Summary
During the Paramount+Star Trekuniverse panel at New York Comic-Con (NYCC) last weekend, Executive Producer and co-showrunner Alex Kurtzman made some exciting announcements about the upcomingStar Trek: Starfleet Academyseries. He shared the news via live stream, directly from the set ofStarfleet Academyin Toronto, where production on the show’s first season is currently underway.
Starfleet Academywill be the first show in theStar Trekfranchise that doesn’t focus on space exploration. The series will follow a group of young adults as they make their way through the rigorous training program that will prepare them for their future careers on Starfleet ships. Rumors about ashow centered on Starfleet’s training academy, located in a future version of San Francisco, have been circulating for years. However, the show wasn’t officially confirmed until 2023. Since then, fans have gotten some exciting updates about the set, the story line, and the cast, which will include several familiar faces fromStar Trek: Discovery.
As StarTrek.com reported, Kurtzman gave fanssome even more exciting newsduring his virtual NYCC appearance, announcing thatStarfleet Academyhas already been greenlit for a second season and thatShe-HulkandOrphan Blackstar Tatiana Maslany will be joining the cast.
Tatiana Maslany Will be a Recurring Special Guest
During the live stream from theStarfleet Academyset, which featured Kurtzman alongside the actors who will be playing cadets in the first season of the show, the moderator talked about all the amazing guest stars that have already been announced for season one. The impressive list already includes Holly Hunter, Tig Notaro, Gina Yashere, and Paul Giamatti. He then asked if Kurtzman could reveal any of the other special guests for season one.
At that point, Kurtzman announced that Maslany would join the cast as a recurring special guest. He also revealed that she’d already been on the set to film some of her scenes.
“I’ve had the incredible privilege of being able to direct her, and I can tell you that she is such a genius.” Kurtzman continued, saying, “She is just incredible. She has been just an amazing addition to the cast.”
As of right now, there are no details about Maslany’sStarfleet Academyrole other than the fact that she’s a recurring character. Though there’s certainly a precedent for actors in their 30s playing high school students, the actors playing the cadets inStarfleet Academyare all in their teens. So, Maslany likely won’t be aging that far down for her role. She could be playing an instructor at the elite school, or she could be a sidekick to the season’s villain, who showrunners have already confirmed will be played by Giamatti.
Regardless of where she ends up in the show, Maslany will no doubt add to the caliber of the show. Her stunning performances as more than a dozen different characters inOrphan Blackare a testament to what a gifted actress she is.
Season 2 Renewal Comes Very Early
In the past, Paramount+ hasannounced the release datesfor the upcoming seasons of shows within theStar Trekuniverse and the renewals for additional seasons at the same time. That’s how fans found out that bothStar Trek: Strange New WorldandStar Trek: Lower Deckswere getting new seasons last year. Officially renewingStarfleet Academyfor a second season before its first season even has an official release date definitely goes against Paramount+’s typical timing.
This early renewal could hint at how important the new show is to the Paramount+Star Trekuniverse. WithStar Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Picard,andStar Trek: Lower Decksall ending in 2024, the streaming serviceStar Treklineup is thin, to say the least.
Starfleet AcademyandStrange New Worldswill have to seriously perform to keep the Paramount+’s Trekverse alive. Luckily,Strange New Worldshas already delivered two stellar seasons, and the previews of the third season suggest it will be just as strong as its predecessors. IfStarfleet Academybrings that kind of power, fans will have plenty ofStar Trekto enjoy for years to come.
Star Trek
Star Trek is a space exploration franchise originally created by Gene Roddenberry. The series has spanned shows like The Original Series, The Next Generation, and Voyager. More recently, developer Scopely came out with Star Trek Fleet Command, a mobile title where you get to be captain of your own ship.
