Academy Award-winning actress Michelle Yeoh is beaming up for Star Trek: Section 31, an original movie coming to Paramount+. Yeoh will reprise her role as Emperor Philippa Georgiou, the fan-favorite character she played in the first season of Star Trek: Discovery. The project was initially developed as a series, but it’s being reworked for a feature presentation.
Star Trek: Section 31 finds Emperor Philippa Georgiou joining a secret division of Starfleet charged with protecting the United Federation of Planets. In addition to looking after the UFP, Yeoh’s character will explore the sins of her past, confronting her journey in ways she could not have anticipated. Production is kicking off later this year courtesy of CBS Studios.
“I’m beyond thrilled to return to my Star Trek family and to the role I’ve loved for so long,” Yeoh said about returning to the Star Trek Universe. “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. We can’t wait to share what’s in store for you, and until then: live long and prosper (unless Emperor Georgiou decrees otherwise)!”
Oh, man! Yeoh sounds like she’s ready to return to Star Trek, and I am ready! Fans must be excited about this news, especially after waiting so long for the franchise to revisit Yeoh’s stand-out character.
“All the way back in 2017, before the first season of Star Trek: Discovery had even aired, Michelle had the idea to do a spin-off for her character, Philippa Georgiou,” said executive producer Alex Kurtzman. “She broke new ground as one of the first two women on screen in the pilot to usher in a new age of Trek, and now, six years later, Star Trek: Section 31 finally arrives on the heels of her latest groundbreaking win. Everyone on Team Trek couldn’t be more thrilled to have our legendary friend return home to us as we expand our storytelling into new and uncharted corners of the Trekverse. Long live Emperor Georgiou. Long live Michelle Yeoh!”
“We’re thrilled that Star Trek: Section 31 will be the next title in our Star Trek universe,” said Domenic DiMeglio, chief marketing officer and head of data at Paramount Streaming. “Michelle Yeoh is an incomparable talent – she brought Emperor Georgiou to life in such an incredibly fun and nuanced way that the character immediately became a fan favorite. We’re so thrilled to welcome Michelle back to the Star Trek and Paramount+ family and can’t wait for fans to see what this special movie event has in store.”
“For years, we’ve been looking forward to Michelle Yeoh one day returning to Star Trek,” added David Stapf, president of CBS Studios. “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.”
Olatunde Osunsanmi directs Star Trek: Section 31 from a script by Craig Sweeny. Alex Kurtzman, Craig Sweeny, Aaron Baiers, Olatunde Osunsanmi, Frank Siracusa, John Weber, Rod Roddenberry, Trevor Roth, and Michelle Yeoh executive produce.
I sent this story to my Star Trek friends, who are freaking out. Yeoh is enjoying an incredible ride after she and the team behind Everything Everywhere All At Once swept the Oscars. With so many studios vying for her attention, it’s unbelievable that she’s returning to the Star Trek Universe. She has a lot of passion for Emperor Philippa Georgiou, and I look forward to seeing her bring that energy to this new project. Ride the wave, Ms. Yeoh! We are here for it!