Star Trek: Section 31 is just a few weeks away, but one of the actors has expressed some worries about how it might be received, as it seems to take a different approach compared to other films in the franchise.
In 2019, it was announced that Star Trek: Section 31 would be a TV series starring Michelle Yeoh as Emperor Philippa Georgiou. However, due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision was made to turn Section 31 into a movie. Additionally, Yeoh’s busy schedule played a role, as she received numerous project offers following her Oscar win in 2023 for her performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once. Despite her dedication to the Star Trek franchise, Yeoh found it challenging to commit to a TV series. Filming for Section 31 kicked off in January 2024 and concluded two months later. Fans can look forward to this exciting movie that delves into the more shadowy elements of the Star Trek universe, focusing on espionage and secret missions. One of the cast members expressed concern about how the Trekkie community would react to the film.
Robert Kazinsky, who portrays Zeph in Star Trek: Section 31, recently chatted with Games Radar’s SFX magazine about the forthcoming film. He expressed some concerns about the project, noting that it ventures into uncharted territory for the franchise, which makes him anxious about how it will be received. “I’m really nervous about the audience’s reaction because it’s not the kind of Trek that fans typically expect,” Kazinsky shared. “What fans really want is just a thousand more episodes of [The Next Generation]. It’s funny how everyone is upset that they aren’t getting more TNG, yet when it first aired, many people were critical of it.”
He expressed that Star Trek: Section 31 would have a different vibe. Since it’s not your typical Star Trek film, Kazinsky was a bit worried about how fans might react. “This is going to come out and it won’t resemble any Trek they’ve experienced before. I was concerned it might not feel like Trek at all.” Kazinsky caught attention back in August when the film’s trailer dropped. Many thought he might be portraying a Borg due to his outfit. However, he cleared up the speculation on Instagram, stating, “Ride of a lifetime. No, I’m not Borg.”
Kazinsky’s worries about how Section 31 will be received make a lot of sense. Fans often resist new ideas, particularly in a long-standing franchise like Star Trek. With so many movies and TV shows under their belts, dedicated Trekkers have a strong sense of what they love. Introducing a fresh concept might make them hesitant to accept it.
Section 31 is a covert branch of Starlet established to safeguard the United Federation of Planets. Operating behind the scenes, they are committed to doing whatever is necessary to preserve the Federation’s peaceful utopia. While the new theme might not resonate with long-time Trekkies, fans who enjoy darker, more intricate narratives may find it appealing as it explores ethical challenges. Additionally, Yeoh’s star power could influence how the film is received. The Academy Award-winning actress might attract her own followers, potentially bringing a fresh audience to the franchise.