Star Trek: Deep Space Nine actress Nana Visitor recently reflected on several moments she had while interviewing the women of Star Trek for her 2024 book Star Trek: Open a Channel: A Woman's Trek.
During a discussion with ScreenRant, Visitor was asked which interview she most enjoyed for the book. And Visitor had the following to say about Sonequa Martin-Green, who played Michael Burnham on Star Trek: Discovery:
"Oh my god. Oh, so many people. I'll say that Sonequa [Martin-Green] was remarkable. I came in with a chip on my shoulder, because everyone from [Discovery] was like, 'Oh my god, Sonequa!' And I thought, this is a little too cultish for me. They must be like protecting their star, or something. And then I talked to her, and I came out the same way: Oh, my God. What a human being."
Martin-Green, who unquestionably portrayed the best character on Discovery, continued the interview by saying:
"She was an unbelievably honest, raw interview. And thoughtful, connected, not giving me easy... Because we do so many interviews, it's so easy to get into this pattern that you tell the same thing to everybody, and it's safe, and you've crafted it. She didn't do that. She just said, 'Here's my truth.' She was incredibly impressive."
Visitor added:
"Also, Jess Bush [portrays Christine Chapel on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds], Jess is amazing. She's a very impressive woman. I expect to see a lot from both of them. I'm already seeing a lot from Sonequa. But from both of them, I expect big things."
Preconceived notions about actors are common
I suppose there's a certain amount of hesitation when it comes to interviewing people you don't know, even if you're working in the same franchise with someone. Star Trek: Discovery was a groundbreaking series, so it makes sense that Visitor was concerned or had preconceived notions about the woman who brought Michael Burnham to life.
As someone who's met many Star Trek actors over the years at conventions, I, too, had certain fears and expectations about meeting certain ones because of the "never meet your heroes" maxim. Fortunately, I've never had a negative encounter!
Do you think we'll see more from Sonequa Martin-Green and other Discovery actors in Trek shows of the future? Martin-Green certainly seems intrigued by the fact that the upcoming Star Trek: Starfleet Academy series is also set in the 32nd century.
What types of roles would you like to see her in, and should the franchise dive deeper into Michael Burnham's background and her relationship with her adoptive parents, Sarek and Amanda? How about more interactions with Ethan Peck's Spock? Share your thoughts and comments with us on the Redshirts Always Die X and Facebook pages.