Steven Prusakowski
My lips have been sealed, but I think (hope) I can now reveal I was able to get a glimpse of full episodes of the upcoming addition to the Star Trek universe, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. While I cannot say much, I will share that I find it to be an spectacular, fresh addition to the ever-expanding franchise. Now after the panel at CCXP in São Paolo, Brazil – one of the biggest fandom conventions in the world – fans are finally given a chance to see some too. Guest star, Paul Giamatti was on site to reveal the exclusive scene in front of thousands of excited fans. (Exclusive below, ).
As described by Paramount:
“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy introduces viewers to a young group of cadets who come together to pursue a common dream of hope and optimism. Under the watchful and demanding eyes of their instructors, they discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves and a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself.”
The idea of focusing on a young group of cadets, along with a poster that some sites were comparing to Dawson’s Creek may have a few fans nervous, I will say that this is Star Trek through and through – the perfect access point for non-fans while staying true to the spirit and lore of previous Trek. Series like this, Lower Decks and Strange New Worlds keep proving how versatile and universal the world of Star Trek continues to be.
Paul Giamatti, who plays villain Nus Braka, was recently a guest on my TV Topics podcast where the actor revealed just how much Star Trek has influenced him over the years; the franchise was frequently mention in our “TV Top Picks” questions. With a passion for the franchise that runs that deeply and the incredible acting skills the actor possesses, it is a blessing for all to have Giamatti finally enter the Star Trek universe with Startfleet.
His character is instantly memorable and has all the makings of one that will quickly become a fan favorite. According coverage of the event by ScreenRant, Giamatti described his half-Klingon character Nus Braka as “a psychopath, very damaged, has mother issues, is a mess, and has something very human to him.” That is the perfect ways to describe him, but I would also add incredibly entertaining to that list, delivered in a way that only Paul Giamatti could.
The series cast also includes another acting heavy-hitter Academy Award winner Holly Hunter who plays the Chancellor of Starfleet Academy – a bitter rival of Nus Braka. In addition you’ll soon meet a charismatic and diverse group of actors Starfleet cadets played by Sandro Rosta, Karim Diané Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins and Bella Shepard, plus Zoë Steiner, Tig Notaro, Robert Picardo, and guest stars Oded Fehr, Mary Wiseman, as well as recurring guest stars Gina Yashere and Giamatti.
Lower your shields and prepare to warp into a new corner of the Star Trek universe as the series will premiere globally with 2 episodes on Thursday, January 15 on Paramount+.
Keep your eye open for more Star Trek coverage to come at Awards Radar.
Check out photos from the CCXP event, the series, the Startfleet Academy trailer and my conversation Star Trek-Loving Paul Giamatti (below).
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