Boldly going: ‘Star Trek’ prequel explores ‘Strange New Worlds’ again
A prequel series in one of sci-fi’s most iconic franchises is ready to go, boldly, back to the roots of the saga.
“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” begins its 10-episode second season Thursday, June 15, on Paramount+, as it continues the exploits of the starship Enterprise when it was under the command of Capt. Christopher Pike (Anson Mount, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” 2022), the predecessor of the vessel’s legendary later skipper, James T. Kirk (played by “The Vampire Diaries’” Paul Wesley, who reprises the recurring role in Season 2). Spun off from another prequel show, “Star Trek: Discovery,” “Strange New Worlds” has even more in store for fans: A third season already has been ordered, ahead of the premiere of Season 2.
“We have tried to harken back to some of the values and styles of the original series that got those of us who are a little older ignited on our ‘Star Trek’ journeys,” explains executive producer Akiva Goldsman. “In doing so, we’ve tried to look back and interpolate some parts of the original series that might not have made it to the screen, some things that might have happened just before Jim Kirk took over the Enterprise. And, as such, some familiar faces are finding new life.” Mount brought his Pike portrayal over from “Star Trek: Discovery,” which also featured Ethan Peck (“In Time,” 2011) as Spock and Rebecca Romijn (“X-Men,” 2000) as Number One before they made the journey to “Strange New Worlds.” Nurse Chapel (played by Jess Bush, “Playing For Keeps”) and Ensign Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding, “Broadway Whodunit: Escape From Camp Eerie,” 2020) are among other long-familiar characters who make their “Strange New Worlds” presence known. The second season of “Strange New Worlds” also includes Carol Kane (“Hunters”) in a recurring role.
“There was something about ‘Star Trek’ that was so far off the radar for me,” reflects “Hell on Wheels” alum Mount, who also is the character Black Bolt in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “It wasn’t even on my bucket list. I just never thought I would end up captaining the Enterprise. It’s insane when you think about it. And every single day I’m on the set — I’m not exaggerating — is both disbelief and a feeling of tremendous gratitude.”