Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy episode 5.
It turns out the latest Starfleet Academy episode had a surprise connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe!
“Series Acclimation Mil” finally gave fans insight into SAM (Kerrice Brooks), the sentient hologram sent to be an emissary from the mysterious Kasqians. The episode saw SAM reporting to her “ Makers as she sought to prove herself. The voice of the Makers may have seemed unworldly, which is fitting for the beings. However, some MCU fans may have recognized it as Chiwetel Ejiofor.
The actor is perhaps best known for playing Mordo in Doctor Strange and its sequel, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. He was nominated for an Oscar thanks to his breakout performance in 12 Years a Slave, and he stars in other sci-fi favorites like Serenity, Venom: The Last Dance, The Martian, and Children of Men.
It’s likely a personal connection led to Ejiofor’s casting. In 2022, he starred in The Man Who Fell to Earth, a TV remake of the David Bowie sci-fi movie classic, which had been produced by Star Trek producer Alex Kurtzman, who no doubt remembered working with Ejiofor.
Of course, the voice was digitally altered to fit the Makers, so some may not have recognized Ejiofor. Yet having an actor of his caliber voicing this small role proves that Star Trek has a knack for bringing in top-level actors for any part.
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