Movies News Talk
Star Trek: Section 31 – Meet Michelle Yeoh's New black ops Crew!
Get ready, Trekkies! Star Trek: Section 31, dropping on Paramount+ on January 24th, 2025, is unlike anything we’ve seen before! It is a seriously thrilling new movie! Directed by Olatunde Osunsanmi and written by Craig Sweeny, this is the first Star Trek film made for streaming –and the first new Star Trek movie since 2016's Star Trek Beyond! This is exciting! It features Academy Award-winning Michelle Yeoh as the amazing and complicated Emperor Philippa Georgiou, and she is leading a team of unpredictable and dangerous characters who all have reasons for being in the same place.
The secretive nature of Section 31 itself really makes a perfect background setting for a movie; as the core theme itself plays with ideas surrounding secret agents, conspiracy and covert ops, resulting in unexpected action moments combined with intense political and spy intrigue; that whole story already exists, so now they simply are exploring different aspects! It also highlights an intriguing moment: this new storyline unfolds during Star Trek’s “lost era”—the 24th century between Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country and Star Trek: The Next Generation. There’s plenty of mystery. But here’s what we know about Georgiou’s crew— including some returning characters!
Michelle Yeoh is back and totally killing it. Her role, Emperor Philippa Georgiou, is the reformed (ish!) tyrant from Star Trek: Discovery! The Guardian of Forever (Paul Guilfoyle) transported this ruler of the Mirror Universe to this new timeframe – which is perfectly designed to resolve the existing narrative; that whole transition period. Georgiou’s intelligence and skill are legendary. She has access to two realities, creating even more potential.
This new iteration attempts a more compelling depiction of her growth as an individual; contrasting her reformed self and also revisiting her origins, showing that intense evolution from that ruthless tyrant to something… slightly less evil. Expect some seriously dark surprises!
This role involves Kacey Rohl, playing Rachel Garrett—another seriously huge throwback! Star Trek: The Next Generation's fans know this name from “Yesterday’s Enterprise”; showing this classic heroic sacrifice; showcasing this doomed ship's demise and the intense lengths some individuals go for the overall protection of everyone! That legacy involved honoring Garrett, the legendary captain of that fated Enterprise-C. This name really conveys enormous impact for all those fans.
But that legacy goes deeper than many anticipate. We already know she is that important Captain from that previous incarnation. Now we get more! She's not a Captain in this new movie. Yet working within Section 31 adds a new layer! A morally grey addition within Section 31. Will she maintain that prior standard of valor in those situations where killing people is part of their mission?
Omari Hardwick is Alok, that surprisingly human team leader. Alok’s not cut out for Starfleet; his more complex issues create problems. He created Section 31’s mission, showing he’s highly driven, yet suspicious of Georgiou. It begs the questions; if this leader mistrusts such a pivotal individual—what other key information is still unknown! It adds intrigue.
Sam Richardson is Quasi; a Chameloid (a shapeshifter); he fits the role as infiltrator. That talent alone provides immense value to those requiring agents for spy and covert operations. But, like the rest, he does not trust Georgiou. Yet those contributions do matter to the entire plot.
And here’s a bigger question. The Chameloids weren’t in the Dominion War (in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine). Section 31 might just be revealing more information about the shapeshifters. There might be some extremely dark revelations around their roles.
Sven Ruygrok's Fuzz is mysterious; those pointed ears hint at Vulcan, however, those emotional responses are more consistent with Romulans. Or maybe he is both? His possible dual identity raises massive amounts of intrigue, showing that unexpected lineages aren't always what viewers may anticipate. Either those incredible, controlled Vulcan attributes, or that more devious nature; those would both serve Section 31 perfectly well.
A Romulan in Section 31 is seriously interesting. The time frame predates Star Trek: Picard’s Romulan infighting and its resulting turmoil. Does Fuzz have hidden connections to important characters; including possibly Lieutenant Saavik or Lieutenant Valeris (another critically important character)? This begs many crucial questions.
Rob Kazinsky’s Zeph is amazing—that armored look. But don’t confuse this with Borg! (It's decades before the Federation encountered them!). This makes Zeph’s role and combat proficiency an interesting contribution! Another Section 31 member deemed unfit for Starfleet; yet extremely effective. This adds more to this storyline!
Humberly Gonzalez’s Melle—bald and popping bubblegum. That’s intriguing! The look might hint at Deltan. The original Deltan (Ilia) in Star Trek: The Motion Picture was seductive and memorable. What makes this relevant is that their kind reemerges in Star Trek: Picard; those particular kinds of characters; these show those key elements of character which had long-lasting relevance; these add those key narrative elements that impact audience member appreciation. And Melle might show that side again. The intriguing point and purpose hinted towards; might have this individual influence minds!
Star Trek: Section 31 looks insanely good; full of amazing actors; delivering action moments combined with incredible lore! The “lost era” timeframe is interesting; and having Georgiou’s crew shows another aspect of Star Trek: those unexpected character choices that help build incredible tension which adds that critical level of anticipation which only comes with surprising new faces; making everything completely unpredictable. It adds unique diversity to an established and already complex franchise! Prepare for a wildly thrilling adventure! That particular plot promises serious action – a perfect way to expand those universes even further, for new audiences. The unexpected character dynamics could create memorable plot moments for those returning, longtime Star Trek fans too!