Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Takes a Bold Horror Turn – Cast Reveals What It’s Really Like Behind the Scenes
The new season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is diving into uncharted territory by mixing its classic sci-fi vibes with a fresh horror twist. Season 3 kicks off right where season 2 left off, with the crew facing off against the terrifying parasitic Gorn. Episode 3, titled “Shuttle to Kenfori,” amps up the scare factor even more as the USS Enterprise crew lands on a zombie-infested planet. This unexpected shift has stirred a mix of reactions among the cast, from excitement to a bit of nervousness.
- The show blends horror with comedy and other genres, keeping things unpredictable.
- Actors share their personal experiences dealing with the horror elements on set.
- The season explores the psychological aftermath of the horror the characters face.
- New episodes are available weekly on Paramount Plus.
Mixing Horror with Classic Trek Fun
One of the reasons Strange New Worlds remains engaging is its ability to jump between genres. Rebecca Romijn, who plays Una Chin-Riley, explains, “We jump from horror straight into straight-up comedy, then into some other crazy genre.” This genre-hopping keeps the cast energized and the audience guessing. It’s like taking a tour through different “strange new worlds” of storytelling.
Actors Share Their Horror Experience
For some actors, stepping into horror scenes was a bit daunting. Martin Quinn, playing engineer Montgomery Scott, admits, “I’m a big scaredy-cat. I’m not very good with watching horror. I think it’s [more fun] to be in it.” Being part of the action made the scary parts less intimidating for him.
Cecilia Rose Gooding, who plays Nyota Uhura, found the horror elements initially overwhelming. “As someone who doesn’t really watch horror movies, as a very naturally anxious person, to be able to play in the horror genre was a bit overwhelming, to know that was coming at first,” she says. But strong teamwork and excellent writing helped her embrace the challenge: “We have all of the best ingredients to make a really lovely, scary meal.”
On the flip side, Jess Bush, portraying nurse Christine Chapel, thrives on the thrill. “I love playing in horror as an actor. Just the sensation of being at full fear is invigorating, almost.” She’s enjoying the push into scarier storylines, including intense scenes where Chapel performs emergency surgery on Gorn-infected patients.
Psychological Depth Adds New Layers
The horror elements don’t just bring scares—they also deepen the characters’ emotional journeys. Helmsman Erica Ortegas, played by Melissa Navia, faces the lingering trauma of a near-death encounter with the Gorn. Navia explains, “She suddenly can’t find the lightness in it… she realizes she’s not invincible.” This shift challenges Erica’s usual role as the crew’s source of comic relief and emotional support, making for compelling character development.
Fans can catch the first three episodes of season 3 now streaming on Paramount Plus, with new episodes dropping every Thursday through September 11.
