Paul Giamatti and Holly Hunter, two critically acclaimed actors, have joined the cast of Paramount+’s “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy,” bringing their decades of experience to the storied science fiction franchise. In a recent interview, both actors discussed their approaches to embodying their roles and their overall experience diving into the Star Trek universe.
Finding the Characters
Giamatti plays Nus Braka, a Klingon/Tellarite space pirate, and described how the character immediately resonated with him once he donned the costume. “The first time they put me in all of that gear, I thought, ‘Ooh, I get this guy.’” The physicality of the role—the layers of costume and the implied history of the character—helped him quickly connect with the part.
Hunter, who plays Captain Nahla Ake, the USS Athena’s captain and Starfleet Academy chancellor, focused on creating a sense of intimacy in her performance. She aimed to deliver her character’s speeches as if speaking directly to the cadets, blurring the lines between formal address and personal connection. “I wanted it to be a conversation with the cadets, who are not in the room.” This approach reflects a deliberate effort to modernize the character’s presence within the 32nd-century setting.
A Lifelong Connection to Star Trek
Both actors confessed to having a long-standing appreciation for Star Trek. Giamatti recalled watching the original series with his father in the 1970s, describing the opportunity to join the franchise as “a lovely sort of privilege.” This background familiarity helped create a warm and welcoming atmosphere on set.
Hunter echoed this sentiment, noting the lack of restrictive boundaries within the Star Trek universe. “There’s nothing punitive about the boundaries of ‘Star Trek.’” The creative freedom allowed them to embrace the playful, improvisational spirit of the production. The dynamic between Giamatti and Hunter further enhanced the experience, with both actors relishing the opportunity to collaborate and explore the script’s potential for “mischief and good times.”
Ultimately, both actors found their time on Star Trek: Starfleet Academy to be a uniquely enjoyable experience, blending the legacy of the franchise with a refreshingly open and collaborative creative environment.
The production team clearly understood how to balance honoring the past with allowing space for the actors’ own contributions, which made the series a standout experience for everyone involved.
