Starfleet Academy Trailer Drops: Meet the New Cadets and Legendary Cameos You Can’t Miss

The Starfleet Academy Trailer: A Must-Watch for Star Trek Fans

If you’re a Star Trek fan looking for something fresh yet deeply rooted in Trek lore, the new Starfleet Academy trailer is pure catnip. It’s packed with nods to classic series like Deep Space Nine and Voyager, a stirring speech from a Federation captain, and a glimpse at a diverse group of cadets ready to make their mark. Plus, there’s a surprise cameo from Captain Sisko himself!

Introduction to Starfleet Academy’s 32nd-century setting
Meet the new cadets and key characters
Connections to previous Star Trek shows and characters
Details on the main cast, including Holly Hunter and Paul Giamatti
Release info and what to expect from season 1

At the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con, co-showrunners Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau unveiled this exciting new chapter in the Star Trek universe. Set in the timeline of Star Trek: Discovery, the series takes place in the 32nd century, following the reopening of the Federation’s Starfleet training program after a 120-year break. Think of it as a mix between a classic academy drama and a space adventure, where young cadets from various alien species navigate challenges both personal and professional.

Who’s Who in Starfleet Academy?

The cast is led by the legendary Holly Hunter, who plays Nahla Ake — the Chancellor of Starfleet Academy and captain of the U.S.S. Athena. She’s described as a long-lived half-Lanthanite, adding a unique twist to her character. On the villain side, Paul Giamatti takes on the role of Nus Braka, a complex antagonist part Klingon, part Tellarite, with a mysterious connection to one of the cadets.

As for the cadets, here’s the official lineup:

Caleb Mir (Sandro Rosta) – A human orphan with a troubled past who’s an unlikely Starfleet cadet
Jay-Den Kraag (Karim Diané) – A Klingon cadet aspiring to be a medical officer
Series Acclimation Mil, aka Sam (Kerrice Brooks) – The first of her kind to attend Starfleet Academy
Darem Reymi (George Hawkins) – A Khionian from a wealthy world aiming to become a captain
Genesis Lythe (Bella Shepard) – A Dar-sha admiral’s daughter determined to carve her own path

Fan Service and New Twists

Fans will appreciate the callbacks sprinkled throughout the trailer and show details. Robert Picardo returns as The Doctor from Voyager, and Tig Notaro reprises her role as Jett Reno from Discovery. There’s also a nod to Starfleet legends with a “James T. Kirk Pavilion” and a wall honoring key Starfleet figures.

One fun Easter egg is a quiz about Benjamin Sisko, adding a touch of DS9 nostalgia. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, a new character is introduced: Commander Lura Thok, the chancellor’s First Officer and Cadet Master, played by Gina Yashere. She’s a Klingon-Jem’Hadar hybrid — now that’s a combination to look forward to!

When Can You Watch?

Starfleet Academy is set to premiere in early 2026, promising a fresh take on the Star Trek universe with a mix of old favorites and new faces. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the franchise, this series aims to bring everyone aboard for an exciting journey.

Check out the trailer here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkBU8lvXm7M

{Starfleet Academy trailer screenshot}