The upcoming Star Trek series featuring the return of Captain Picard doesn’t have a title or release date yet, but now it has at least two directors on board, including Discovery vet Hanelle Culpepper, who will be taking on the pilot episodes of the upcoming series.

Culpepper, who helmed “Vaulting Ambition” in Discovery‘s first season, will be back again in the second half of Season 2, but will then be setting course for California where the Picard series is set to begin active production in April 2019.

While Discovery has had its share of female talent behind the camera, this will be the first series premiere episode to be directed by a woman, following Robert Butler (“The Cage” for TOS), James Goldstone (“Where No Man Has Gone Before” for TOS), Corey Allen (“Encounter at Farpoint” for TNG), David Carson (“Emissary” for DS9), Winrich Kolbe (“Caretaker” for Voyager), James Conway (“Broken Bow” for ENT), and David Semel (“The Vulcan Hello” for DSC).

Here’s what Star Trek franchise boss Alex Kurtzman had to say about today’s announcement:

Hanelle is a gifted and dynamic filmmaker whose directorial choices are always deeply rooted in character. I’ve been a huge fan of her work since she started with us on Discovery, and she’s the perfect person to re-introduce the beloved character of Picard to longtime fans and new viewers alike.

We’re thrilled she’s joining our Trek family on this next adventure.

In addition to Culpepper taking the lead on the two-episode series premiere, Next Generation vet and longtime Trek director Jonathan Frakes also recently confirmed that he’ll be helming at least one episode of the Picard series’ first season.

What are your thoughts on this announcement? Sound off in the comments below!