SDCC 2025 Highlights Star Trek Return
In a thrilling turn of events at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, Paramount+ revealed the first official trailer for the highly anticipated series, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. The series, set to premiere in early 2026, marks the 12th instalment in the Star Trek universe and is poised to take fans on an exciting journey into the 32nd century.
During the panel, attendees were treated to highlights from Season 3 of Strange New Worlds (SNW) and a sneak peek into Season 4. However, no details about the final voyage of SNW or the themes of Starfleet Academy were discussed.
A New Generation of Cadets
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy follows the first new class of Starfleet cadets in over a century as they train aboard the starship U.S.S. Athena. Docked at the Starfleet Academy campus in San Francisco, the Athena can also be deployed with the fleet. The series delves into the growth of these cadets into officers amid the challenges of a recovering galaxy after a cataclysmic event.
The cast of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy includes notable names such as Holly Hunter as Chancellor Nahla Ake, who serves as both the head of Starfleet Academy and Captain of the U.S.S. Athena. Other cast members include Sandro Rosta, Karim Diané, Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins, Bella Shepard, and Zoë Steiner, who play the roles of cadets.
Returning franchise favourites include Tig Notaro and Robert Picardo, reprising their roles as Jett Reno and The Doctor, respectively. Oded Fehr and Mary Wiseman appear as Admiral Vance and Sylvia Tilly, while Gina Yashere and Paul Giamatti join the cast as recurring stars.
Plot and Production
The show follows the cadets as they navigate friendships, rivalries, first loves, and a new enemy threatening the Academy and the Federation. It emphasises training and camaraderie aboard the U.S.S. Athena while showcasing the broader Star Trek universe in the 32nd century.
Filming for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy took place from August 2024 to February 2025 at Pinewood Toronto Studios in Canada, with Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau as showrunners.
Meanwhile, Strange New Worlds was also in the spotlight, with Paramount+ confirming that the series will have a fifth and final season after Season 4. One of the highlights of Season 3 is an episode titled 'A Space Adventure Hour', directed by Jonathan Frakes and featuring a holodeck murder mystery.
As for immersive activations throughout SDCC weekend, no further information was provided. However, fans were able to enjoy various live performances in the Gaslamp Quarter, including a zombie horror, Vulcan wedding, '60s mission, and murder mystery, among others.
In conclusion, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy promises to be an exciting addition to the Star Trek universe, with its focus on the new generation of cadets training amid a post-cataclysmic galaxy. With its premiere scheduled for early 2026, fans can look forward to this new adventure in the world of Star Trek.
- A number of entertainment media outlets have published reviews praising the vibrant and riveting blend of music, comics, and movies-and-tv showcased at the San Diego Comic-Con 2025, particularly the reveals of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy and Strange New Worlds.
- As part of the entertainment lineup at various comic-con conventions, panel discussions often delve into the plot, production, and behind-the-scenes insight of upcoming series in the realm of music, movies, and comics, much like the panel held for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.
- To complement the immersive experience of attending comic-con conventions, fans can explore engaging performances across multiple genres, such as music concerts, comedy skits, stand-up shows, and play performances – emulating the vast array of entertainment available in shows like Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.
