We've been waiting for news about a new Star Trek movie for what feels like forever, and while there's still no sign of a theatrical release, Paramount+ has announced today that it has officially greenlit Star Trek: Section 31 starring Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh.
The "special original movie event" will see Yeoh reprise her role as Emperor Philippa Georgiou, a character she first played in Star Trek: Discovery season 1.
In this movie, Emperor Philippa Georgiou joins a secret division of Starfleet tasked with protecting the United Federation of Planets and faces the sins of her past. Production begins later this year, with Olatunde Osunsanm directing the movie based on a screenplay by Craig Sweeny. There's currently no word on who else will join Yeoh as part of Star Trek: Section 31's cast.
"I’m beyond thrilled to return to my Star Trek family and to the role I’ve loved for so long," Yeoh says of the news. "Section 31 has been near and dear to my heart since I began the journey of playing Philippa all the way back when this new golden age of Star Trek launched. To see her finally get her moment is a dream come true in a year that’s shown me the incredible power of never giving up on your dreams."
"We can’t wait to share what’s in store for you, and until then: live long and prosper (unless Emperor Georgiou decrees otherwise)!"
Executive producer Alex Kurtzman adds, "All the way back in 2017, before the first season of Star Trek: Discovery had even aired, Michelle had the idea to do a spin-off for her character, Philippa Georgiou. She broke new ground as one of the first two women on screen in the pilot to usher in a new age of Trek, and now, six years later, Star Trek: Section 31 finally arrives on the heels of her latest groundbreaking win."
"Everyone on Team Trek couldn’t be more thrilled to have our legendary friend return home to us as we expand our storytelling into new and uncharted corners of the Trekverse. Long live Emperor Georgiou; long live Michelle Yeoh!"
Star Trek: Section 31 is executive produced by Alex Kurtzman, Craig Sweeny, Aaron Baiers, Olatunde Osunsanmi, Frank Siracusa, John Weber, Rod Roddenberry, Trevor Roth and Michelle Yeoh, and is produced by CBS Studios in association with Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment.
As of right now, the movie doesn't have a confirmed release date.