The Star Trek universe is continuing to expand with the announcement of a brand-new spinoff, and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is already promising to be the most unique series in the franchise's half-century of history. Set in the distant 32nd century after the events of Star Trek: Discovery, Starfleet Academy will chronicle the return of the Earth's most important educational institution as it begins training its first class of new recruits in 100 years. Unlike the host of other Trek series in the past, Starfleet Academy will shake up the formula and take place exclusively on Earth.

The massive time jump in Star Trek: Discovery took viewers further ahead in the Star Trek timeline than ever before, and introduced a 32nd century that was not the utopian vision of Gene Roddenberry. Despite this departure from the ideals of Star Trek's thesis statement in Discovery, Starfleet Academy has the opportunity to rebuild the future of the future in a more utopian image, while also delivering a Trek series that is less about space exploration, and more about Earth politics. Though Starfleet Academy isn't back in session yet, there are already a ton of exciting updates.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Latest News

Paul Giamatti Teases His Starfleet Academy Character

It has been known for some time that the Sideways and Holdovers star would be playing a villain of sorts, but Giamatti's latest tease suggests things aren't as straightforward as they seem.

While much about the new show is still shrouded in mystery, the latest news finds Paul Giamatti teasing his Star Trek: Starfleet Academy character. It has been known for some time that the Sideways and Holdovers star would be playing a villain of sorts, but Giamatti's latest tease suggests things aren't as straightforward as they seem. "I play a very interesting, complicated guy, bad guy, I suppose," said Giamatti, tip-toeing around outright calling his character a villain. He also revealed he'll appear throughout the season and have an arc.

Read Giamatti's comments here:

It was great. I had a ball doing that. And I mean, again, during the Star Trek world, it’s lovely people, and it was nothing but pleasure, and it was a dream wish fulfillment for me to be able to be in Star Trek. I play a very interesting, complicated guy, bad guy, I suppose. I’m a bad guy. Yeah, I guess I’m a bad guy. But yeah, so I dunno what more I can say about that without giving too much away.

I’m in more than one episode. I have a little arc through this season. I reappear and become more problematic as the show goes on.

Giamatti's comments are interesting because, as previously mentioned, he seems to be reluctant to call his character an all-out heel. While this could be his attempt to avoid spoilers, or even an actor's habit of humanizing their characters, it could also mean he will be antagonistic, but not evil.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Is Confirmed

The Franchise Returns To The 32nd Century

The future of the Star Trek franchise was given a shot in the arm in March 2023 with the announcement of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. The long-rumored project was finally confirmed with Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau overseeing as executive producers. Though few details were known at the time of the announcement in 2023, the series was pitched as a YA approach to the Star Trek universe, with a focus on younger viewers. Filming began in August 2024, and finally wrapped in February 2025.

No release timeline is available yet, but it's possible that the series could arrive before the end of 2025. On top of season 1's production, Paramount+ also announced that Starfleet Academy has already been renewed for a second season. This early renewal speaks to the confidence that the streamer has in its forthcoming series, and also guarantees that the interesting new installment in the Star Trek franchise won't be cut short.

Star Trek: Discovery aired its final episode on May 30, 2024.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Cast Details

Holly Hunter & Paul Giamatti Lead The Cast

The cast of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is a mix of recognizable stars, returning Star Trek alums, and a host of up-and-comers. First announced was Oscar winner Holly Hunter (Broadcast News), playing the Chancellor of Starfleet Academy. Paul Giamatti (The Holdovers) will play a recurring antagonist, but details remain scarce. Giamatti has teased that his character is "problematic" but he hasn't outright said he's an evil villain. It could very well be that Giamatti's character will be antagonistic but not necessarily a full-on threat.

Tatiana Maslany of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law fame will appear in the series in an as-yet-unnamed recurring character, while WWE superstar Becky Lynch will appear in a guest role as a bridge crew member. Young stars George Hawkins (Gassed Up), Bella Shepard (Wolf Pack), Gina Yashere (Early Man), Karim Diane (One of Us Is Lying), Zoe Steiner (Significant Others), Kerrice Brooks (The Prom), and Sandro Rosta (Drained) have all been tapped to play as-yet-unnamed roles, though they are all cadets at the academy.

In order to link Starfleet Academy to the larger Star Trek franchise, several returning characters have already been announced with their original actors reprising the roles. Oded Fehr will return as iral Charles Vance from Discovery, alongside fellow Discovery alums like Tig Notaro as Jett Reno, and Mary Wiseman as Sylvia Tilly. In a surprising turn of events, veteran character actor Robert Picardo will reprise his role as The Doctor, a holographic medical program that was a central figure in Star Trek: Voyager.

The confirmed cast of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy:

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Story Details

Shaking Up The Classic Star Trek Formula

the youngsters will likely face moral challenges as they try to recapture the original utopian vision of Starfleet from centuries past.

For the first time in the Star Trek franchise, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy won't be about deep space exploration and will instead take place on Earth. The series is set in the 32nd century and will follow the first class of cadets to attend Starfleet Academy in 100 years. With that basic framework established, there is little else known about the show in of specifics, but the youngsters will likely face moral challenges as they try to recapture the original utopian vision of Starfleet from centuries past.

Paul Giamatti has been cast as an unnamed antagonist in the series, and it's unclear if he will be an actual evil character or if he will merely be a grumpy and unlikable person who is ultimately harmless. With the political situation of Star Trek's 32nd century anything but stable, Starfleet Academy will likely become the battleground of several key issues, but only time will tell how Star Trek: Starfleet Academy tackles the franchise's signature dilemmas in the comedic tone that is promised.