The Star Trek universe recently unveiled a treasure trove of first looks during its highly anticipated panel at San Diego Comic-Con. Fans were treated to exciting previews for the third season of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” the fifth and final season of “Star Trek: Lower Decks,” and the franchise’s first television feature film, “Star Trek: Section 31.”
In the footage presented for “Strange New Worlds,” stars Ethan Peck and Rebecca Romijn, along with executive producers Akiva Goldsman, Henry Alonso Myers, and Alex Kurtzman, showcased an extended clip from the upcoming season. The scene featured several beloved characters, including Captain Pike (Anson Mount), Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding), Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong), and Chapel (Jess Bush), who undergo a transformation from humans to Vulcans. The chief engineer, Pelia (Carol Kane), also attempts to make the change, but her efforts do not succeed, leading to humorous moments.
As the newly transformed Vulcans interact with Spock, they quickly point out his half-Vulcan heritage, much to his annoyance. The clip also introduced Martin Quinn as a young Montgomery Scott, who will be a series regular this season, much to the delight of fans.
During an interview at the Variety Studio presented by Google TV, Peck expressed his enjoyment in seeing his castmates don Vulcan makeup. He shared, “To see them in Vulcan makeup was really endearing. I did hand out a little bit of advice, but people really brought their own flavor and ideas to it.” Myers revealed that the idea for Pike’s distinctive hairdo came from Mount himself, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the production team.
Looking ahead, Season 3 of “Strange New Worlds,” set to premiere in 2025, will reintroduce a legacy character from the original series: Dr. Roger Korby, portrayed by Cillian O’Sullivan. Korby has a complex history with Nurse Chapel, adding depth to the storyline. Goldsman also hinted at the possibility of exploring a musical episode, although nothing is currently in the works.
Switching gears to “Star Trek: Lower Decks,” the panel featured stars Tawny Newsome, Jack Quid, Noël Wells, and Jerry O’Connell, along with executive producers Mike McMahon and Kurtzman. They unveiled a teaser trailer for the fifth season, which is set to debut on October 24. True to form, the trailer was packed with humor and showcased the crew of the USS Cerritos embarking on a mission to fix “space potholes” that lead to various comedic situations.
During the fan Q&A, McMahon addressed questions regarding the show’s conclusion. He reassured fans that while the series finale marks the end of a chapter, it does not signify the end of the characters’ stories. When asked about the potential for a sixth season, McMahon playfully encouraged fans to support the show by watching it when it airs, hinting that vocal support could influence future decisions.
The panel also provided a glimpse into “Star Trek: Section 31,” featuring stars Omari Hardwick, Sam Richardson, and Kacey Rohl, along with director Olatunde Osunsanmi and executive producer Kurtzman. Michelle Yeoh, who reprises her role as Philippa Georgiou from “Star Trek: Discovery,” introduced the trailer via video. The teaser offered a first look at the Federation’s black ops team, with Hardwick describing the film’s vibe as “‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ on steroids.”
The trailer revealed a younger version of Georgiou, played by Miku Martineau, and introduced Richardson’s character as a Chameloid, a shapeshifting alien species first seen in “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.” The return of Rachel Garrett, portrayed by Kacey Rohl, was also a significant revelation. Garrett, originally featured in “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.
As the Star Trek franchise continues to evolve, it remains committed to exploring new stories and characters. The upcoming “Starfleet Academy” series is set to begin production this summer, utilizing the largest single set ever created for Star Trek on television—a massive 45,900-square-foot soundstage that will serve as the series’ academic atrium.
The excitement surrounding the Star Trek universe is palpable, with fans eagerly anticipating the new adventures that await them. The franchise’s ability to adapt and innovate while honoring its rich history is a testament to its enduring legacy.
As we look forward to the future of Star Trek, the promise of new stories, beloved characters, and fresh perspectives keeps the spirit of exploration alive. The franchise continues to captivate audiences of all ages, ensuring that the final frontier remains an exciting place to explore.
Source: Variety, TrekMovie
