With Starfleet Academy, the upcoming new series from the Star Trek franchise, set in the 32nd century, it opens the doors for familiar faces from Star Trek: Discovery to return. We already know that Commander Reno , Lt. Tilly , and Admiral Vance will be a part of the series in varying capacities, but that leaves plenty of other Discovery alums to contribute to the series.
Trekmovie recently spoke with Wilson Cruz, who played Dr. Hugh Culber for the entirety of the series' run, and asked him what Dr. Culber could bring to the academy if the opportunity were to present itself. Not only has Cruz thought about that possibility, he has a great idea for how Dr. Culber could be integrated into the series.
Cruz played both the ship's doctor and the counselor aboard Discovery, and he would be the perfect guide for those cadets who are leaning toward careers as counselors themselves. But, even though Cruz didn't mention this part, bringing Dr. Culber to the academy on an occasional basis could provide growth opportunities for cadets, especially those who are struggling with thoughts about where they belong and if they should even be in Starfleet.
"Yeah! I think he’s kind of the perfect person to guide the cadets who want to be counselors, to help them lean into their strengths in terms of their own empathy, their willingness, their ability to listen, when it’s appropriate to challenge when it’s not. [laughs] I would love to see him play that kind of role that allows young people who are taking on new challenges to listen to their instincts, which is a hard thing to do when you’re young, because you don’t actually think you know anything. You have this bravura that says that you do, but inside you have the insecurity of like, “Can I do this? Do I know how to do this? Will I succeed?” I’d love to see him do that."Wilson Cruz
Dr. Culber was a wonderfully empathetic character on Discovery, and he would be the perfect addition, even if in a smaller role, to help the cadets find their way and learn what they can bring to Starfleet. Plus, it would be great to see him with Tilly again! Though there hasn't been any indication of Cruz's character appearing on Starfleet Academy, it would be a shame to have this opportunity available and not utilize it!