Holly Hunter Revels in Playful Captain Role on Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
Academy Award-winning actress Holly Hunter always harbored a desire to appear in a Star Trek production, but she never anticipated the sheer delight it would bring. Just days into filming her scenes as Captain Nahla Ake on the new series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, Hunter found herself immersed in what she describes as "off-the-hook fun." The 67-year-old star, in a recent video call from New York City, expressed feeling like a child again, captivated by the infinite possibilities of the set.
A Unique Addition to a Storied Career
Hunter's role as Nahla marks a distinctive chapter in her acclaimed acting journey, which includes memorable performances in films like Raising Arizona, Broadcast News, and The Piano, for which she won an Oscar. She also voiced Elastigirl in Pixar's Incredibles franchise and appeared in HBO's Succession. Hunter says the character of Nahla was simply too compelling to resist. Starfleet Academy is the thirteenth spinoff in the long-running franchise, originating from Gene Roddenberry's 1960s series, and focuses on a group of young cadets aspiring to become Starfleet officers.
Villainous Turn for Paul Giamatti
Joining Hunter in the series is two-time Oscar nominee Paul Giamatti, who plays the half-Klingon antagonist Nus Braka. Giamatti, 58, had expressed interest in acting on a Star Trek show during promotions for The Holdovers in 2023. Showrunners Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau subsequently contacted him, allowing him to choose his character. Giamatti eagerly selected the villain role, noting, "Why wouldn't you want to play the villain? I mean, c'mon. You're the bad guy." He adds that acting opposite Hunter was a significant draw, as their characters share a complex history.
A Captain with a Teaching Mission
Hunter's character, Nahla, serves as a 400-year-old starship captain and the chancellor of Starfleet Academy, guiding recruits aboard the USS Athena. Unlike previous captains portrayed by actors like William Shatner and Patrick Stewart, Nahla's role blends leadership with education. Hunter explains, "The ship is a giant classroom and the galaxy turns into a classroom as well. That perspective is really interesting. The opportunity it gives me to be a leader, but also a teacher is a beautiful intersection." She emphasizes that the show's optimistic themes resonate in today's world, making it accessible even to non-Trekkies.
Embracing the Playground of the Bridge
For Hunter, one of the highlights of filming is the bridge set, which she compares to a "jungle gym" and a "total playground." She recalls with enthusiasm, "Every time I knew we were going to do a scene there, I was slightly giddy. I was always in a great mood, being on the bridge." Currently filming Season 2, Hunter views this role as another creative challenge and an opportunity to enjoy herself in front of the camera, maintaining the playful spirit that has defined her experience.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy streams Thursdays on Paramount+, offering viewers a fresh take on the beloved franchise with Hunter's charismatic performance at its helm.
