After a very long time, the Enterprise begins another small screen mission to visit Strange New Worlds.
After appearing in Discovery‘s second season in 2019, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is almost ready to launch. Captained by Christopher Pike, with Number One and Science Officer Spock, the show will chronicle USS Enterprise’s early missions. These are the voyages of the ship Pre-Captain Kirk, presumably nestled in-between Discovery and The Original Series.
Set to begin stateside (and in those countries with Paramount+) on the 5th of May, a first teaser trailer has given us a taste of what to expect.
It really is a teaser too, focussing primarily on the theme of exploration. Picking out the opening notes of the original Star Trek theme, we enjoy some vistas, showcasing some of the places the series plans to visit. There’s also a clever voiceover, talking about the excitement of first contact from the visited, rather then the visitor’s point of view.
While none of his crew are shown, we do see a bearded Christopher Pike (Anson Mount); apparently reluctant, he eventually takes his place on board as the trailer ends.
The crew
While we don’t know loads about the show at the moment, we do know its principal cast. Joining Anson Mount, Rebecca Romjin and Ethan Mount are reprising their Discovery roles as Number One and Science Officer Spock.
Also in the cast are Jess Bush as Nurse Christine Chapel, Celia Rose Gooding as Cadet Nyota Uhura, Melissa Navia as Lt. Erica Ortegas and Babs Olusanmokun as Dr. M’Benga. Perhaps most interesting is Christina Chong’s character of La’an Noonien-Singh; her character’s surname rang fannish alarm bells and it’s a connection that has been confirmed.
Interestingly, Paramount+ are so happy with the show that a second series was commissioned in January; all part of the Paramount plans for a Star Trek universe.
Watching the show in the UK
As with Season 4 of Discovery, UK fans may have to hold on a while to see Strange New Worlds, or purchase the show; we’re still waiting on the UK launch of Paramount+ (it’s coming via Sky). Alternatively, they might again throw us the (rather unsatisfactory) bone of a linear broadcast on Pluto TV.
Whatever happens on that front, we expect to be hearing a lot about the show in the coming weeks. We’ll keep you posted.