TheStar TrekUniverse warped its way into Hall H over the weekend at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con with panels set to stun those in attendance. During the presentations,Star Trek: Strange New Worldswas not only represented, but several creatives behind the upcomingStar Trek: Starfleet Academyshowed up to promote the upcomingParamount+series, including stars Holly Hunter, Sandro Rosta, Karim Diané, Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins, and Bella Shepard. However, it’s the first teaser trailer (below) that has Trekkies buzzing overPaul Giamatti’s villain, who is the show’s main antagonist, and he appears at the end of the footage whistling a very familiar tune.
Apparently, Giamatti (Sideways, The Holdovers) had his choice of characters to play inStarfleet Academyafter being allowed to read the show’s first five scripts. However, the two-time Academy Award nominee has always had his heart on portraying a Klingon, according to interviews he has participated in over the years. So, one of the newStar Trekseries’ executive producers, Alex Kurtzman, suggested reaching out to try and cast the master thespian. Kurtzman said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly (below):
New ‘Star Trek’ Series Gets Unexpected Update From Jonathan Frakes: “I Hope That Wasn’t an Overshare”
He has been known to divulge a secret or two over the years.
“We looked at each other, and we went, ‘Is he kidding?! Well, let’s call his agent and find out.’ Within, I think, less than an hour, [his agent] called back and said he would love to meet […] He had such a great time putting on the makeup. He loved sitting in the chair. We were worried it was going to take too much time, but he said, ‘No, I love it. It really lets me drop into the character.'”
Giamatti’s character is named Nus Braka, and he is part Klingon. However, he is also part Tellarite, which makes him a very dangerous new adversary in theStar Trekfranchise. So, the Chancellor of Starfleet Academy and Captain of the U.S.S. Athena, Nahla Ake (Hunter), has her work cut out for her.
Paul Giamatti’s Villain Joins Familiar Star Trek Faces in ‘Starfleet Academy’
Star Trek: Starfleet Academyis set in the future during the 32nd Century, which is a far cry from the 23rd Century thatStar Trek: The Original Serieshappens in during the prime of James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy). However, some very familiar faces will be joining the exploits of the new series, including Oded Fehr (Admiral Vance), Tig Notaro (Jett Reno), and Mary Wiseman (Sylvia Tilly) fromStar Trek: Discovery. Plus, look closely at the new teaser trailer, and Trekkies will find Robert Picardo’s The Doctor ofStar Trek: Voyagerfame.
Co-showrunner Noga Landau also promises in the same interview withEntertainment Weeklythat The Doctor’s presence onStarfleet Academywill “continue his story forward in a way that fans ofVoyagerare going to find really satisfying.” There’s also a subtle tribute to everyone’s favorite Captain of the Enterprise — sorry, Jean-Luc Picard — as some fancy signage in the academy’s hallowed halls reads: “James T. Kirk Pavilion.”
Now, back tothe mysterious villain Nus Braka, who Paul Giamatti will be portraying and how he will affect the lives of those atStarfleet Academy. Well, executive producer and co-showrunner Alex Kurtzman says of Nus Braka during the same sit-down withEW:
“He represents a tide that has swept across the world in a very profound and upsetting way. I say this without taking a political stance. That is part of what it means to invite everybody into the tent. One of my favorite things about Star Trek is that it reaches across the aisle. People on all sides of the political spectrum love it for different reasons. That is something that we really wanted to hold true to here.”
“That’s really the whole point ofStar Trekis to remind people of what real sci-fi optimism looks like,” Kurtzman added. “Part of that reminder comes from learning how to view others not through a lens of intolerance and hate and disgruntlement, but through a lens of empathy and unity and peacemaking.” Trekkies won’t be able to watchStar Trek: Starfleet Academyuntil the show drops on Paramount+ in early 2026 to help celebrate the 60th anniversary ofthe lucrative science fiction franchise. However, for those wanting to know more about the new series, check out a brief synopsis below:
“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.”
