Star Trek: Section 31 Embraces the Shadows While Staying True to Roddenberry’s Vision
Ahead of the release of Star Trek: section 31, executive producer Alex Kurtzman and director Olatunde Osunsanmi shed light on the film’s unique approach to the beloved franchise. While venturing into darker territory, the film remains deeply rooted in Gene Roddenberry’s optimistic vision for the future.
“You can’t make Star Trek without reinforcing Roddenberry’s vision of a more optimistic future,” Kurtzman emphasized.”Star Trek, at its core, holds a mirror to the world, telling allegorical stories about our lives. Section 31, operating outside Federation space, explores the complexities of protecting that vision. These characters, driven by the same ideals as Starfleet officers, operate in the shadows, navigating gray areas that the Federation charter doesn’t always address. it’s a conversation happening in our world today.”
Kurtzman acknowledged the inherent challenge of balancing darkness with the quintessential Star Trek spirit. “If we made a very dark Star Trek, people would rightfully say, ’wow, that doesn’t feel like Star Trek.’ We mitigated this by crafting a fun, engaging story with purposeful references to Federation values and Starfleet traditions. Think of it as a ‘wagon train to the stars’ narrative with a Western twist, ultimately serving as a redemption story for Georgiou.”
When asked about future installments, Osunsanmi expressed hope for a sequel, stating, ”I hope we’re planning another one. It depends on what the fans say. We’d love to do another Section 31, particularly.” Kurtzman echoed this sentiment, adding, “some stories are better told in two hours, others over five seasons. Our job is to figure out which is which. We had a blast making this, and we’re absolutely open to more.”
sport that I’ll be honest with you, we’ve got more than enough on our plate right now. I think the minute we start doing too much, the quality of the show suffers, and our job is to protect from that.”
Despite the busy schedule, fans of Starfleet Academy have reason to celebrate. Kurtzman confirms, “We’ve already started. Yeah, the [writers’] room is already working on season 2.”
When asked about a potential shooting schedule, Kurtzman hints, “Yeah, It’ll probably be mid-year.”
Star Trek: Section 31 Premieres,Excitement Builds for New Release
The highly anticipated *Star Trek: Section 31* movie is set to premiere soon, and the excitement is palpable within the Star Trek fandom. Fans are eagerly awaiting the release and insights into this shadowy branch of starfleet.
To fuel the anticipation, trekmovie recently participated in table read rehearsals with the cast, providing a glimpse behind the scenes. Kurtzman, alongside other producers and the cast, were present for the *Starfleet Academy* table read in August, as seen in the picture.
The latest release comes with a wave of interviews and insightful discussions. “TrekMovie also interviewed members of the *Section 31* cast today, so keep an eye out for that after the movie premieres on Friday,” shares a representative from TrekMovie, hinting at some exciting behind-the-scenes scoops and exclusive interviews.
TrekMovie is also offering a sneak peek into the film. “TrekMovie will also be posting some early thoughts from editors who have seen the *Section 31* movie late tonight after the (spoiler-free) embargo lifts, with a full detailed review on Friday,” adds the representative.
Adding to the buzz,TrekMovie is live at the red carpet premiere in New York City. “Look for red carpet interviews from that event in the coming days,” the team promises.TrekMovie’s presence on social platforms, such as Bluesky, is keeping fans engaged with a real-time view of the premiere. The excitement is evident in their Bluesky post, “TrekMovie is at the #Section31 premiere in NYC, ready for red carpet interviews. #StarTrek.”
What are your thoughts on the merger between Paramount and Skydance and what conversations have you had so far regarding the future of Star trek?
Archyde News Exclusive: An Interview wiht Alex Kurtzman – TheCaptain at the Helm of Star Trek’s New Frontier
Archyde News Editor (ANE): Welcome,Mr. Kurtzman! We’re thrilled to have you with us today to discuss the exciting new chapter of Star Trek, including section 31, the upcoming animated movie, and the future of the franchise.
Alex Kurtzman (AK): Thank you for having me. It’s always great to chat about Star Trek.
ANE: Let’s dive right in. Section 31 seems to strike a balance between the classic Star Trek spirit and more-dark narrative territory.How did you approach maintaining Gene Roddenberry’s optimistic vision while exploring such murky waters?
AK: Gene Roddenberry’s vision is the heart of Star Trek,and it’s crucial that we honor it in every story we tell. With Section 31, we wanted to challenge ourselves by exploring the grey areas that even the Federation can’t always address. The key was to ensure that, despite the darkness, the story reflected Federation values and Starfleet traditions. We were inspired by Westerns – imagine a ‘wagon train to the stars’ with a redemption arc for Georgiou at its core.
ANE: Speaking of georgiou, Michelle Yeoh’s performance is remarkable. What can fans expect from her character in this new context?
AK: Michelle is an unbelievable talent, and we’re thrilled to have her on board. In section 31, fans will see a different side of Georgiou. She’s still driven by her unyielding devotion to her mission, but she’s also grappling with the consequences of her past actions. It’s a complex, emotional journey that michelle absolutely nails.
ANE: Manny fans are eager for an animated movie featuring characters from Lower Decks and Prodigy. Can you give us any hints or updates on this front?
AK: I’m incredibly proud of both shows, and I share the fans’ excitement for an animated movie.The short answer is yes, we would love to do it. However, we want to make sure that when we tell a story, we have a really good reason to tell it, and we can tell it in the right way. Sometimes that means doing it as a series,and sometimes that means doing it as a film. We don’t want to make one just to make one; we want to make one as it’s the right thing to do.
ANE: The merger between Paramount and Skydance is on the horizon.What are your thoughts on this potential change, and what conversations have you had so far regarding the future of Star Trek?
AK: I haven’t had any detailed conversations yet as they haven’t engaged with the company yet. But what I do know is that David Ellison, who was one of the producers on the films we made, is a huge fan of Star Trek. He loves it a lot.So, I’m sure those conversations will happen eventually. For now,our focus remains firmly on the projects we have in growth,like Strange New Worlds,Starfleet Academy,and the next generation of Star Trek stories.
ANE: can fans expect a sequel to Section 31? And any othre surprises in store for us?
AK: Some stories are better told in two hours, others over several seasons. Our job is to figure out which is which. We had a blast making Section 31, and we’re absolutely open to more. As for surprises, I’d rather not spoil the fun, but I can tell you that the future of Star trek is looking brighter than ever.
ANE: Thank you, Mr. Kurtzman, for sharing your insights. We’re all eager to explore the final frontier alongside you.
AK: Thank you. It’s an honor to continue exploring this amazing universe with the incredible fans, creators, and cast members who make Star Trek such a special part of all our lives.
