The highly anticipated series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy has officially debuted on Paramount+, introducing a new generation of characters to the long-running universe. Created by Gaia Violo, the ten-episode show picks up in the 32nd century, 120 years after the catastrophic event known as The Burn (established in Star Trek: Discovery )—a period when most warp-capable ships were disabled.
The series follows a fresh class of Starfleet cadets as they navigate their education and the challenges of a galaxy still recovering from widespread destruction. The Burn itself was a pivotal moment for the Trek timeline, reshaping interstellar politics and forcing a re-evaluation of galactic infrastructure. Starfleet Academy is not just a continuation of the story; it’s a statement about resilience and rebuilding in a universe that has known profound loss.
Recently, Space.com spoke with three rising stars of the show: Bella Shepard (Genesis Lythe), Zoë Steiner (Tarima Sadal), and Karim Diané (Jay-Den Kraag). Each actor shared insights into their roles, their connection to the characters, and what it means to join the legacy of Star Trek.
The Cast’s Perspective
Shepard expressed gratitude for the overwhelmingly positive fan reaction and the chance to work alongside veteran actors like Holly Hunter, Paul Giamatti, Bob Picardo, and Jonathan Frakes. The show’s writing also stood out for Steiner, who highlighted the rare balance between fantastical sci-fi and realistic character development.
Diané recounted a particularly striking moment: sitting in the captain’s chair on the USS Athena bridge. “I was like, ‘This is crazy,’” he said, capturing the surreal experience of stepping into the iconic Star Trek world.
Character Connections
The actors also discussed the parallels and contrasts between their real-life selves and their on-screen personas. Diané, who plays the Klingon cadet Jay-Den Kraag, jokingly admitted to lacking his character’s imposing features but felt a deep connection to Jay-Den’s internal conflict.
“I look nothing like Jay-Den in real life… but internally we’re very much the same. I’m West African and Central African… my tribe is a Mandingo tribe… Growing up, I’ve been expected to be a warrior, but I just want to be an artist. That’s very similar to Jay-Den, he doesn’t want to be a fighter, he wants to be a lover and a healer.”
Shepard noted a shared ambition with Genesis Lythe, while acknowledging the character’s unique pressures stemming from her father’s expectations. Steiner found common ground with Tarima Sadal in their shared emotional depth, aspiring to emulate her character’s compassion.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy isn’t just about starships and alien worlds; it’s about the human (and alien) condition, ambition, and the struggle to define one’s own path. The new series is a testament to Star Trek ‘s enduring ability to reflect our own world through the lens of a hopeful future.
