Holly Hunter’s Cadets Face Deadly Challenges in New ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’ Preview
Paramount+ has released an intense new look at its upcoming series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, giving fans a glimpse of danger aboard the USS Athena.
The series, set to premiere on January 15, 2026, follows the first new class of Starfleet cadets in more than a century as they train to become officers in the 32nd century.
In the latest sneak peek, the Athena is shown under attack by the villain Nus Braka, played by Paul Giamatti. The starship, which doubles as Starfleet Academy’s mobile campus, is in peril as Braka exacts a long-delayed revenge on the ship’s captain, Holly Hunter’s character Nahla Ake.
The clip also features Robert Picardo as the holographic Doctor treating the wounded and wrestler-turned-actor Becky Lynch helping on the bridge.
A chegada de Nus Braka só pode significar uma coisa: Alerta Vermelho. Paul Giamatti embarca em Star Trek: Starfleet Academy em 15 de janeiro no meu streaming. #StarTrek #ParamountPlusNaCCXP #StarfleetAcademy #CCXP25 pic.twitter.com/pXhSNXJh3R
— Paramount+ Brasil (@paramountplusbr) December 6, 2025
The series takes place after a major cataclysm, as introduced in Star Trek: Discovery, with the cadets navigating both training and real-life dangers in space. Holly Hunter stars alongside Gina Yashere as first officer Lura Thok, with cadets portrayed by Sandro Rosta, Karim Diané, Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins, and Bella Shepard. Other returning Star Trek veterans include Tig Notaro, Zoë Steiner, and Oded Fehr.
The first season will launch with a two-episode premiere on January 15, followed by weekly releases for the remaining eight episodes until March 12. The story focuses on the cadets’ growth aboard the USS Athena, which can operate both as a training vessel and an active starship within Starfleet.
The new series promises action, adventure, and high-stakes drama while exploring the 32nd-century Star Trek universe. Fans will see cadets facing challenges that test both their skills and courage, setting the tone for a thrilling addition to the franchise.
Starfleet Academy could be a strong entry for the Star Trek universe, combining classic space adventure with a fresh focus on young cadets. The mix of veteran actors and new faces seems promising, and the sneak peek suggests plenty of excitement ahead. What do you think of this new Star Trek series? Share your thoughts in the comments.