I’m sure it isn’t really hard to figure out. Many actors were considered for the role but one was actually who Gene Roddenberry thought of for the role.

According to the memo, Belgian actor Patrick Bauchau was actually Roddenberry’s first choice to play Jean-Luc Picard. The document reads, “Patrick Bauchau did come in to read for Gene today for the role of ‘Picard.’ His reading was well received; he and Patrick Stewart seem to be the favorites.” The document also lists several other names under the part: Mitch Ryan, Roy Thinnes, and Yaphet Kotto.

Could you imagine if Patrick was on Star Trek? He still could have been on The Pretender because of the 2 year gap but would he have been considered for the role? Who knows. I just like the bit that Roddenberry liked Patrick for the role.