The third season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has arrived on Paramount+, bringing with it a roster of beloved characters from the original series. Set between the events of Star Trek: Discovery and Captain James T. Kirk’s iconic mission, the prequel series offers a fresh look at the younger versions of classic characters. As fans delve into the new season, they can expect appearances from numerous familiar faces that shaped the franchise.
Key Appearances from the Original Series
Captain Christopher Pike, portrayed by Anson Mount, leads the USS Enterprise and first appeared in the original unaired pilot, “The Cage.” This character is not only central to the plot but also serves as a bridge between the older and newer generations of Star Trek fans.
Another iconic figure, Lieutenant Spock, is played by Ethan Peck. Spock remains a permanent crew member and is renowned for his logical demeanor and pivotal role within Starfleet. His character has developed significantly throughout the series, deepening his backstory and relationships, particularly with Nurse Christine Chapel, played by Jess Bush. Their evolving dynamic hints at a more complex past than previously depicted.
Ensign Nyota Uhura, originally portrayed by Nichelle Nichols, is now brought to life by Celia Rose Gooding. This season reveals that Uhura joined the Enterprise before many of her colleagues, providing added depth to her character and exploring her struggles, including the death of her parents in a shuttle accident.
Additionally, Dr. Joseph M’Benga, played by Babs Olusanmokun, steps into the role of chief medical officer before Dr. Leonard McCoy takes over. The series delves into his backstory and the tragic illness of his daughter, adding emotional weight to his character.
The show also features Lieutenant Montgomery Scott, known as Scotty, first introduced in the original series by James Doohan. In Strange New Worlds, Martin Quinn portrays Scotty, who joins the crew after a shuttle crash in the season two finale.
Expanding the Universe with New and Legacy Characters
The series has successfully woven in characters like Commander Una Chin-Riley, played by Rebecca Romijn, and Lieutenant Sam Kirk, portrayed by Dan Jeannotte, who is the brother of Captain Kirk. Their appearances enrich the narrative, connecting fans to the broader Star Trek lore.
The legacy of Khan Noonien Singh, one of the franchise’s most notorious villains, is also explored. Introduced as a child in the season two episode “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow,” Khan’s character adds intrigue and complexity to the storyline, even as the timeline appears inconsistent with established history.
With new characters like Lieutenant La’An Noonien Singh and Lieutenant Erica Ortegas, created specifically for Strange New Worlds, the series continues to expand its universe. Their fates remain uncertain, adding an element of suspense as fans speculate on their future within the franchise.
The series has yet to introduce major characters like Dr. Leonard McCoy and Hikaru Sulu, yet it is expected that these iconic figures will appear as the season progresses.
As the season unfolds, viewers can look forward to the rich storytelling and character development that has made Star Trek a beloved franchise for decades. New episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds premiere on Paramount+ every Thursday, inviting audiences to explore the adventures of the USS Enterprise and its crew. The original series and the animated series are also available on Paramount+ in the US and UK, and Netflix in the UK.
