Sam Richardson Told Us The Big Way Star Trek: Section 31 Differs From The Franchise’s Shows, And It Totally Makes Sense

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Sam Richardson Told Us The Big Way Star Trek: Section 31 Differs From The Franchise's Shows, And It Totally Makes Sense

As a lifelong Star Trek enthusiast who’s been following the franchise since the days of Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock, I can hardly contain my excitement for the upcoming movie, Star Trek: Section 31. The recent trailer has only whetted my appetite for more, but what truly piqued my interest was the exclusive insight we got from the cast at San Diego Comic-Con.

The forthcoming film “Star Trek: Section 31” unveiled its initial footage not long ago, and while I eagerly anticipate this production gracing the big screen, the trailer didn’t offer many insights into what we might experience. However, TopMob managed to interview some of its stars at San Diego Comic-Con, and directly from Sam Richardson and others, we gained exclusive knowledge about how “Section 31” will distinguish itself from other forthcoming “Star Trek” ventures.

Enthusiastic “Star Trek” devotee, Emmy-winning comedian Sam Richardson is set to appear in “Section 31”, portraying the first Chameloid character seen since “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country”. During my interview with the cast, I inquired about what distinguishes this Michelle Yeoh-led production from previous “Trek” material. Director Olutande Osunsanmi passed the question to Richardson. The actor disclosed a significant detail that becomes apparent upon viewing the footage – the film features larger-than-life characters, as suggested by the personalities on display throughout the preview.

Section 31, as you might know, deviates from the typical naval structure seen in other Star Trek series. Instead of a clear-cut hierarchy, protocol, and chain of command, it’s more like a motley crew where those elements are present but with a touch of ambiguity. Director Olatunde Osunsanmi allowed us to experiment and add some spontaneity while adhering to an exceptional script. However, the overall tone is grittier and less polished than its Star Trek counterparts.

In simpler terms, Section 31 is a covert division within Starfleet that operates undercover. While it’s rumored among regular Starfleet members, it’s not publicly recognized by the organization. Their mission is to advance the Federation’s interests when traditional methods of diplomacy fail, and they often have the ability to push boundaries, making decisions that might be questionable or unconventional. This flexibility in their approach explains why they don’t always adhere to standard Starfleet procedures and command structures.

In essence, Malcolm Reed from “Star Trek: Enterprise,” who served under Captain Archer, had been assigned clandestine Section 31 tasks. This meant he was carrying out objectives that were hidden from his superior and the rest of Starfleet due to their questionable nature, as revealing such activities could lead to disapproval within the organization.

Simultaneously, it’s important to note that even Section 31 has its boundaries. Therefore, Kacey Rohl has been cast to portray Rachel Garrett from Star Trek: The Next Generation in the upcoming film. As suggested in the trailer, her role involves preventing any team member from causing harm during the mission, and also potentially ensuring that no members of the mission team harm each other.

Fans of “Star Trek: Section 31,” who are watching it via their Paramount+ subscription, may notice some distinctions between this series and previous ones. However, director Olutande Osunsanmi confirmed to TopMob that the film remains true to the Star Trek universe, as Sam Richardson also attested. They both acknowledged dealing with the “Treknobabble,” a challenge shared by every other Star Trek actor.

There is tech talk from a made-up science that I had to do [laughs]!

Richardson will portray a character called a Chameloid, a unique species capable of shape-shifting, similar to what we’ve seen in Star Trek once before. Interestingly, however, they can’t alter the distinct color of their eyes. This might seem like a limitation, but having a shapeshifter as part of your undercover team certainly has its advantages.

The upcoming film “Star Trek: Section 31” marks the first movie in years linked to the franchise, with more films on the horizon. A movie delving into Starfleet’s origins is underway, as well as plans for another installment in the Kelvin timeline series. While Patrick Stewart hinted at a “Picard” film, I’m holding off on labeling it an official project until more details emerge from other sources. Regardless, it’s thrilling to witness Trek returning to the big screen, and fans should share in the excitement!

As a die-hard Star Trek fan, I’m super pumped about the upcoming premiere of Star Trek: Section 31 on Paramount+ in early 2025. But deep down, I can’t help but yearn for the electrifying experience of a theatrical release. Here’s hoping we can create enough buzz to make that dream a reality and bring Star Trek back to the silver screen with a bang!

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2024-07-31 02:07