lukonianlogic
Attending the Star Trek panel at New York Comic Con was everything a fan could hope for—packed with surprises, special announcements, and moments that perfectly celebrated the franchise’s storied legacy. One of the most exciting highlights for me was watching the Season 5 premiere of Star Trek: Lower Decks alongside a lively crowd. Since I am the only Trekkie in my household, I’ve laughed along with the crew of the Cerritos by myself for the past 4 seasons so it was a special treat to watch an episode with fellow fans. The energy in the room was infectious and it was a bittersweet reminder of why this animated series has earned such a special place in the Star Trek universe.
Creator Mike McMahan, who was joined on stage by stars Tawny Newsome, Jack Quaid, Eugene Cordero, and Noël Wells, captured this feeling, describing how special it is to see Lower Decks resonating so strongly with fans. “This is the victory lap, the final season… I couldn’t be prouder of the 50 episodes,” he said, reflecting on the show’s success and its bittersweet conclusion.
“The only thing that I’m sad about is… I’ll never be able to watch Trek again without being like, ‘Oh, I see what they had to do there.’”Watching Lower Decks with fellow Trekkies felt like a reunion of old friends, and the camaraderie in the room reminded us all why Lower Decks has become one of Star Trek‘s most beloved recent chapters. One of the biggest surprises of the panel came when McMahan revealed this NYCC panel was the first time the four stars were ever in the same room together during the full run of the series.
The surprises were far from over. Starfleet Academy was next, and fans were thrilled when none other than Robert Picardo, beloved for his role as the Doctor on Star Trek: Voyager, appeared as a surprise guest. The applause he received was massive, underscoring the enduring love fans have for his character. Reflecting on reprising his role, Picardo joked, “Now, I’m about 900 years old, give or take. And it’s great. I don’t look bad for 900!”
I couldn’t help but feel excitement for Starfleet Academy’s all-star cast, which includes not only established character actors like Picardo, Holly Hunter, Paul Giamatti but also a talented group of young actors ready to bring fresh perspectives and stories into the Star Trek universe. Alex Kurtzman introduced the new cast members, saying, “These are amazing cadets… It’s so exciting to have young talent alongside legends.” This mix of seasoned performers and promising new talent feels perfectly aligned with Star Trek‘s history, where character actors have always shone alongside rising stars. The series promises a blend of tradition and innovation, creating a space where a new generation of Trekkies can find their heroes.
In true Comic Con fashion, Starfleet Academy had even more thrilling news: Paramount+ has already renewed the series for a second season. This early renewal was met with cheers, solidifying fans’ confidence in the show’s future and its potential to tell stories that honor Star Trek’s legacy while appealing to a younger audience. Kurtzman hinted at the excitement behind the scenes, sharing, “Paramount+ is very happy with the way we’re going.” The cast and crew are clearly ready to bring the magic of Starfleet’s training ground to life, with Picardo’s Doctor adding a touch of nostalgia and wisdom to the mix, along with Tig Notaro as Jet Reno from Star Trek: Discovery. Not to mention the addition of Tatiana Maslany from Orphan Black and She-Hulk, whose skills in character work add to the arsenal of talent on this new production.
Then came the much-anticipated Strange New Worlds segment, which is currently considered the crown jewel of the Star Trek lineup. It’s not hard to see why—this series has consistently captured the essence of Star Trek’s exploratory spirit, adventure, and optimism, while also introducing captivating storylines and complex characters. The panel hinted at exciting developments for Season 3, with co-showrunner Akiva Goldsman expressing gratitude for fan support: “Strange New Worlds is startling in its success because you embraced it… It’s because of you we get to do a season three and get to do this season four after that.”
The creators were quick to acknowledge the incredible support from fans, and the crowd’s reaction reinforced how Strange New Worlds has become a favorite in the Star Trek universe. I feel confident that Season 3 will continue to deliver at the high level fans have come to expect. Also taking the stage were Carol Kane who joined the series in season two and Mr. Spock himself, Ethan Peck.
One of the standout moments from the Strange New Worlds portion was the mention of fan-favorite character arcs and the intricate storytelling awaiting viewers in Season 3. Showrunner Henry Alonso Myers hinted at the unique tone of the upcoming season, summing it up in three words: “Dancing, murder, surprises.” I’m certain Strange New Worlds will continue to raise the bar, delivering high-stakes adventure alongside the classic philosophical questions Star Trek fans cherish.
Finally, the panel transitioned to Star Trek: Section 31, an upcoming movie centered on the morally complex black-ops organization within the Federation. It was fascinating to hear how the cast and crew are dedicated to making a film that balances Star Trek‘s ideals with the darker, morally ambiguous world of Section 31. Director Olatunde Osunsanmi discussed how this project aims to explore redemption, change, and striving for goodness—even in an organization that challenges Starfleet’s code. “One of the major themes of Section 31 is… everyone is capable of transforming themselves and being better,” he explained. Michelle Yeoh, who reprises her role as Emperor Philippa Georgiou, expressed her excitement to return: “Emperor Georgiou is probably one of the most complex, fun, out-of-this-world characters I’ve ever played. It’s not possible to let go of a character like that.”
The biggest announcement for Section 31 was the release date. The film is set to debut on Paramount+ on January 24, 2025. It’s been a long road for Section 31, which was initially planned as a series, and the shift to a streaming movie format adds to its mystique. Yeoh acknowledged the franchise’s growth and her continued role in it: “When you have something very special, you will find ways and means to make sure that it doesn’t stop, it will keep coming back and going on.” I’m intrigued to see how this story will fit within the broader Star Trek landscape and how it will appeal to fans of different eras and sensibilities. They also revealed new Section 31 poster art which you can see below.
Overall, the Star Trek panel at NYCC was a celebration of both the franchise’s legacy and its future. Watching Lower Decks with a crowd of fans, cheering for Robert Picardo’s surprise appearance, feeling the excitement for Starfleet Academy, marveling at the impressive trajectory of Strange New Worlds, and getting a sneak peek at Section 31 all combined to make this a memorable experience. With so much new content on the horizon and such a commitment to staying true to Star Trek’s ideals, I’m more excited than ever to see where the franchise boldly goes next.
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