A Lot Of Twists & Turns

Star Trek: Section 31 director Olatunde Osunsanmi reflected on the journey of the project during New York Comic Con, explaining why it was made into a movie rather than a TV series. While the forthcoming Star Trek: Section 31 will be the franchise’s first TV film, it was originally envisioned as a spinoff series to Star Trek: Discovery focused on Philippa Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh). However, during the development process, it was later announced to be a film about her joining the secret Starfleet division while facing down her past in the Mirror Universe.

Speaking with Screen Rant at New York Comic Con, Osunsanmi explained how Star Trek: Section 31 was envisioned as a TV show in 2019, but concrete plans couldn’t fall into place. However, the continued efforts of executive producer Alex Kutzman, Paramount+, writer Craig Sweeney, and Yeoh led to the two-hour feature being crafted. The director expressed hopes that the final product would offer an emotional story for viewers to grow attached to, highlighting the importance of it being a film. Check out what Osunsanmi had to say below:

Yeah, Discovery does have its hands in a few different places. About five years ago, just over five years ago, we started this journey as a TV show and I got invited to join by Alex Kurtzman and Paramount Plus, and we kept trying them out, kept falling apart, and it took a lot of twists and turns and all along the way. Michelle Yeoh stood with it, and then we ended up in this form, as a movie, and it was the best version of all the different forms. Craig Sweeney wrote these unbelievable characters, and because of that moment in time, we were able to cast this unbelievable cast. If not for Michelle really just being the steward all the way through each iteration, we wouldn’t be here right now. And this has definitely been very special to me, because it is a two-hour movie beginning to end. It’s been great getting to know the cast, some who you see here, some who aren’t here that, hopefully, will touch you and touch the audience in emotional ways. They touched me with what they did.

What Osunsanmi’s Statement Says About Section 31 Becoming A Movie

It Will Prove Itself A Better Decision Than Being A TV Show

Because Star Trek: Discovery ended one section of the timeline Philippa is part of, her new movie acts as both a continuation of her story in the show, and a new beginning. It’s also the first movie in the franchise since 2016’s Star Trek: Beyond, and the first within Kurtzman’s expanded universe for the sprawling sci-fi universe. Section 31 was first announced as a movie in April 2023, indicating how long it took for the decision to be reached after talks started in 2019.

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However, that length of time it took to decide Philippa’s story would continue with a movie indicates the importance considered in perfecting which medium her tale deserved to be told in. With multiple Star Trek TV shows in the works already, from the final season of Lower Decks to the upcoming Starfleet Academy spinoff, the movie allows the franchise to feel more versatile in its storytelling capabilities. It also forces the story to focus on Philippa, providing central development for her character in the process.

Our Take On Section 31 Being A Movie Instead Of A TV Show

It’s A Great Way To Continue Philippa’s Storyline

Although a TV series would have allowed more screen time for Philippa, Star Trek: Section 31 being a movie will allow for a more concise storyline to broaden her characterization. Given the flexibility of the franchise, though, it’s still possible she’ll show up in more movies and shows going forward, with this newest release being the first of many. Since Yeoh’s already expressed interest in a sequel if the first is successful, a TV movie seems like the perfect way to expand her character while leaving the door open for future developments.

In this Paramount+ exclusive movie event, Michelle Yeoh returns as Emperor Philippa Georgiou, who was first introduced in Star Trek: Discovery Season 1. Star Trek: Section 31 centers on Yeoh’s character as she faces her past sins and is recruited by Starfleet’s secret division that protects the United Federation of Planets.

Director

Olatunde Osunsanmi

Release Date

January 24, 2025

Studio(s)

CBS

Distributor(s)

Paramount Pictures

Writers

Craig Sweeney

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