“Incoming transmission for the cast of Starfleet Academy” from a living legend.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy finally leaves spacedock and arrives on Paramount Plus in less than a week. The first truly young-adult Trek is stacked with plenty of newcomers, in addition to Hollywood veterans Holly Hunter, Paul Giamatti, and Robert Picardo. So, it only seems fitting that a beloved legacy actor is wishing the talented cast all the best.
Hikaru Sulu himself, George Takei, left a special message on social media for those picking up the saga's mantle and continuing the rich tradition of bringing the science fiction franchise to life on the small screen. He said to the Starfleet Academy cast via Star Trek’s Instagram channel: “Hi, I’m George Takei. I welcome you and wish you all the best. Live long and prosper.” Check out the full video below.
Several of Starfleet Academy’s cast members have responded to the Hollywood veteran already, including George Hawkins, who plays cadet Darem Reymi in the upcoming show. Hawkins wrote in response: “Thank you George! ❤️”
The series’ lead actor among the ensemble's fresh-faced talents, Sandro Rosta, likewise chimed in and showed his appreciation for Takei’s love and support. Rosta, who plays Caleb Mir, wrote in response: “Thanks George! It’s an honour and a privilege🖖🏽🙏🏽”
Kerrice Brooks and Karim Diane let several emojis convey their emotions at Takei’s heartwarming welcome to the Star Trek family. Brooks, who plays the four-month-old holographic cadet SAM, posted the following “🥹🥹🥹🥺🙏🏾💞” And the show’s sole Klingon cadet, played by actor Karim Diane, added: “🥹🙏🏾”
As a lifelong Star Trek fan, it’s gratifying to see Takei offering his support to the next generation of actors stepping up and into Starfleet’s future. Personally, I hope showrunners Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau were clever enough to whip up at least one worthwhile time-travel tale, which might allow Takei’s legacy character, Hikaru Sulu, the opportunity to meet some of these new characters in the 32nd century.
For more Star Trek content, visit the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages. And the first two episodes of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy drop on Paramount Plus Thursday, Jan. 15.
Live long and prosper, Trekkies!