The Golden Globe-winning actor is a lifelong Star Trek fan, but that's not the only reason he signed up for Starfleet Academy.
Paul Giamatti, who joined the cast of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy in 2024, appeared at this year's CCXP in Brazil, and the actor talked about some of his motivations for playing Nus Braka, the half-Klingon, half-Tellarite antagonist on the upcoming series. As it turns out, one of Giamatti's reasons was so he could attend and participate in Star Trek conventions! Giamatti said (per Collider):
"I will tell you, I am super interested to go to them [Star Trek conventions]. I am really interested to check them out. I’ve never been to one, and now I can go and really be in one."
The actor spoke to Starfleet Academy co-executive producer and co-showrunner Alex Kurtzman about attending conventions, who apparently replied with an amusing answer. Giamatti recalled:
"I said to Alex Kurtzman, 'Can I go to those now?' And he said, 'Dude, the guys who play Security Officer 12 in Episode 9 of Season 14 of whatever, they go to those things.' I was like, 'Oh, okay. I can go to those!'
It's not surprising to me that Giamatti wants to start attending fan meetups and conventions, as the vibe a crowd of Trekkies gives is like no other. Sharing this experience, meeting fans from all over, and making news friends in a space that feels positive and uplifting are only a few of the reasons I attend when I can. Oh, to live in a larger state where conventions are common!
Are you looking forward to Starfleet Academy? Why or why not? Share your thoughts and comments with us on the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy premieres Jan. 15, 2026, on Paramount+.