Casting Star Trek: The Next Generation Reboot
7. Dr. Beverly Crusher - Paget Brewster
As Chief Medical Officer, Beverly Crusher served as Science expert for the team aboard the enterprise, and her skills as a doctor formed many of the episode resolutions throughout TNG's tenure.
Whoever takes up the mantel, therefore, must be keen, discerning, and intelligent. Or at least be able to act like it.
Paget Brewster could do that with ease.
Due to her naturally authoritative presence, Brewster would be a great choice for the principled and proper Doctor, and after a six year stint on Criminal Minds, Brewster has proven she can play the clever and commanding professional.
Plus she's probably more than capable of spouting reams of technobabble on command.
Not only that, but Brewster has some serious comedic chops, with her role as Frankie Durt on Community showing she's the master of deadpan delivery. Considering Crusher had more than her fair share of lighthearted moments on TNG, a good mix of dramatic and comic skills would serve the actor well as the ship's doctor.
And you never know, all that playful banter could finally lead to the Picard/Crusher romance thing becoming canon.