Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is set to hit Paramount+ on January 15, 2026, and there's already plenty to get excited about. From bantering holographic characters to fascinating antagonists, we've seen glimpses of the fresh faced cadets ready to board the USS Athena. With just over two weeks to go, ScreenRant gave us a new teaser image on their Instagram page, so let's take a look together!
The image sets a vibe for the series
At first glance, the poster gives that "slow motion walk" vibe, as the characters appear confident about their upcoming education under Nahla Ake (Holly Hunter). Walking by her side is Caleb Mir (Sandro Rosta), a young human whose expression suggests a mix of both earnestness and anxiety about his new assignment. SAM (Kerrice Brooks) is a newborn holographic lifeform who looks ready to face her future with courage and determination.
Bella Shepard plays Genesis Lythe (what a great character name) and seems full of confidence as she seems ready to step right out of the image. Tarima Sadal, (Zoe Steiner), the daughter of the current p President of Betazed, does not wear a Starfleet uniform, because she is not a cadet.
Klingon medical cadet Jay-Den Kraag (Karim Diané) and Darem Reymi (George Hawkins) round out the group, flanking their captain as they prepare for their duties and education.
Should we judge a series by its promotional media?
Visually, this poster doesn't tell us much, and some fans seem concerned that this slow motion walk image is too glossy. However, I believe body language and facial expressions can say a great about a character, especially when I'm looking at a still image. Hunter's expression is one of layers, mirroring both confidence and empathy. I'm looking forward to her portrayal of Nahla Ake and how she handles these aspiring cadets.
What are your thoughts on this newest Starfleet Academy poster? Which character might become your favorite? Share your thoughts and comments with us on the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages as we count down the days until the series premiere on Jan. 15, 2026.