Star Trek commemorates its 60th anniversary this year with the debut of Starfleet Academy. This latest iteration represents a significant departure from its predecessors, taking place nine centuries after the original series. The narrative centers on a fresh generation of trainees honing their skills in San Francisco and aboard the mobile instructional hub, the U.S.S. Athena. Following the catastrophic event known as “the Burn,” the Academy remained shuttered for a hundred years as the United Federation of Planets worked toward recovery. Now revived, Starfleet has enlisted time-displaced veterans and exceptionally long-lived instructors to impart the core values of the organization’s golden age to the inaugural class. This narrative framework provided the perfect opportunity for the creators to reintroduce several franchise icons.
“It’s a story about a new wave of cadets inheriting a deeply fractured landscape, and in the grand tradition of Star Trek, it serves as a poignant reflection of our current era,” co-showrunner Alex Kurtzman explained to Polygon. “These students are being mentored by individuals who have witnessed centuries of history firsthand, helping them navigate the complexities of forging a more hopeful future.”
Prior to the series launching on Paramount Plus on January 15, Polygon caught up with the ensemble cast to discuss their personal connections to the Trek legacy and their preparations for the roles. We also sat down with Star Trek: Voyager alumnus Robert Picardo to discuss his character’s evolution in this new century.
Paul Giamatti
Role: The flamboyant part-Klingon, part-Tellarite space pirate Nus Braka
Image: Paramount Plus
I’ve been a devoted follower of the franchise for as long as I can remember, particularly the original series and The Next Generation. I have a soft spot for Deep Space Nine and Voyager as well. While my engagement wavered slightly with the more recent entries, I’ve kept up with them sporadically. I wouldn’t call myself a walking encyclopedia of Trek lore, but my affection for this universe has been a constant throughout my life.
In terms of preparation, much of it likely happened subconsciously. I didn’t approach the role with a rigid set of rules about how “Star Trek acting” should look, but those years of watching the shows definitely left an mark on my performance.
Holly Hunter
Role: Chancellor Nahla Ake, a centuries-old half-Lanthanite Starfleet captain
Photo: Brooke Palmer/Paramount Plus
My initial acquaintance with Star Trek was fairly limited. I recall watching the first couple of seasons of the original show with my father, seeing Shatner and Nimoy in action. The aesthetic of that era—the deliberate movement, the poise of the actors, the striking hair and makeup of the women, and that distinct mid-century decor—felt incredibly exotic and polished. It was worlds away from my own upbringing, and that visual imprint stayed with me.
There’s something iconic about that specific mustard yellow in the uniforms. Putting one on for the first time was a surreal experience; I felt almost hesitant to take a photo. It felt like the attire possessed a certain mystical weight, as if it carried the soul of the franchise.
Robert Picardo
Role: The Doctor, Star Trek: Voyager‘s holographic chief medical officer, now a Starfleet Academy teacher
Photo: Brooke Palmer/Paramount Plus
The tomorrow we once envisioned has evolved significantly. Comparing the 24th century to the 32nd reveals stark differences. Funnily enough, the most jarring change for me was the inclusion of zippers on the costumes. During my time on Voyager, fasteners were invisible. Hearing that sound again after an eight-century hiatus took some adjustment!
The contemporary idiom is also much trendier. It feels a bit unusual for the Doctor to adopt such modern phrasing, but I rationalize it as a pedagogical tool. To effectively mentor these young minds, one must be conversant in their vernacular. Revisiting this character has been a wonderful full-circle moment for me.
Gina Yashere
Role: Lura Thok, Starfleet Academy’s part-Klingon, part-Jem’Hadar cadet master
Image: Paramount Plus
I grew up with the original series and would catch episodes or movies intermittently over the years, though I wouldn’t have labeled myself a Trekkie. Once I landed the part, I knew I had to undertake a deep dive to ensure I honored the legacies of both the Klingon Empire and the Jem’Hadar. I spent a lot of time with Deep Space Nine and various other iterations to truly inhabit the essence of these cultures.
Sandro Rosta
Role: Caleb Mir, a human cadet with a chequered history recruited to Starfleet by Nahla Ake
Photo: Brooke Palmer/Paramount Plus
The 2009 reboot film was a favorite of mine, and I held a profound reverence for the original and TNG casts thanks to my uncle’s influence. Upon being cast, I immersed myself in the various series to truly understand the scope of the project. It gives you a much deeper appreciation for what Star Trek represents to its global community, which has sustained this passion for six decades.
Kerrice Brooks
Role: Series Acclimation Mil, aka SAM, a hologram sent by a new Star Trek species
Photo: Brooke Palmer/Paramount Plus
In my youth, I was somewhat rebellious; if my family loved something, I instinctively pushed it away. My father and his siblings grew up with Star Trek as a daily ritual after school, so it was always in the background, but I didn’t truly engage until I joined this project. Discovery was my entry point. The moment I saw the Klingons and the incredible performances by Sonequa Martin-Green and Michelle Yeoh, I knew I had found my place.
The double-episode premiere of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy arrives on Paramount Plus on January 15, with subsequent chapters airing every Thursday through March 12.
Source: Polygon
