Star Trek has always ventured “to boldly go where no one has gone before,” and since 2009, when J.J. Abrams’ film rebooted the franchise, old and new fans alike have been treated to new worlds and new formats, including animation. But so far, the films and spin-offs have focused on the Federation and Starfleet, making the latest Paramount+ film “Star Trek: Section 31” a unique adventure led by the award-winning actor Michelle Yeoh.
The straight-to-streaming film is a fast-paced adventure that follows Phillipa Georgiou, played by Yeoh, and a motley crew from the secret division of Starfleet known as Section 31, as she faces her past to save the universe. A Trekkie herself, Yeoh shares the significance of having been in a lead role in the Star Trek franchise and what she loves about this film.
More About “Star Trek: Section 31”
Yeoh is not new to the franchise. She plays not one, but two versions of the fan-favorite Philippa Georgiou. Philippa was introduced in the TV series “Star Trek: Discovery” (2017-2020), where her recurring character was initially captain of the USS Shenzhou.
“It was such a privilege to be the first Asian captain of the series, and it was so beautifully written, where she was so loved,” Yeoh remarks. “She was a good leader — strong, tough, but at the same time loving of her crew and very wise. And then she gets killed.”
Of course, in true sci-fi fashion, no one ever truly dies. Philippa returns to the Star Trek universe albeit as a Mirror Universe version of the beloved captain. This version, however, is not the loving and righteous leader. This is Emperor Philippa Georgiou, and it is this imperial version of Philippa that we follow in “Section 31.”
Yeoh shares that the character of Emperor Georgiou was a “complex, beautifully crafted character” because she is at once scary and terrifying. Even if you haven’t watched the television series, you will learn in the film that this version of Philippa is not…
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