Sir Patrick Stewart was the first to play Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise. James McAvoy then stepped in to portray a younger version of Professor X in follow-up films.

And now, McAvoy is keen to pull the switcheroo once again, but with the Star Trek franchise.

Stewart made the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard famous when he joined Star Trek: Next Generation, which aired from 1987-1994. He's now back in the captain's seat, returning for his very own series called Star Trek: Picard.

McAvoy is all over this.

During a virtual chat with late night host Jimmy Fallon, McAvoy talked about his future aspirations, saying, "Jimmy, that is the only world that exists, in which I play a young Jean-Luc Picard."

He holds firm, saying, "Any other world is just an alternate reality in a bad episode of Star Trek. It’s happening!"

It doesn't sound like McAvoy will take "no" for an answer and plans to portray Picard one way or another, saying, "If they don’t hire me I’m going to make it on my phone! I’m calling that right now."

We commend him for his enthusiasm. And, if anyone thinks he might be stepping on friend and colleague Sir Pat's toes, we should point out, it seems McAvoy is saying this in jest.

But, that last bit about filming himself as Captain P on his phone does seem plausible and very entertaining.

If the new Star Trek series is new to you, here's a peek at the trailer starring Stewart (not McAvoy, yet):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGVwjpguRqc

What's your vote on James McAvoy playing Captain Picard? Yay or nay?