of putting on Data's makeup, Spiner said that he believes those days are over. "I'm a guy in his mid-90s," joked the 56-year-old actor. "I don't think it would look great on me anymore." Spiner has said for several years that because an android should not age, he does not believe that he should continue in the role as he does so himself.

Still, when it comes to the Star Trek franchise itself, Spiner noted, "I think it's only in repose, it's hibernating...Paramount would not agree that it's dead as a franchise. They have some plan down the line [for it to be] reimagined." He expressed regret upon hearing of the death of James Doohan (Scotty), calling him "a lovely guy."

The original item is at CANOE Jam!.

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