I ship you not: Star Trek: Section 31 is finally heading to production. Formerly planned as a TV series, the concept will now become a feature film starring Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh, reprising her role from Star Trek: Discovery as Philippa Georgiou.
“I’m beyond thrilled to return to my Star Trek family and to the role I’ve loved for so long,” said Yeoh in a press statement. “Section 31 has been near and dear to my heart since I began the journey of playing Philippa all the way back when this new golden age of Star Trek launched. To see her finally get her moment is a dream come true in a year that’s shown me the incredible power of never giving up on your dreams.”
The Section 31 movie has been a long time coming. The project originally went into development as a television series in 2019, based on a set of novels that explores a secretive organization within Starfleet called Section 31. After years with little news about the series, Trek fans were shocked and delighted to learn that Section 31 will instead make its way to the screen as an event film.
David Stapf, president of CBS Studios, explained the network’s plan to continue working with Yeoh, after she appeared in Star Trek: Discovery. “For years we’ve been looking forward to Michelle Yeoh one day returning to Star Trek,” he said. “Her powerful performance as Captain and Emperor Georgiou was a pivotal moment for the return of the franchise, and her portrayal resonated with fans around the world in a multitude of ways. We couldn’t be prouder to join forces with Michelle once again as we continue to explore the Star Trek universe, celebrate its legacy, and chart a course for the future of the franchise.”
What will happen in Star Trek: Section 31?
What can we expect from Star Trek: Section 31? For now, Yeoh and Paramount are staying rather mum, with Yeoh saying only: “We can’t wait to share what’s in store for you. And until then: long live and prosper (unless Emperor Georgiou decrees otherwise)!”
This film seems to center on Yeoh’s character, Emperor Georgiou. Though her exact trek through the galaxy has not been revealed, it seems she has an exciting journey ahead fighting alongside Starfleet. The movie follows Emperor Philippa Georgiou, a female Terran who joins Section 31, a secret division of Starfleet tasked with protecting the United Federation of Planets. While helping Starfleet complete its mission, Georgiou will also face the sins of her past. It wouldn’t be a Star Trek movie without some complex twists and turns!
How Can I Watch Star Trek: Section 31?
Variety reports that the upcoming film is being produced by Paramount+. The film will be available to watch exclusively on the streamer upon its release. It may be just the beginning of a new phase for Star Trek, too; The Hollywood Reporter reports that Paramount+ plans to launch made-for-streaming Star Trek movies every two years.
When Will Star Trek: Section 31 Come Out?
The official premiere date has not been announced, but production begins later this year. If Paramount is able to film throughout 2023, the movie may be ready to watch as early as 2024.
We’ll continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
Associate Staff Writer
Bria McNeal is a Manhattan based journalist who is patiently awaiting B5’s revival. When she’s not writing about all things entertainment, she can be found watching TV or trying to DIY something (likely, at the same time). Her work has appeared in NYLON, Refinery29, InStyle, and her personal newsletter, StirCrazy.