Star Trek: The Next Generation's iconic Klingon Lieutenant Worf looked a bit different in season 1 of the hit show. Played by Michael Dorn, Worf was not originally supposed to be a member of TNG's core cast, but rather a recurring character who would only appear in a handful of episodes. Dorn's performance impressed the show's producers, however, and Worf was quickly made an essential part of the Enterprise-D's senior staff.
The look of the Klingons had been slowly evolving since Star Trek: The Motion Picture, the first story where they appeared with their now trademark forehead ridges and sharp teeth. Their look was slightly refined for Star Trek III: The Search For Spock; Worf's initial design borrowed heavily from that film's interpretation. However, Worf would undergo a further refinement in appearance between TNG seasons 1 and 2.
Why Worf's Klingon Makeup Changed After TNG Season 1
In TNG season 1, Worf's head ridges were veiny and a bit undefined, not really suggesting any sort of pattern. After season 1 of TNG wrapped production, Worf's facial prosthetics were either lost or stolen. This presented Michael Westmore, TNG's primary makeup designer, with an opportunity to improve the look of the character.
Worf's new season 2 head ridges were much more striking, now featuring a distinctive triangular pattern. The prosthetics were also much more comfortable for Star Trek: The Original Series, was replaced with a new metallic design. Worf's look would change a bit over the years, notably his hairstyle, but the TNG season 2 redesign set the overall look of Worf for decades.
Worf's TNG Season 2 Makeup Was The Klingon Template Until Discovery
Worf's TNG season 2 look was not only the iconic interpretation of the Enterprise-D's chief of security, it served as the template for virtually all Klingons in the franchise until they were radically altered for Star Trek: Enterprise in the early '00s, the Klingons reflected Worf's general aesthetic: patterned head ridges, manicured facial hair, and largely human skin tones. The non-Worf Klingons also embraced a sort of galactic biker gang fashion sense, with lots of leather and silver.
This look was completely abandoned for Discovery season 1. Discovery's Klingons were hairless, featured decidedly non-human skin tones, and had exaggerated head ridges and teeth. Star Trek: Picard season 3. Production stills and promotional images have confirmed Worf will still feature his classic look, perhaps even serving as a soft reset for the Klingons, as they're finally able to return to the Star Trek: The Next Generation look that so defined them.