Star Trek: Prodigy producers wanted Kate Mulgrew from the start

Star Trek: Prodigy premieres on October 28 on Paramount+

Star Trek: Prodigy is set to premiere next week on Paramount+. A computer-animated series about a group of alien teens that find a derelict starship, Prodigy will revolve around the untrained crew learning how to control the ship, traverse the galaxy, and search for adventures. On board to help the new crew learn about the ship, the Federation, and what it means to be a member of Starfleet is Captain Kathryn Janeway, portrayed by Kate Mulgrew, who spent seven seasons as the captain aboard Voyager on Star Trek: Voyager.

It’s no surprise that Mulgrew will be along for this journey as the teen crew will be exploring the Delta Quadrant, something Captain Janeway knows a lot about. And, according to executive producers, Kevin and Dan Hageman, in an interview with TrekMovie, she was the only hologram considered for the series.

Star Trek: Prodigy producers thought Kate Mulgrew would be the perfect mentor

Knowing the series was going to be used to introduce young and old adults alike to Star Trek, the producers were in agreement as to who would play the mentor.

"“One hundred percent we knew it was Kate right away.”"

Dan Hagemen said they’re viewing the show as for an audience that doesn’t know Trek, not just a children’s show. They have no intention of dumbing the show down. While in agreement there will be a learning curve for those who are unfamiliar with Star Trek, they believe viewers will “get there.”  And who better to help them learn than the first female captain to helm a Federation Starship?

Prodigy will be opening the doors to viewers that have never seen even one episode of Star Trek, and having Kate Mulgrew to show the teens (and new viewers) the ropes sets the right stage. As evidenced by her time on Voyager, there could be no better teacher.