Tag: star-trek

  • Paramount and Skydance Announce Deal

    (Left) Paramount Pictures logo. Photo: Paramount. (Right) Skydance logo. Photo: Skydance.
    (Left) Paramount Pictures logo. Photo: Paramount. (Right) Skydance logo. Photo: Skydance.

    Preview:

    • After months of negotiating, Paramount Global and Skydance Media are to merge.
    • Skydance boss David Ellison will become Paramount’s CEO.
    • Other companies had looked to make their own deal for the studio.

    It has been months of feeling like Paramount Global was a Tinder user swiping left on potential suitors as it was courted by various groups for mergers and acquisitions.

    Now, it appears that it has finally found the right partner, as, after rejecting one offer from the company, a special committee of Paramount’s board –– and now the full board of directors –– has approved an $8 billion takeover from Skydance Media.

    Related Article: ‘Gladiator’, ‘Transformers’ and More Headline the Paramount CinemaCon Presentation

    What has happened so far with the deal?

    Simon Pegg as Benji Dunn, Rebecca Ferguson as Ilsa Faust, Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt and Ving Rhames as Luther Stickell in 'Mission: Impossible - Fallout, from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
    (L to R) Simon Pegg as Benji Dunn, Rebecca Ferguson as Ilsa Faust, Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt and Ving Rhames as Luther Stickell in ‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout, from Paramount Pictures and Skydance. ©2021 Paramount Pictures. All Right Reserved.

    Like many of the big legacy media companies, Paramount has found itself struggling with debt and lowered earnings, especially when it comes to its streaming service.

    It has, naturally, been a target for interest from other big companies –– at one point, there was talk of a potential merger with Warner Bros. or Universal.

    But among the most eager to take control has been David Ellison’s Skydance Media, which already has connections with the studio, since it co-produces the likes of the ‘Mission: Impossible’ movies and the ‘Star Trek’ movie franchise.

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    Ellison, working with investment partners, made a previous overture to buy a controlling interest in National Amusements Inc., the entity owned by Shari Redstone which has a majority share in Paramount Global. It was rejected (partly because of concerns from other shareholders), but a new version has been accepted.

    The current plan is for Skydance to take control of Paramount and for the companies to merge, which has largely been seen as a positive, since it means much of the studio stays intact.

    Here’s Shari Redstone’s statement on the deal:

    “In 1987, my father, Sumner Redstone, acquired Viacom and began assembling and growing the businesses today known as Paramount Global. He had a vision that ‘content was king’ and was always committed to delivering great content for all audiences around the world. That vision has remained at the core of Paramount’s success and our accomplishments are a direct result of the incredibly talented, creative, and dedicated individuals who work at the company. Given the changes in the industry, we want to fortify Paramount for the future while ensuring that content remains king. Our hope is that the Skydance transaction will enable Paramount’s continued success in this rapidly changing environment. As a longtime production partner to Paramount, Skydance knows Paramount well and has a clear strategic vision and the resources to take it to its next stage of growth. We believe in Paramount, and we always will.”

    Right now, the company is being run by three Chief Executive Officers, but if (increasingly when) Skydance takes over, David Ellison would become the new CEO.

    Paramount has 45 days to entertain other offers before formally accepting this deal –– and Skydance would receive a $400 million payoff if it should go a different route.

    Who else has been interested in Paramount?

    Sony Pictures Logo.
    Sony Pictures Logo. Photo: Sony Pictures.

    Skydance is far from the only company that has shown interest, as the likes of Barry Diller (a former president of the company), rival studio Sony and investment company Apollo have all considered bids for Paramount.

    When will the deal be finally sealed?

    Assuming no other issues come up –– since regulators still have to assess this current deal –– and Paramount doesn’t somehow decide to go with another option, the deal should be officially closed by mid-2025.

    'Transformers One'.
    ‘Transformers One’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

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  • Paul Giamatti joins New ‘Starfleet Academy’ Series

    Paul Giamatti arrives on the red carpet of the 96th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Credit/Provider: Kyusung Gong / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Paul Giamatti arrives on the red carpet of the 96th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Credit/Provider: Kyusung Gong / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    Preview:

    • Paul Giamatti will be the villain for ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’s first season.
    • The new series will follow the travails of students at the academic institution.
    • Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau are running the show.

    While the likes of current ‘Star Trek’ series ‘Discovery’ and ‘Strange New Worlds’ have certainly had solid casts, the new show, ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’ really seems to have stepped it up in terms of star power.

    With Holly Hunter already aboard, the show is now adding Paul Giamatti in a key role. Which is quite the get, given that he was Oscar nominated this past season for ‘The Holdovers’. Having finished a successful run on ‘Billions’, he recently also boarded a TV series based on the ‘Hostel’ horror movies.

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    Who will Paul Giamatti play in ‘Starfleet Academy’?

    Oscar® nominee Paul Giamatti arrives on the red carpet at the 96th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Credit/Provider: Mike Baker / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Oscar® nominee Paul Giamatti arrives on the red carpet at the 96th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Credit/Provider: Mike Baker / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    Giamatti has snagged a recurring role in the show as the first season’s main villain, who has a sinister connection to the past of one of the cadets.

    This is what co-showrunners Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau had to say about the casting coup:

    “Sometimes you’re lucky enough to discover that one of the greatest actors alive is also a huge ‘Star Trek’ fan, and meeting Paul was one of those miraculous moments for us. The sheer delight with which he dove in on ‘Starfleet Academy’ is only surpassed by the gratitude we feel about him joining our incredible cast.”

    What’s the story of ‘Starfleet Academy’?

    Sonequa Martin-Green and Commander Burnham of the CBS All Access series 'Star Trek: Discovery'.
    (L to R) Sonequa Martin-Green and Commander Burnham of the CBS All Access series ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. Photo: Michael Gibson/CBS ©2020 CBS Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    While most of the other character and story details are being kept behind a forcefield, we do know something of the show’s tone thanks to a previous comment by Landau:

    “These are kids who’ve never had a red alert before. They never had to operate a transporter or be in a phaser fight.”

    So, yes, lots of coming-of-age with high tech equipment appears likely with this one.

    The sets being built for the new series apparently include featuring the largest contiguous one ever constructed for a ‘Star Trek’ series, a central academic atrium that will span two stories and include an amphitheater, classrooms, a mess hall, and an idyllic walkway lined with trees.

    Related Article: Rebecca Romijn and Anson Mount Talk ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Season 2

    Who is Holly Hunter playing in ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’?

    Holly Hunter attends the Academy’s 2017 Annual Governors Awards in The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, CA, on Saturday, November 11, 2017. Credit/Provider: Aaron Poole / ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Holly Hunter attends the Academy’s 2017 Annual Governors Awards in The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, CA, on Saturday, November 11, 2017. Credit/Provider: Aaron Poole / ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    Holly Hunter will star as the Captain and Chancellor of the Academy set in the titular educational facility that trains crew and officers for the fleet.

    Hunter’s Chancellor will be presiding over the faculty and the latest class of students to arrive at the academy.

    Here’s Kurtzman and Landau on Hunter:

    “It feels like we’ve spent our entire lives watching Holly Hunter be a stone-cold genius. To have her extraordinary authenticity, fearlessness, sense of humor, and across the board brilliance leading the charge on ‘Starfleet Academy’ is a gift to all of us, and to the enduring legacy of ‘Star Trek.’”

    When will ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’ be on screens?

    While shooting is due to kick off later this summer in ‘Star Trek’s current TV production home of Toronto, Paramount+ has yet to confirm when it might appear on the streaming service.

    Jess Bush as Chapel, Celia Rose Gooding as Shura, Ethan Peck as Spock, Anson Mount as Pike, Rebecca Romijn as Una, Babs Olusanmokun as M’Benga, Christina Chong as La’an and Melissa Navia as Ortegas of 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,' streaming on Paramount+, 2023.
    (L to R) Jess Bush as Chapel, Celia Rose Gooding as Shura, Ethan Peck as Spock, Anson Mount as Pike, Rebecca Romijn as Una, Babs Olusanmokun as M’Benga, Christina Chong as La’an and Melissa Navia as Ortegas of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo: Pari Dukovic/Paramount+.

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  • Simon Kinberg Reportedly Producing new ‘Star Trek’ Movie

    (Left) 'Invasion' series creator Simon Kinberg. (Right) Chris Pine, Simon Pegg, and Karl Urban in 'Star Trek' (2009). Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.
    (Left) ‘Invasion’ series creator Simon Kinberg. (Right) Chris Pine, Simon Pegg, and Karl Urban in ‘Star Trek’ (2009). Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

    Preview:

    • Simon Kinberg is reportedly boarding the ‘Star Trek’ movie franchise.
    • He’s going to be producing future entries.
    • Holly Hunter is the first person cast in series ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’.

    While Paramount itself remains in something of a flux state –– with different buyers circling to make offers to buy the venerable studio and its associated TV network, streaming service and other properties –– it appears to be making moves on both the movie and TV front when it comes to hugely successful sci-fi franchise ‘Star Trek’.

    First up, we have news on the ‘Trek’ movies and a notable new (potential) hire.

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    What is happening with the new ‘Star Trek’ movie?

    Chris Pine in 2009's 'Star Trek'.
    Chris Pine in 2009’s ‘Star Trek’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Paramount has seemingly had real trouble landing on a direction for its ‘Trek’ movie franchise. The TV side of things (more on that below) has been humming along nicely, but on the big screen, the movies have been mired in development limbo since ‘Star Trek Beyond’ opened to less-than-thrilling box office in 2016.

    There have been various films announced or reported upon, including a return for Chris Pine’s Kirk and co. from J.J. Abrams’ “Kelvin” timeline movies, a one-off by Quentin Tarantino (which seems less likely to happen) and the more recent word of a prequel/origin story to be directed by ‘Andor’s Toby Haynes with a script by Seth Grahame-Smith.

    Now, according to Puck’s ‘What I’m Hearing…’ newsletter, Simon Kinberg, a veteran producer of movies such as ‘The Martian’, some of the ‘X-Men‘ movies and the first two ‘Deadpool’ efforts (not to mention the likes of ‘Invasion’ on Apple TV+) is in talks to produce that new ‘Trek’ effort.

    And if it all works out, the plan is apparently for Kinberg to take over the stewardship of the movie side of Trek, helping to shepherd future outings and presumably help to correct the course.

    Related Article: ‘Andor’ Director Toby Haynes Overseeing new ‘Star Trek’ Prequel Movie

    What’s happening with the ‘Starfleet Academy’ series?

    Holly Hunter attends the Academy’s 2017 Annual Governors Awards in The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, CA, on Saturday, November 11, 2017. Credit/Provider: Aaron Poole / ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Holly Hunter attends the Academy’s 2017 Annual Governors Awards in The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, CA, on Saturday, November 11, 2017. Credit/Provider: Aaron Poole / ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    Following that, we have word that Holly Hunter will star as the Captain and Chancellor of Starfleet Academy set in the titular educational facility that trains crew and officers for the fleet.

    Hunter’s Chancellor will be presiding over the faculty and the latest class of students to arrive at the academy.

    This is what co-showrunners Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau said about casting Hunter to Variety:

    “It feels like we’ve spent our entire lives watching Holly Hunter be a stone-cold genius. To have her extraordinary authenticity, fearlessness, sense of humor, and across the board brilliance leading the charge on ‘Starfleet Academy’ is a gift to all of us, and to the enduring legacy of ‘Star Trek.’”

    What’s the story of ‘Starfleet Academy’?

    1979's 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture.'
    1979’s ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    While most of the other character and story details are being kept behind a forcefield, we do know something of the show’s tone thanks to a previous comment by Landau:

    “These are kids who’ve never had a red alert before. They never had to operate a transporter or be in a phaser fight.”

    So, yes, lots of coming-of-age with high tech equipment appears likely with this one.

    The sets being built for the new series apparently include featuring the largest contiguous one ever constructed for a ‘Star Trek’ series, a central academic atrium that will span two stories and include an amphitheater, classrooms, a mess hall, and an idyllic walkway lined with trees.

    Production on the show is scheduled for later this summer in Toronto.

    Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto in 'Star Trek' (2009).
    (L to R) Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto in ‘Star Trek’ (2009). Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

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  • Michelle Yeoh’s ‘Star Trek: Section 31’ Movie Adds New Cast

    Michelle Yeoh as Georgiou in 'Star Trek: Section 31' streaming on Paramount+, 2024.
    Michelle Yeoh as Georgiou in ‘Star Trek: Section 31’ streaming on Paramount+, 2024. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+

    Preview:

    • The Michelle Yeoh-starring ‘Star Trek: Section 31’ movie has begun shooting.
    • Omari Hardwick and Sam Richardson are joining the cast.
    • The movie will stream on Paramount+.

    For the past few years, the ‘Star Trek’ TV series have been flying the flag for the venerable sci-fi franchise as the big screen adventures have been stymied in cinematic development drydock (yet another example was announced recently).

    But, while it won’t be warping into movie theaters, the small screen ‘Trek’ universe has spawned its own movie, based on the further adventures of Emperor Philippa Georgiou, as played to winning effect by Michelle Yeoh in the first season of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’.

    And, as the movie kicks off shooting, the likes of Omari Hardwick, Kacey Rohl, Sam Richardson, Sven Ruygrok, Robert Kazinsky, Humberly Gonzalez and James Hiroyuki Liao are joining the cast.

    Related Article: Michelle Yeoh to Star in ‘Star Trek: Section 31’ Movie For Paramount+

    What’s the story for ‘Star Trek: Section 31’?

    Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou on Paramount+'s 'Star Trek: Discovery.'
    Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou on Paramount+’s ‘Star Trek: Discovery.’

    Yeoh’s Captain Phillipa Georgiou was a powerful presence… at least (spoiler alert if you’ve somehow not caught up on the first episode of ‘Discovery’, which screened in 2017) until she died at the hands (and blade) of a Klingon warrior.

    Yet that was not the end for Yeoh’s story –– a trip to the Mirror Universe (established all the way back in the 1960s original ‘Star Trek’) revealed that there was another Georgiou –– and she was Emperor of the cruel Terran Empire. She eventually ended up helping our heroes, and in a deleted scene, was approached by a member of the stealthy organization Section 31.

    Originally developed as a series, the concept was instead announced as a movie last April. The basic synopsis for the movie reads: “Georgiou joins a secret division of Starfleet. Tasked with protecting the United Federation of Planets, she also must face the sins of her past.”

    What is Section 31?

    Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou of the CBS All Access series 'Star Trek: Discovery.'
    Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou of the CBS All Access series ‘Star Trek: Discovery.’ Photo: Russ Martin/CBS All Access 2017 CBS Interactive. All Rights Reserved.

    First introduced in ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’, Section 31 was an organization which claimed to protect the security interests of United Earth and, later, the United Federation of Planets. During the mid-23rd century, they were considered a critical division of Starfleet Intelligence, while by the 24th century, they were believed to be a rogue organization not considered part of the Federation but were in fact still part of Starfleet Intelligence.

    Who is making the movie?

    Omari Hardwick as Cruise in 'The Mother.'
    Omari Hardwick as Cruise in ‘The Mother.’ Photo: Doane Gregory/Netflix © 2023.

    Craig Sweeny is writing the script, with ‘Discovery’ veteran Olatunde Osunsanmi directing.

    Here’s what executive producer Alex Kurtzman had to say about the movie kicking off:

    “And we’re off to the races! Thrilled to report principal photography has started on ‘Star Trek: Section 31’. We welcome our incredible cast of new characters as they join our beloved Michelle Yeoh on her next wild adventure across the ‘Trek’ universe.”

    When will the new ‘Star Trek’ movie be streaming?

    While we know the movie will premiere on Paramount+, but there is no confirmed release date yet.

    Sam Richardson as Gilbert in Disney's live-action 'Hocus Pocus 2.'
    Sam Richardson as Gilbert in Disney’s live-action ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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  • New ‘Star Trek’ Prequel Movie in the Works

    1979's 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture.'
    1979’s ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Preview:

    • ‘Andor’ director Toby Haynes is aboard a new ‘Star Trek’ movie.
    • Seth Grahame-Smith will write the script for the new film.
    • It’s just one of the ‘Trek’ movies in development.

    Since ‘Star Trek Beyond’ premiered in 2016, things have been awfully quiet on the big screen Trek front. While the TV side of things has gone from strength to strength with the likes of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’, ‘Star Trek: Picard’, ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ and other series expanding the universe to success on streaming, it has felt like Paramount didn’t really have a solid direction for the movies.

    Different ideas have been mooted, but nothing has come to fruition. So we’re understandably skeptical –– albeit enthused –– at news of another.

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    What’s the latest ‘Star Trek’ movie in development?

    1979's 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture.'
    1979’s ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    As reported by Deadline, the new movie will be set years before Captain Kirk (Chris Pine, at least assuming its set within the “Kelvin” alternate timeline established in J.J. Abrams’ 2009 ‘Star Trek’.

    Toby Haynes, who did excellent work as one of the main directors on recent ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Andor’, will be overseeing this one, while Seth Grahame-Smith (no stranger to genre himself after writing the likes of ‘Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter’ and producing the ‘It’ movies and many more, will be on script duty. Abrams is on board to produce.

    Related Article: Rebecca Romijn and Anson Mount Talk ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Season 2

    Does this replace the mooted fourth main ‘Star Trek’ movie?

    (L to R) Anton Yelchin, Chris Pine, Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, John Cho and Zoe Saldana in 'Star Trek' (2009). Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Anton Yelchin, Chris Pine, Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, John Cho and Zoe Saldana in ‘Star Trek’ (2009). Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

    As of right now, it appears the studio is still going full (warp) speed ahead on the next ‘Trek’ movie featuring Pine and the rest. Or at least is still developing it. Little is known about the movie, which at different times has had Matt Shakman –– who has since departed to focus on Marvel’s ‘Fantastic Four’ –– and previously, SJ Clarkson attached to direct.

    It would seem that Paramount’s film arm is looking to take a page out of its TV side and have multiple projects in play.

    Which brings us to…

    What about Quentin Tarantino’s Trek movie?

    Quentin Tarantino accepts the Oscar® for original screenplay for “Django Unchained” during the live ABC Telecast of The Oscars® from the Dolby® Theatre, in Hollywood, CA, Sunday, February 24, 2013.
    Quentin Tarantino accepts the Oscar® for original screenplay for “Django Unchained” during the live ABC Telecast of The Oscars® from the Dolby® Theatre, in Hollywood, CA, Sunday, February 24, 2013.

    There was, for a while, much excitement about the idea that Quentin Tarantino would direct a ‘Star Trek’ movie.

    There was a concept pitched –– a spin on a gangster-filled planet inspired by a classic ‘Trek’ episode called ‘A Piece of the Action’ –– and a script written by ‘The Revenant’s Mark L. Smith. The plan was to deliver something that would be very different from the usual ‘Trek’ style (though ‘Discovery’ and co. have long since introduced swearing into the universe), with a hard R-rating.

    But with Tarantino having long since said he was planning to retire after another one more movie, it seems he didn’t want that film to be a ‘Star Trek’ outing.

    Here’s what Smith told Variety on the matter:

    “Quentin and I went back and forth, he was gonna do some stuff on it, and then he started worrying about the number, his kind of unofficial number of films. I remember we were talking, and he goes, ‘If I can just wrap my head around the idea that ‘Star Trek’ could be my last movie, the last thing I ever do. Is this how I want to end it?’ And I think that was the bump he could never get across, so the script is still sitting there on his desk.”

    Less “to boldly go” than “to boldly hang around”, then. Here’s hoping the Haynes film has more luck.

    1979's 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture.'
    1979’s ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

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  • TV Review: ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Season 2

    Anson Mount as Pike in 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,'
    Anson Mount as Pike in ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo: Michael Gibson/Paramount+.

    Returning to Paramount+ on June 15th, the second season of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ continues the strong storytelling and adventure-of-the-week style that made the first season work.

    It’s a welcome return for Anson Mount’s Captain Christopher Pike and the rest of the crew, who find themselves once more confronting some classic science fiction concepts while also bonding as a unit.

    Ethan Peck as Spock in season 2 of 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,' streaming on Paramount+, 2023.
    Ethan Peck as Spock in season 2 of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo: Michael Gibson/Paramount+.

    What’s the story of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds?

    Space…. The final frontier. Yes, the familiar refrain from the start of the original ‘Star Trek’ continues to define this latest take on the franchise. It’s the continuing mission of the Starship Enterprise as it explores the titular strange new worlds, seeks out new life and new civilizations and all that boldly going stuff we all know so well.

    For its second season, the show continues the blend of serialization and episodic adventures that worked in last year’s first run of episodes. Initially, it picks up a couple of the threads left dangling from the end of Season 1 –– Lt. La’an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong) taking leave from the ship to help a young survivor of the Gorn attacks find her family, and Starfleet prosecuting First Officer Una Chin-Riley (Rebecca Romijn) for hiding her genetically enhanced nature.

    Once those are dealt with, it’s on to the familiar, effective mix of continuing character arcs and new science fiction adventures, including Spock (Ethan Peck) having to deal with a tricky Vulcan ritual involving his potential in-laws while in an even trickier state, Noonien-Singh involved in a time travel adventure, Pike, Doctor M’Benga (Babs Olusanmokun) and their landing party stranded on a planet where memories are wiped every night and Ensign Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding) in contact with aliens that communicate via dreams and symbolism.

    Celia Rose Gooding as Uhura in season 2 of 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,' streaming on Paramount+, 2023.
    Celia Rose Gooding as Uhura in season 2 of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo: Michael Gibson/Paramount+.

    Who else appears in ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’?

    In addition to the main cast, the show also features André Dae Kim, Gia Sandhu, Adrian Holmes, Melanie Scrofano, Dan Jeannotte, and particularly Paul Wesley as a certain Captain James T. Kirk.

    Christina Chong as La’an and Paul Wesley as Kirk in season 2 of 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,' streaming on Paramount+, 2023.
    (L to R) Christina Chong as La’an and Paul Wesley as Kirk in season 2 of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo: Michael Gibson/Paramount+.

    Is ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ worth watching?

    Live-action ‘Star Trek’ in the current TV has been led by the moody and serious ‘Discovery’, which, while it does have its flashes of humor, is much more focused on the drama side. ‘Star Trek Picard’ managed to find its footing in terms of blending laughs and action in its third season, but it is ‘Strange New Worlds’ that has emerged as the champion of blending an old-school ‘Trek’ feel with a more contemporary storytelling style.

    Partly it all works so well because of the casting –– this is a crew that you truly believe actually wants to spend time together, and that transfers over on to the viewing experience. These are people you’d be happy to just hang out with, even if they weren’t also dealing with exciting space adventures.

    Anson Mount as Capt. Pike in 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,' streaming on Paramount+, 2023.
    Anson Mount as Capt. Pike in ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo: Michael Gibson/Paramount+.

    Related Article: Rebecca Romijn and Anson Mount Talk ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Season 2

    Mount continues to play Pike with a winning mix of gravitas and relatability –– when he’s not barking orders, he’s cooking or spending time with fellow captain Batel (Scrofano), a model of how to act as a grown up in a relationship you almost wish the future Captain Kirk had been taking notes on.

    Peck’s Spock is still a strong, worthy take on the iconic character, the actor able to play all the different shades. If the romantic connection with Bush’s Nurse Chapel isn’t always as authentic as the show wants us to believe, it doesn’t, at least, harm either character. And he’s also part of a comic highlight of the season to date.

    Rebecca Romijn as Una in 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' season 2, streaming on Paramount+, 2023.
    Rebecca Romijn as Una in ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ season 2, streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo: Michael Gibson/Paramount+.

    Around them, the rest of the cast continues to excel. Some of the characters who had spotlights last season take something of a back seat here (it’s surely not spoiling anything to relate that Number One’s trial ends favorably, but after that she has a little less to do), but the sharing of airtime is a welcome one, giving some of the junior officers more to do.

    New this year is star of stage and screen Carol Kane, who slots in perfectly as new, alien chief engineer Pelia. A being with a startlingly long lifespan, a unique attitude to life in Starfleet and an unusual manner about her feels like it was written for Kane to portray. The only downside is we don’t get to have her interact with the rest of the crew nearly enough, at least in the six episodes of the season’s 10 provided to critics.

    Carol Kane as Pelia in season 2 of 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,' streaming on Paramount+, 2023.
    Carol Kane as Pelia in season 2 of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo: Paramount+

    And talking of unusual characters, we’re also promised a crossover with animated ‘Trek’ series ‘Lower Decks’ as Tawny Newsom and Jack Quaid embody the live-action versions of Ensigns Mariner and Boimler that they voice on the other show. That episode wasn’t on the list of those on offer, but let’s be honest; if any ‘Trek’ series can handle a crossover with a joke-heavy cartoon show without suffering, it’s surely ‘Strange New Worlds .

    The missions are a mixed bag –– some, such as in episode 1, ‘The Broken Circle’, allow for a lot of fun (Spock and some of the other crew stealing the Enterprise to aid one of their own riffs on ‘Star Trek III: The Search for Spock’), while others ‘The Lotus’ Eaters’ memory-resetting planet feels like a well-used trope that isn’t given quite enough of a spin here.

    But on the whole, ‘Strange New Worlds’ continues its impressive juggling act, the dramatic and warmly comedic sides still sitting comfortably in alignment. And it’s reassuring to know that there is, these days, a style of ‘Star Trek’ to suit so many tastes. Long may these voyages continue.

    ‘Star Trek: Strange New ’ receives 8.5 out of 10 stars.

    Jess Bush as Chapel, Celia Rose Gooding as Shura, Ethan Peck as Spock, Anson Mount as Pike, Rebecca Romijn as Una, Babs Olusanmokun as M’Benga, Christina Chong as La’an and Melissa Navia as Ortegas of 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,' streaming on Paramount+, 2023.
    (L to R) Jess Bush as Chapel, Celia Rose Gooding as Shura, Ethan Peck as Spock, Anson Mount as Pike, Rebecca Romijn as Una, Babs Olusanmokun as M’Benga, Christina Chong as La’an and Melissa Navia as Ortegas of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo: Pari Dukovic/Paramount+.

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  • ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Season 2: Rebecca Romijn and Anson Mount

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    Premiering on Paramount+ beginning June 15th is the second season of the popular ‘Star Trek’ series ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ which was created by Alex Kurtzman (‘Star Trek’), Jenny Lumet (‘Rachel Getting Married’), and Oscar-winner Akiva Goldsman (‘A Beautiful Mind’).

    What is ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ about?

    ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ follows Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) and the crew of the starship USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) in the 23rd century as they explore new worlds throughout the galaxy in the decade before ‘Star Trek: The Original Series.’

    Who stars in ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds?’

    Anson Mount (‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness‘) as Christopher Pike, Rebecca Romijn (‘X-Men‘) as Una Chin-Riley/Number One, Ethan Peck (‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice‘) as Spock, Jess Bush as Christine Chapel, Christina Chong (‘Tom and Jerry‘) as La’an Noonien-Singh, Celia Rose Gooding as Nyota Uhura, Melissa Navia (‘The Chosen‘) as Erica Ortegas, Babs Olusanmokun (‘Dune‘) as Joseph M’Benga, and Paul Wesley (‘Mothers and Daughters‘) as James T. Kirk.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Rebecca Romijn and Anson Mount about their work on season 2 of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ the respect between Pike and Number One, Una’s troubles in the new season, why Pike is willing to do anything to help her, and what it’s like playing these iconic ‘Star Trek’ characters.

    Anson Mount as Pike and Rebecca Romijn as Una of the Paramount+ original series 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.'
    (L to R) Anson Mount as Pike and Rebecca Romijn as Una of the Paramount+ original series ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.’ Photo Cr: Marni Grossman/Paramount+ ©2022 CBS Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Romijn and Mount, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Christina Chong, Melissa Navia, Babs Olusanmokun, and Paul Wesley.

    Moviefone: To begin with, Anson, Pike puts himself on the line defending Una this season. Can you talk about the respect and admiration between the two characters and why he’s willing to do anything he can to help her in this situation?

    Anson Mount: Rebecca and I figure that they’ve been friends going back all the way to the Academy and not just friends, but confidants. I really do think that Number One is a pivotal part of Pike being able to be an effective captain. I think that he always secretly wondered why he was made a captain. Rebecca earlier called it an imposter syndrome, which I think is a pretty accurate diagnosis. Number One is there to remind him why and to help him see through some of what he sees as his shortcomings, as well as to challenge him at important times. I think he’s smart enough and has had good enough leaders and teachers to be aware that your right-hand person is only as good as they’re willing to stand up and tell you you’re wrong at times.

    Anson Mount as Pike in 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,'
    Anson Mount as Pike in ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo: Michael Gibson/Paramount+.

    Related Article: ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Casts Paul Wesley as Captain Kirk

    MF: Rebecca, Una is in trouble with Starfleet this season for hiding her true self. Can you talk about that and how this whole ordeal really changes her as a character?

    Rebecca Romijn: I think she’s been living most of her life hiding the fact that she’s an Illyrian and there are different genetic modifications within the Illyrian culture. She is someone who can hide as an Illyrian and that has allowed her a certain amount of privilege and being able to be protected as a child, being able to join Starfleet. But I think she carries a tremendous amount of shame for lying to Starfleet and having Captain Pike protect her and give her asylum. I think she’s shameful of that, but not shameful of being an Illyrian. I think she’s proud of her heritage. I think this is her coming out episode. She’s decided she’s going to live authentically and just because you can hide and spend your life hiding doesn’t mean you should have to, is my takeaway for Una. I think once she removes that burden from her shoulders, you’re going to find a freer Una.

    Ethan Peck as Spock and Rebecca Romijn as Una in the trailer of 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.'
    (L to R) Ethan Peck as Spock and Rebecca Romijn as Una in the trailer of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo: Michael Gibson/Paramount+.

    MF: Finally, Anson, can you talk about coming into this series and having the opportunity to step into this iconic role, and what has been your approach to playing Pike, especially knowing his ultimate fate?

    AM: Well, first of all, it’s been an honor, but not nearly the high jump that a lot of people think that it’s been because I think that Jeffrey Hunter was playing a very different Pike in a very different time in his life, and I’m playing a Pike that is a little bit more settled into his decision to be in Starfleet, to do what he’s doing. But you’re also in a very select group of people who’ve been able to be an Enterprise Captain, and you don’t want to do what’s been done before. You want to make your Captain stand out amongst the crowd, and I believe that these writers have done a tremendous job doing that. I couldn’t have done any of it without them, but I often say that if Kirk (William Shatner) represented the gut and Picard (Patrick Stewart) represented the intellect, I want Pike to represent the heart.

    Jess Bush as Chapel, Celia Rose Gooding as Shura, Ethan Peck as Spock, Anson Mount as Pike, Rebecca Romijn as Una, Babs Olusanmokun as M’Benga, Christina Chong as La’an and Melissa Navia as Ortegas of 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,' streaming on Paramount+, 2023.
    (L to R) Jess Bush as Chapel, Celia Rose Gooding as Shura, Ethan Peck as Spock, Anson Mount as Pike, Rebecca Romijn as Una, Babs Olusanmokun as M’Benga, Christina Chong as La’an and Melissa Navia as Ortegas of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo: Pari Dukovic/Paramount+.

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  • Michelle Yeoh Starring in ‘Star Trek’ Movie

    Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou on Paramount+'s 'Star Trek: Discovery.'
    Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou on Paramount+’s ‘Star Trek: Discovery.’

    Michelle Yeoh made a big impact on the world of ‘Star Trek’ from the very first episode of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. As Captain Phillipa Georgiou, she was a powerful presence… at least (spoiler alert if you’ve somehow not caught up on the episode, which screened in 2017) until she died at the hands (and blade) of a Klingon warrior.

    Yet that was not the end for Yeoh’s story –– a trip to the Mirror Universe (established all the way back in the 1960s original ‘Star Trek’) revealed that there was another Georgiou –– and she was Emperor of the cruel Terran Empire. She eventually ended up helping our heroes, and in a deleted scene, was approached by a member of the stealthy organization Section 31.

    In 2019, we learned that Paramount+ was developing a series featuring Georgiou working for Section 31, but plans have now shifted. Yeoh will now star in a TV movie called ‘Star Trek: Section 31.’

    'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine' (1993 - 1999).
    ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ (1993 – 1999).

    What is Section 31?

    First introduced in ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’, Section 31 was an organization which claimed to protect the security interests of United Earth and, later, the United Federation of Planets. During the mid-23rd century, they were considered a critical division of Starfleet Intelligence, while by the 24th century, they were believed to be a rogue organization not considered part of the Federation but were in fact still part of Starfleet Intelligence.

    There are no plot details for the show yet, beyond a basic synopsis: “Emperor Philippa Georgiou joins a secret division of Starfleet tasked with protecting the United Federation of Planets and faces the sins of her past.”

    Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou of the CBS All Access series 'Star Trek: Discovery.'
    Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou of the CBS All Access series ‘Star Trek: Discovery.’ Photo: Russ Martin/CBS All Access 2017 CBS Interactive. All Rights Reserved.

    Related Article: Full List of 95th Academy Awards Winners

    Who is making the movie?

    Craig Sweeny is writing the script, with ‘Discovery’ veteran Olatunde Osunsanmi directing.

    Here’s what Yeoh had to say about Georgiou’s return,

    “I’m beyond thrilled to return to my ‘Star Trek’ family and to the role I’ve loved for so long. Section 31 has been near and dear to my heart since I began the journey of playing Philippa all the way back when this new golden age of ‘Star Trek’ launched. To see her finally get her moment is a dream come true in a year that’s shown me the incredible power of never giving up on your dreams. We can’t wait to share what’s in store for you, and until then: live long and prosper (unless Emperor Georgiou decrees otherwise)!”

    Executive producer Alex Kurtzman adds,

    “All the way back in 2017, before the first season of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ had even aired, Michelle had the idea to do a spin-off for her character, Philippa Georgiou. She broke new ground as one of the first two women on screen in the pilot to usher in a new age of ‘Trek,’ and now, six years later, ‘Star Trek: Section 31’ finally arrives on the heels of her latest groundbreaking win. Everyone on Team ‘Trek’ couldn’t be more thrilled to have our legendary friend return home to us as we expand our storytelling into new and uncharted corners of the Trekverse. Long live Emperor Georgiou; long live Michelle Yeoh!”

    Production on the movie will start later this year.

    In related Paramount+ (and indirectly, ‘Star Trek’ news), there is a change going on for the TV series spin-off of 1999 movie ‘Galaxy Quest’.

    The cult favorite film, directed by Dean Parisot, followed a ragtag group of actors played Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwell, and Daryl Mitchell who all once starred on a ‘Trek’-alike series called ‘Galaxy Quest’.

    One night, after their latest convention outing, the group is contacted by aliens who think their adventures are historical documents and have created a real version of their ship. There’s just one catch… the extraterrestrials need their help to fight the evil, powerful alien warlord Sarris (Robin Sachs). With the help of some young fans (including one played by Justin Long), they’re able to succeed.

    It has been a long road for development on a series based on the movie, but Paramount+ is trying again.

    Sam Rockwell, Alan Rickman, Tim Allen, Daryl Mitchell, Sigourney Weaver, and Tony Shalhoub in 'Galaxy Quest.'
    (L to R) Sam Rockwell, Alan Rickman, Tim Allen, Daryl Mitchell, Sigourney Weaver, and Tony Shalhoub in ‘Galaxy Quest.’ Photo: DreamWorks.

    What happened to the ‘Galaxy Quest’ series before?

    Paramount TV and Amazon were reported as developing a show aimed at continuing the story of the movie back in 2015. Writer Robert Gordon (who was one of the scribes on the movie), was aboard to craft a series script, but problems began over casting the original stars, and that was compounded by the tragic death of Rickman in January 2016.

    Yet there was still hope it could get made; actor, comedian and writer Paul Scheer took over a couple of years later and seemed upbeat about the idea.

    Here’s what Scheer said to Deadline,

    “Without giving much away, I don’t think there has ever been a better time to continue the ‘Galaxy Quest’ story with the explosion and popularity of sci-fi films in recent years. To be able to create and be a part of this world is just mind-blowing, and I’m approaching this truly as what I’d like to see as a fan.”

    Despite all that seemingly positive movement, the series lingered in space dock, seemingly unable to find traction.

    Amazon quietly dropped the idea recently, but Paramount is not ready to give up, with another version now at an early stage via Paramount+.

    Little has been announced about what shape it could take or whether the cast will be involved this time; indeed, no writer or director is attached yet. Mark Johnson, who was an executive producer on the 1999 movie, is driving development of the show, and the search is likely now on for a writer to flesh out the concept.

    By Grabthar’s Hammer, it still has a chance!

    Tim Allen, Alan Rickman, and Sigourney Weaver in 'Galaxy Quest.'
    (L to R) Tim Allen, Alan Rickman, and Sigourney Weaver in ‘Galaxy Quest.’

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  • Matt Shakman in Talks to Direct Next ‘Fantastic Four’ Movie

    Marvel Studio's 'Fantastic Four.'
    Marvel Studio’s ‘Fantastic Four.’

    Even before Marvel boss Kevin Feige formally confirmed at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con that the company had set a release date for a new ‘Fantastic Four’ movie, there had been chatter about the possibilities for Marvel’s “first family” and their future in the MCU.

    Yet while Jon Watts, director of the successful most recent ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy had been tasked with shepherding the new movie, he left the gig in April, citing a need to focus on other projects (he has a movie with Brad Pitt and George Clooney starring and is also overseeing a ‘Star Wars’ series for Disney+, among other things).

    Now, though, it appears Marvel has found a replacement. First broken (albeit in rumour form) by The Direct, word has hit the trades that ‘WandaVision’ director Matt Shakman is in talks to handle the movie.

    Shakman, of course, did a great job with the stylish, quirky and emotional ‘WandaVision’ and would appear to be a good fit for the Four. Though his big screen directorial experience has so far been limited to indie crime thriller ‘Cut Bank’ in 2014, he has an extensive resume on TV, including shows such as ‘Succession’, ‘The Boys’, ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Billions’.

    Paramount, meanwhile, clearly thought he was up to the task of a ‘Star Trek’ movie, putting him at the helm for the latest, in-development installment of that franchise. Though if he locks in the job on ‘Fantastic Four’, that might mean that the Enterprise will need a new cine-captain.

    So, the Fantastic Four, then. They’re among the most famous superheroes from the comics world, but in case you’re not that aware of them, the Four were introduced into the pages of Marvel comics in 1961 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

    Fantastic Four comic book characters
    Marvel’s Fantastic Four. Photo courtesy of Pinterest.

    The core characters are Mister Fantastic/Reed Richards, a scientific genius and the leader of the group, who can stretch his body into incredible lengths and shapes; the Invisible Woman/Susan “Sue” Storm, who eventually married Reed, who can render herself invisible and project powerful invisible force fields and blasts; the Human Torch/Johnny Storm, Sue’s younger brother, who can generate flames, surround himself with them and fly; and the monstrous Thing/Ben Grimm, their grumpy but benevolent friend, a former college football star, Reed’s college roommate and a good pilot, who possesses tremendous superhuman strength, durability and endurance due to his stone-like flesh.

    The characters have been brought to screens several times before, including an unauthorized Roger Corman adaptation (“to screens” is a misnomer in that case, since it’s mostly available as a bootleg), comedy drama takes in Fox’s 2005 outing ‘Fantastic Four’ and 2007 sequel ‘Rise of the Silver Surfer’, followed by a darker reboot in 2015, which didn’t thrill fans or score well at the box office.

    As with the introduction of Spidey back in ‘Captain America: Civil War’, the studio is keen on skipping the origin story for the Four. “A lot of people know this origin story. A lot of people know the basics. How do we take that and bring something that they’ve never seen before?” Feige told The Hollywood Reporter in July after stepping off the convention stage. “We’ve set a very high bar for ourselves with bringing that to the screen.”

    If Shakman’s deal goes through, we’d expect to see the Marvel boss announce him at next month’s D23 event.

    ‘Fantastic Four’ is currently scheduled for release on November 8th, 2024, forming part of the MCU’s Phase 6.

    Elizabeth Olsen is Wanda Maximoff and Paul Bettany is Vision in Marvel Studios’ 'Wandavision.'
    (L to R) Elizabeth Olsen is Wanda Maximoff and Paul Bettany is Vision in Marvel Studios’ ‘Wandavision,’ exclusively on Disney+.
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  • ‘Star Trek’s Nichelle Nichols Dies at 89

    The cast of 'Star Trek: The Original Series' (1965 - 1969).
    The cast of ‘Star Trek: The Original Series’ (1965 – 1969).

    Nichelle Nichols, who found stardom thanks to her iconic role as Lt. Uhura in the original ‘Star Trek’ TV series, has died. She was 89.

    Though Nichols was best known for her years on the classic science fiction show, she also enjoyed a long, respected career.

    Born Grace Nichols in Robbins, Ill. on Dec. 28, 1932, she initially pursued singing and dancing as a career, creating a ballet at the age of 16 from one of Duke Ellington’s compositions and singing with him at performances of it. She also performed with his band.

    From there, she studied in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles and then pursued a career in musicals, her biggest success coming with ‘Porgy and Bess’ on stage and scoring an uncredited role as a dancer in the movie version. She won various awards for her work, but following some small movie roles, her life would change when she was cast as Lt. Uhura in ‘Star Trek’ in 1966.

    It was a groundbreaking part in many ways, not least because it was a role for a Black actor that wasn’t as a maid or other subservient position. Instead, as the communications officer on the bridge of the USS Enterprise, she was a part of the main crew. And while there remains debate in the matter, she participated in what is still seen as a TV first, an interracial kiss with Captain Kirk, played by William Shatner.

    The cast of 'Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country' (1991).
    The cast of ‘Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country’ (1991).

    Despite the seeming opportunities offered by ‘Trek’, Nichols considered leaving the show after the first season to relaunch her Broadway career. A famous fan strongly advised her to stay aboard: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

    “‘You cannot, you cannot… for the first time on television, we will be seen as we should be seen every day, as intelligent, quality, beautiful, people who can sing dance, and can go to space, who are professors, lawyers,’” Nichols recalled King saying to her in a 2013 interview. “‘If you leave, that door can be closed because your role is not a black role, and is not a female role, he can fill it with anybody even an alien.’”

    Nichols would indeed gone on to star in the next two seasons, and the six ‘Star Trek’ movies featuring the original cast, as well as the animated series. Whoopi Goldberg, who realized her own ‘Trek’ dream via a part on ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’, cited Nichols as inspiration for her own entertainment career.

    Following her primary run on ‘Star Trek’ Nichols also became an advocate for bringing women and minorities into the sciences and was hired by NASA to help encourage astronaut recruitment.

    Though none of her other TV or movie work quite matched the level of ‘Trek’, she still had plenty of roles, lending her voice to a variety of animated series and appearing in movies such as ‘Snow Dogs’, ‘Are We There Yet?’ and ‘White Orchid’. She also had a recurring run on ‘Heroes’.

    “I regret to inform you that a great light in the firmament no longer shines for us as it has for so many years,” her son, Kyle Johnson wrote on Nichols’ Facebook page on Sunday. “Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away. Her light however, like the ancient galaxies now being seen for the first time, will remain for us and future generations to enjoy, learn from, and draw inspiration. Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all.”

    The cast of 'Star Trek: The Original Series' (1965 - 1969).
    The cast of ‘Star Trek: The Original Series’ (1965 – 1969).