Why ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’ Was Challenging to Develop
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy creators Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau faced a big challenge when developing the new series. They wanted to focus on a group of fresh cadets while still delivering classic Star Trek adventures in space. How do you balance training with thrilling missions in the final frontier?
According to Landau, it was crucial to show that these cadets face real peril and complex situations on their missions. The key was the U.S.S. Athena, which serves as both a spaceship and the Starfleet campus when it docks on Earth. Kurtzman likened it to a teaching hospital – a place where you learn by diving into the action.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is set in the 32nd century and introduces us to a new class of cadets, including Sandro Rosta’s character, Caleb Mir. The show also stars Holly Hunter as Chancellor Nahla Ake, the captain of the U.S.S. Athena and head of the school. Kurtzman describes her as the “cool mom” – tough and nurturing with the authority of a captain.
The series features a diverse cast of cadets, with Kerrice Brooks standing out as S.A.M., a newborn hologram enrolled in Starfleet. The character was rewritten specifically for Brooks after her audition impressed the showrunners. The show also brings an East Coast college vibe to the set, with live elements like trees onboard the spacecraft.
With sets designed for a potential second season, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is already into filming its sophomore run. Fans can catch more details about the series at a Star Trek Universe panel at New York Comic Con. The show is set to premiere on Paramount+ in 2026. Exciting times ahead for Star Trek fans!
