Starfleet Academy Cast Discusses Star Trek Lore, New Species, and Jonathan Frakes
The upcoming series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is generating excitement among fans with its fresh cast and intriguing narrative. The show, which features a blend of seasoned Star Trek actors and a new young ensemble, premieres on January 15, 2026, on Paramount+. Following its blue carpet premiere at the American Museum of Natural History, the cast members participated in a press event where they shared insights about their characters and experiences.
New Cast and Characters
The series showcases a diverse group of young cadets, including:
- Bella Shepard as Genesis Lythe
- Zoë Steiner as Tarima Sadal
- Karim Diané as Jay-Den Kraag
- Sandro Rosta as Caleb Mir
- Kerrice Brooks as Sam
- George Hawkins as Darem Reymi
The cast expressed their enthusiasm and camaraderie during the press event, emphasizing the collaborative energy between them. Each actor shared unique insights into their preparation for the roles. They navigated the challenge of stepping into a long-standing franchise that spans over 60 years.
Exploration of Star Trek Lore
The actors shared their approaches to diving into Star Trek lore. Bella Shepard aimed to preserve a sense of freshness by focusing on her character and the new species, the Dar-Sha. Zoë Steiner mixed her instincts with some backstory research, primarily focusing on characters such as Deanna Troi.
Karim Diané took a comprehensive approach by immersing himself in the culture of Klingons and exploring various resources including blogs and Reddit discussions. Kerrice Brooks preferred to engage with the material prior to filming but refrained from watching current series to maintain her character’s authenticity.
Directing Influence of Jonathan Frakes
Jonathan Frakes, known for his iconic role in Star Trek, has joined the series as a director. The cast spoke highly of his directorial style, describing it as a breath of fresh air. His approach combines gentle guidance with humor, enabling the cast to feel comfortable and explore their roles fully.
Bella Shepard mentioned that Frakes was set to direct her episode in season two but faced some scheduling conflicts. The cast hopes for his return, highlighting the camaraderie he fosters on set.
Premiere Details
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy will debut with a two-episode premiere and consists of a total of ten episodes in its first season. During January 2026, viewers in the USA can access the premiere episode for free on YouTube and Pluto TV.
The show promises a rich blend of character development and engaging storytelling, inviting both longtime Star Trek fans and newcomers to join in the adventures at Starfleet Academy.
