“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” is expanding its roster with the addition of three new cadets. Paramount+ has announced that Kerrice Brooks, Bella Shepard, and George Hawkins will join the cast of the upcoming series. These fresh faces will be part of a young group of cadets navigating their way through the prestigious Starfleet Academy.
The series, produced by CBS Studios in association with Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment, will begin production in Toronto in the coming months. The show promises to introduce viewers to a new generation of Starfleet officers, focusing on their journey of hope and optimism. Under the watchful eyes of their instructors, these cadets will experience blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves, and face a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation.
Bella Shepard, who previously starred in Paramount+’s “Wolf Pack,” will return to the streaming platform with “Starfleet Academy.” Shepard has an impressive resume, having appeared in shows like “Two Sides,” “A Girl Named Jo,” “On the Ropes,” “The Wilds,” “Orange Is the New Black,” and “Grace and Frankie.” She is represented by Untitled Entertainment, Jill Fritzo PR, and Innovative Artists.
Kerrice Brooks, known for her roles in “The Prom” and “On My Block” on Netflix, as well as “How We Roll” on CBS, will also join the cast. Brooks is set to appear in the upcoming film “My Old Ass” directed by Megan Park and the period comedy “Feeling Randy.” In addition to her acting career, Brooks is a highly accomplished dancer, having performed with artists like Billie Eilish, Kanye West, and Lil Nas X. She is represented by Authentic Talent.
George Hawkins, a recent graduate of London’s Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, rounds out the trio of new cadets. Hawkins has appeared in the ITV series “Tell Me Everything” and starred in the films “Boiling Point” and “Gassed Up.” He is represented by Denton Brierley and Piekoff Mahan.
The series will feature Holly Hunter as the captain and chancellor of Starfleet Academy, and Paul Giamatti as the season’s main antagonist. The official logline for the show describes it as a story about young cadets coming together to pursue a common dream of hope and optimism. They will learn what it takes to become Starfleet officers while navigating personal challenges and external threats.
Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau will serve as co-showrunners and executive producers. Gaia Violo will write the premiere episode and also serve as an executive producer. Other executive producers include Aaron Baiers, Olatunde Osunsanmi, Jenny Lumet, Rod Roddenberry, Trevor Roth, Frank Siracusa, and John Weber. The series will be distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” is the latest addition to the expanding Star Trek franchise on Paramount+. The franchise already includes popular series like “Star Trek: Discovery,” “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” the animated series “Star Trek: Lower Decks,” and the upcoming original movie event “Star Trek: Section 31” starring Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh.
The announcement of Brooks, Shepard, and Hawkins joining the cast has generated excitement among fans eager to see new faces in the Star Trek universe. While details about their characters and story arcs remain under wraps, the anticipation for the series continues to build.
As production gears up, fans can look forward to more updates and insights into the new cadets’ roles and the challenges they will face at Starfleet Academy. The series aims to capture the essence of hope, optimism, and the spirit of exploration that has defined the Star Trek franchise for decades.
Stay tuned for more information as “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” moves closer to its premiere. The series promises to be a thrilling addition to the Star Trek universe, offering a fresh perspective on the journey to becoming a Starfleet officer.
Source: Variety, UPI, StarTrek.com
