The Sorrows of Philippa Georgiou and Their Romantic Saga

March 7, 2025

Section 31: Stars Reveal Intertwined Fates

Michelle Yeoh and James Hiroyuki Liao, the stars of Star Trek: Section 31, delve into the complex relationship between their characters, Philippa Georgiou and San, in an exclusive interview with our platform.

Before her rise to power, Georgiou was a contestant in a brutal trial that determined the 'purest expression of the Terran identity.' Her closest ally in this trial was San, with whom she shared a profound friendship and bond. Together, they vowed to overcome all obstacles as they journeyed through the contest.

However, only one could become the Emperor, and the two friends were left with a difficult choice. Georgiou emerged victorious and was forced to eliminate her family, including San. Although he completed his final task, he was unable to fulfill a promise to Georgiou, resulting in his servitude to her for the remainder of his life.

Yeoh discussed the unique dynamic between their characters, emphasizing Georgiou's isolation at the top of the Empire. "Emperor Georgiou is a very lonely character," she explained. "To stay at the top, you trust no one. You have no friends because everyone is trying to knock you off your throne and take over. Even her own daughter."

Liao echoed Yeoh's sentiment, explaining how the unique bond between San and Georgiou was tested throughout the trials. "For San, I'll just say this, something that I definitely used and worked on for the role," he said. "I thought the only way to play it is not through hatred. I think he still dreamt at night, even as we get to the current events of Section 31, I think he still dreams about that moment. That instead of continuing on with the contest, he wishes that Georgiou would've run away with him."

Reflecting on the misfortune that befell their characters, Yeoh shared her thoughts on Georgiou's regret and redemption. "When she found out it was San, she wanted to save him because she has been saved," she said. "She has been given a second chance. She believed, at that point, in second chances. She believes. Honestly, she did and even at the risk of her own life. With our platform: Section 31, she has come almost to her full circle where she understands and she feels, 'What is humanity? What needs to be done?' It's not just about you and what you want. That is about not just the people that you love, but in general. There are so many people or the whole planet, the universe, that needs your help or needs you to do the right thing."

With the emotional and intense confrontation between San and Georgiou, the film explores themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. Liao praised Yeoh's performance and emotional depth, stating, "the way that Michelle played her was so beautiful because obviously it affects her that way."

In the final confrontation, San ultimately decides to use the stolen Godsend to destroy the Empire, forcing Georgiou to make a difficult decision to save the Prime Universe. "And the tragedy is that for San," Liao explained, "it was a constant struggle and a battle within himself, something that I was playing."

Christine Dinh (she/her) is the managing editor for our platform. She's traded the Multiverse for helming this Federation Starship.

Star Trek: Section 31 is now available to stream exclusively on Paramount in the U.S. and in all international markets where the service is available. The movie is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

Stay tuned to our platform for more details! And be sure to follow @our platform on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

Despite their close bond, Michelle Yeoh's character, Emperor Georgiou, was forced to eliminate her friend, San, after he completed a final task, leaving him in servitude due to an unfulfilled promise.
San, portrayed by James Hiroyuki Liao, continues to harbor dreams of escaping his life of servitude and running away with Georgiou, as depicted in the movie 'Star Trek: Section 31.'
The movie 'Star Trek: Section 31' discussing themes of love, betrayal, and redemption, highlights an emotional and intense confrontation between San and Georgiou, which is now available to stream exclusively on Paramount.