star trek m

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The Minshara class planet Earth

Vulcan, another M-class planet

Ceti Alpha V used to be "barely" class M

A class-M moon of Mab-Bu VI

In the Federation standard system of planetary classification , a class M or Minshara class planet , moon , or planetoid was considered to be suitable for humanoid life. By the mid- 24th century , thousands of class M planets had been charted by the Federation. These worlds were the first choice for colonization . Since the early 22nd century , Humanity (and later, the Federation) has been terraforming lifeless worlds such as Mars into class M worlds. Environmental conditions on Federation starships mimicked the class M environment. ( TOS : " The Cage "; TNG : " Justice ", " Home Soil ", " Final Mission "; VOY : " Caretaker ")

• 2 Qualities
• 3.2 Unnamed
• 4.1.1 List of Planets and Moons
• 4.2 Apocrypha
• 4.3 See also
• 4.4 External link

History [ ]

During the mid- 22nd century , Vulcan science used the term Minshara-class for such planets. Vulcans were not able to confirm if a planet was Minshara-class through orbital scans , instead sending down probes to collect the necessary data . ( ENT : " Strange New World ") In 2151 , Starfleet officers were not familiar with the term and Enterprise chose to adopt it. However, by 2154 , Starfleet had adopted the term class M. A century later, that term was in general use in Starfleet, even though the term " Earth -type" was also occasionally used.

By the 23rd century , it was theorized that there was a mathematical probability of three million Earth-type planets in the Milky Way Galaxy alone. ( TOS : " Balance of Terror ")

A planet could fall within the range of the M-class classification. This range was from 1 to 4. The Koinonian homeworld was an example of an M-class type 4 planet. ( TNG : " The Bonding ", " Clues ")

The term was sometimes used to characterize an atmosphere rather than a planet. The standard environment aboard Federation starships was class M. ( TNG : " New Ground ", " Relics ")

Qualities [ ]

• Size : Class M worlds were typically terrestrial planets or moons , although planetoids and even large asteroids could qualify if they were massive enough to retain an atmosphere. ( DS9 : " The Maquis, Part I ") The gravity on these worlds was generally Earth normal, but could be slightly less or slightly more. ( TOS : " The Cage "; TAS : " The Eye of the Beholder ")
• Orbit : Class M worlds were rare in binary star systems . ( TAS : " Mudd's Passion ") These planets were typically located in the habitable zones of their systems ( TNG-R : " The Battle ", " Chain Of Command, Part II "), though terrestrial rogue planets could quantify as class M when sufficient heat from their interiors was vented outward by geological activities. ( DS9 : " The Search, Part I ", " The Search, Part II ", " The Die is Cast ") At least one class M planet, Finibus III , orbited a black hole rather than a conventional star. ( SNW : " Memento Mori ")
• Atmosphere : The atmosphere contained large percentages of nitrogen and oxygen , and smaller percentages of trace elements . Most planets had nucleogenic particles in the atmosphere; those without were incapable of producing rain . The atmosphere on these worlds was approximately Earth normal . ( TAS : " The Eye of the Beholder "; TNG : " Clues "; VOY : " Caretaker ") Temperatures might potentially be hot, but there was an upper limit. ( TAS : " Mudd's Passion ")
• Surface : The surface of these planets was usually abundant in water . Minshara-class planets were sometimes described as appearing blue and green from space, indicating water and plant life respectively, although this was not a universal quality. ( ENT : " Twilight ")
• Interior : Beneath the surface, there were additional sources of water. These worlds were geologically active and rich in minerals . ( VOY : " Caretaker ", " Investigations ", " Once Upon a Time ", " Dragon's Teeth ") The planetary core of these planets was nickel - iron . ( TNG : " Clues "; VOY : " Once Upon a Time ") Some of them had a bemonite mantle . ( VOY : " Once Upon a Time ")
• Life : These worlds had ecosystems and contained amino acids and protein readings. High percentages of both indicated healthy plant life. Many of these worlds supported carbon-based plant and animal life; any non-carbon-based would have to be non-indigenous. A smaller number of these worlds had proto- humanoid , humanoid, and Proto-Vulcan humanoid lifeforms. ( TNG : " Angel One ", " The Chase "; VOY : " Parturition "; ENT : " Bound ", " Observer Effect ")
• Other : Class M worlds emitted electromagnetic radiation . ( TNG : " In Theory ")

List of class M worlds [ ]

Unnamed [ ], appendices [ ], background information [ ].

• The term "class M" was first used in " The Cage " to describe the planet Talos IV . The variant "M class" was also often used. The term has become Star Trek shorthand for Earth-like, and due to obvious production practicalities, this environment is the "default" for planetary surface scenes. It should be noted, however, that not all "Earth-like" planets are necessarily class M: class L worlds such as Kelis' homeworld ( VOY : " Muse ") and even the occasional class D (such as the one seen in VOY : " Gravity ") can support life as well.
• The Vulcan term "Minshara-class" (first used in ENT : " Strange New World ") was used in Enterprise to denote planets that in other series would have been called class M by the writers, the implied consequence being that the two terms meant the same, and possibly even that M stood for Minshara. This assumption is supported by the reference book Star Trek: Star Charts . From an in-universe standpoint, the term M-class was first seen chronologically in a text within the Handbook of Exobiology in ENT : " Strange New World ", the same episode that introduced Minshara-class. However, this mention was barely legible on-screen and may have been included by an art department not yet aware of the intention to use "Minshara class". The first spoken use of the word was in " Home ", in which Archer used it to describe Archer IV , a planet implied (but not explicitly confirmed) to be Minshara class in " Strange New World ". The term continued to be used several more times in the final season, while "Minshara-class" made no more appearances. The last use of "Minshara class" was in season three's " Twilight ", where it was still used in 2156 in an alternate timeline . The term also appeared on Enterprise 's computer displays, indicating that Starfleet adapted it eventually. According to the novella The Tears of Eridanus , Minshara is one of many names for the planet Vulcan.
• In TOS : " Return to Tomorrow ", Spock called planet Arret class M despite the atmosphere having been ripped away, suggesting that the class M designation goes beyond being able to support life. Alternately, he could have been saying that the planet, prior to losing its atmosphere, would have been categorized as class M.
• Ceti Alpha V was described as "barely Minshara class" in " Twilight ", but also as no more inhospitable and savage than the site of Australia 's Botany Bay colony before colonization in " Space Seed ", suggesting that even on a class M planet like Earth, there might be locations that stretch the definition. Alternatively, the planet might have become more hospitable in the century between the two episodes.
• According to Star Trek: Star Charts , class M planets have ages that range from 3 billion to 10 billion years and a diameter between 10,000 and 15,000 kilometers. They are located within the ecosphere of a star system .

List of Planets and Moons [ ]

Class M planets from the Star Trek Encyclopedia and StarTrek.com .

Apocrypha [ ]

The novel Strangers from the Sky indicates that the term "class M" was used by Humans prior to First Contact with Vulcans, or indeed before Humanity reached any extra-solar planets.

See also [ ]

• Earth normal

External link [ ]

• Class M at Memory Beta , the wiki for licensed Star Trek works
• 3 Ancient humanoid

M Marks the Spot: Star Trek's Planet Classifications, Explained

Star Trek's characters use a very specific system to classify the planets they encounter. Each letter and category has its own specific meaning.

The bright, optimistic future of Star Trek  entailed regular scientific exploration, which was part of Starfleet’s mantra. That included an entire lexicon of terms, to better sell the show’s setting and to provide the sheen of rigor to its various dramatic plots. Planets were grouped according to class – each one with different features and details – which became a part of the world-building and continued to be used in subsequent Star Trek series. The most enticing was Class M , which was a planet capable of sustaining humanoid life. That meant new alien beings, new cultures and civilizations, or even just a suitable spot to set up a colony.

But class M wasn’t the only type of planet in the Star Trek lexicon. Nine others were mentioned at one point or another during the series, each with a letter demarking their status. A list of all classifications follows, along with a brief description of their conditions.

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Class D: Barren Rock

Class D referred to a planet or planetoid completely devoid of atmosphere. The most prominent example in canon was Regula, the planetoid from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan . Spock described it as “a great rock in space,” composed of unremarkable elements and of little note beyond that.

Class H: Uninhabitable

The class H designation in Star Trek canon was vague, though largely uninhabitable by most humanoid species. One exception was the Sheliak, an “R-3” lifeform consisting of what appeared to be sentient blobs. They laid claim over several Class H worlds, which the Federation ceded to them as part of a treaty. However, a class H planet named Tau Cygna V was inhabited by human colonists, provoking a diplomatic incident with the Sheliak that the Enterprise-D resolved in Star Trek: the Next Generation Season 3, Episode 2, “The Ensigns of Command.”

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Class J: Gas Giant

Class J was designated a manner of gas giant, akin to Jupiter. They are uninhabitable by humanoid life forms though their varying layers of atmosphere could conceivably carry life of a non-humanoid sort. The most prominent onscreen appearance came in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Season 4, Episode 7, “Starship Down.” The Defiant engaged in a game of cat-and-mouse with the Jem’hadar in the atmosphere of a remote planet fitting the classification.

Class K: Habitable with Modifications

A class K planet was deemed habitable in many ways, but with surface conditions too harsh to support humanoid life. That could include anything from extreme temperatures to lack of a breathable atmosphere. People could live on such worlds with help from technological devices such as pressurized air domes or underground structures, but exposure to the surface without protective gear would be lethal. The Original Series Season 2, Episode 12, “I, Mudd” was set on a class K planet, beneath a dome controlled by androids where Harry Mudd set himself up as king.

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Class L: Marginally Habitable

Class L planets held all of the components suitable for human life, and could often support such life for extended periods of time. They are usually quite barren, though some contain arable land and others are able to support colonies of hundreds of thousands of people. Class L planets are mentioned regularly throughout the franchise, notably in multiple episodes of Star Trek: Voyager .

Class M: Habitable

The vast majority of Star Trek’s alien worlds are class M, featuring a sustainable oxygen atmosphere, viable ecology and other Earth-like qualities. That allows all manner of life to develop on them and provides a convenient location for franchise's stories. Most civilized worlds in the Star Trek universe are class M, including Earth, Vulcan, Qo’noS and Andoria -- though Andoria is technically a moon. The “M” stands for “Minshara,” a Vulcan term used in Star Trek: Enterprise , though none of the other planetary classes had in-canon designations beyond the letters.

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Classes N and R: Habitable With Unknown Modifiers

Both class N and class R planets are deemed habitable, though they differ from Class M planets in a manner that the Star Trek canon has yet to lay out. In both cases, their respective atmospheres are sensitive to specific types of explosives. Beyond that, their properties are unknown. Both were mentioned for the first time in The Next Generation Season 4, Episode 17, “Night Terrors.”

Class T: Gas Giant

A class T is a gas giant, similar to a class J. As with classes N and R, there is no current in-canon explanation for the differences between the two. Class T planets have thus far only been mentioned once in the franchise: Voyager Season 6, Episode 20, “Good Shepherd.” The Delta flyer encounters one bearing rings, though it’s unknown if those are the distinguishing factor for the class or not.

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Class Y: Demon Planet

Class Y planets were designated “demon planets” due to their overtly toxic and dangerous atmospheres, and for their often hellish surface appearance. That could include surface temperatures higher than 500 degrees Kelvin and radiation discharges that were actively harmful to humanoid life. Its most notable appearance came in Voyager Season 4, Episode 24, “Demon,” which used a class Y planet as its primary focus.

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Memory Beta, non-canon Star Trek Wiki

A friendly reminder regarding spoilers ! At present the expanded Trek universe is in a period of major upheaval with the continuations of Discovery and Prodigy , the advent of new eras in gaming with the Star Trek Adventures RPG , Star Trek: Infinite and Star Trek Online , as well as other post-57th Anniversary publications such as the ongoing IDW Star Trek comic and spin-off Star Trek: Defiant . Therefore, please be courteous to other users who may not be aware of current developments by using the {{ spoiler }}, {{ spoilers }} OR {{ majorspoiler }} tags when adding new information from sources less than six months old (even if it is minor info). Also, please do not include details in the summary bar when editing pages and do not anticipate making additions relating to sources not yet in release. THANK YOU

• Races and cultures
• Non-humanoid species
• Non-corporeal beings

M Continuum

• View history

The M Continuum is the extradimensional plane of existence that is home to the race known as "the M ". The term is also used to refer collectively to the M themselves. They are considered the "universal" balance to the Q Continuum and supposedly appeared in the universe after the manifestation of the Q .

No one except the Q and the M have seen the M continuum, but it is presumed to have most, if not all the same properties as the Q Continuum. It is "next door" to the Q Continuum.

History [ ]

According to Q , the M Continuum appeared in existence after the Q Continuum at the beginning of the multiverse . The M announced themselves as the enemies of the Q and confessed that they were part of the universe's attempt to provide balance to the Q realm. Their initial reason for hating the Q was "because there's something about you that really pisses us off", but neither side could see that as an acceptable justification for aggressiveness on either side.

After some substantial time pondering, both the Q and the M attempted to enrage the other by coming up with more complicated reasons for hating the other side. The M posited that the Q were the 2nd to emerge into existence and that they were merely copies of the M Continuum, so they proposed to destroy the Q. Neither side saw this as an acceptable reason to go to war until one of the M stated as an afterthought, "Your Mother". Hostilities then broke out.

However, Q confessed that no one understood exactly why the insult was enough to go to war with the M Continuum as no Q knew whose mother was insulted and that no one in the Q Continuum had a mother to insult in the first place. The Q and M were simply enemies because "they were". ( TNG novel : I, Q )

The Q Continuum was preceded, in terms of "first of the two to exist", by the Q's neighbors, the M Continuum. ( TNG novels : I, Q , Q-Zone )

See Also [ ]

Q Continuum

• 1 The Chase
• 2 Preserver (race)
• 3 J.P. Hanson

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‘star trek: strange new worlds’ actor babs olusanmokun talks classic throwback episode and those emotional father-daughter moments.

The film and TV actor was thrilled when he landed the role of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph M'Benga, a character previously played (albeit briefly) by the late Booker Bradshaw on 'The Original Series.'

By Ryan Parker

Ryan Parker

Former Senior Reporter

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[This story contains spoilers for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds episode “The Elysian Kingdom.”]

There was a moment when Babs Olusanmokun found himself slightly perplexed about his involvement in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds after he read the first two scripts for the Paramount+ series. But the feeling immediately evaporated when he dug into the third.

The film and TV actor was thrilled when he landed the role of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph M’Benga, a character previously played (albeit briefly) by the late Booker Bradshaw on The Original Series .

Olusanmokun’s wise, forthright and stoic Dr. M’Benga had a small introduction in the series premiere and then was absent in the next episode. But in the series’ third episode, “Ghosts of Illyria,” the character made his mark with a heartbreaking revelation. In “Ghosts,” it is learned Dr. M’Benga is using an outdated transporter to house his terminally ill daughter, Rukiya (Sage Arrindell), as he desperately tries to find a cure for her cygnokemia.

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In this week’s episode, “The Elysian Kingdom,” the arc is further explored when an alien presence (hilariously) takes over the Enterprise and befriends Rukiya in a classic Star Trek throwback of delightful absurdity. However, the end proves to be perhaps the most emotional moment of the series thus far.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter , Olusanmokun discusses the beauty and complexity of M’Benga in those heart-wrenching scenes with his daughter. The actor also recalls how much fun the crew had making “Elysian Kingdom,” during which several takes were ruined by outbursts of laughter.

How did you become cast in the show?

My team told me they were getting in touch directly with casting because it was secretive. I put two sides on tape and a few weeks later, I was told the showrunners wanted to Zoom. We had a meeting, and I did the scenes again along with a lovely conversation. It was all very nice. And a few weeks after, I got a call saying I had the job. And of course, it was a wonderful piece of news.

How did you develop your reserved, but insightful and often profound, Dr. M’Benga? Did you look to Booker Bradshaw’s work on TOS as a point of reference? 

Knowing that he had been played before by Booker Bradshaw, I did look up the two episodes that he was in. Unfortunately, Booker was not given a lot back then. So, it was a matter of crafting something anew. It was setting this guy on a new journey and making sure I gave life to something Booker could smile down upon. The unearthing of the character is ongoing.

I always feel the weight of the responsibility of trying to convey a message through the vessel of the character. It is always a wonderful challenge for an actor. It is a show that carries messages of inclusion and optimism. It is a good thing to be playing a character who gets to speak to some of that. You do your best to make sure it is all coming from a truthful and honest place.

I absolutely loved this week’s episode, “The Elysian Kingdom.” It’s such a wonderful Star Trek throwback episode. Please tell me everything. What were those epic costumes like? How did you all ever get through a take with all the hilarious performances?

( Laughs .) Those costumes were amazing. We had been hearing about the costumes for months before we shot that particular episode. When I finally started doing fittings, it was just amazing, the robe and even the undergarments and beads. It was just magnificent. It’s why I do the job, to play. It was a real thrill and blessing. I am the type of actor who, when I read material that is strong and asks something of me, I am just flooded and very grateful. And I approached it with that sense.

There were two days when it was non-stop laughter on the bridge. It was crazy — which is kind of unusual for me. I can be quite a serious guy. ( Laughs .) But there were a few destroyed takes. It was just too much. I don’t think words can do it justice. I was squeezing my face to get the words out — and then I would burst out laughing. I was like, “Oh, my God. I am a professional. What is going on?” ( Laughs .) We had a lot of fun, and I am glad it came across.

As a dad, I get super emotional when I see M’Benga interact with his daughter, Rukiya, especially in “Ghosts of Illyria” and this week’s episode. Can you tell me about delivering two such powerful performances that run the emotional gamut, especially for us parents?

I remember doing episode one when we were in Toronto, which was an introduction, and then I wasn’t in episode two. And as an actor, insecurities start bothering you, like, “Am I really in this thing?” ( Laughs .) So, when I saw the script for “Ghosts of Illyria,” it touched me greatly. I felt the weight of it. I thought it was beautifully written. There are certain monologues that you read again and again and again because every time you do, it becomes truer and truer. When the writing is that strong, it never gets to a place where you’re like, “OK. I am tired of saying these words.” You can’t help but approach it with an open heart. It can’t become boring. It is so true and heartbreaking. And I really connected to that. So, it was beautiful to have that experience for “Ghosts of Illyria.”

What then takes place in “Elysian Kingdom” is a massive continuation of that arc.  I embrace the fragility of it all; there is the vulnerability that he has to have as he is staying as strong as he can through it all. He is brave as he goes throughout the universe to try and find something to heal her. Underneath, he is carrying that horrible sense of “What will be of my child, and how can this be?” So, that was the work, the emotional work of staying in touch with that vulnerability that is deep within him.

I am not assuming anything about what will occur in the future of the series, but did you feel that story arc arrived rather quickly? I ask because I assumed the search for the cure would be a major component of M’Benga’s story, so we got there kind of fast.

I don’t know if I would disagree with you, but the other thing you said is the reason I have not been strident about it in any kind of way. I know it’s a show where we can swing in different directions quite credibly. So, what we think is resolved, I wouldn’t say is resolved. It is an ongoing and living situation. He carries that. And in season two, he is carrying that. Even if it is not present on the surface, it is present within. So, I guess what I am trying to say is I can’t tell you that we wouldn’t come back to it in some fashion.

I think I copy. Well, on that same topic, I have to ask about Sage Arrindell. She is just wonderful and you two appear to have such a strong rapport. What has that relationship been like?

Sage has a wonderful presence and was great to work with. She is really on top of it. She is a beautiful little actor. She responds, she looks you in the eyes. She has her work down. It was fantastic interacting with her. We were doing this at the height of COVID, and we had masks. So, I tried to form a bond beyond the mask that would serve us within the scenes. It was beautiful to work with her.

Interview edited for length and clarity.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds streams new episodes Thursday on Paramount+.

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2009, Sci-fi/Adventure, 2h 6m

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Star Trek reignites a classic franchise with action, humor, a strong story, and brilliant visuals, and will please traditional Trekkies and new fans alike. Read critic reviews

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Aboard the USS Enterprise, the most-sophisticated starship ever built, a novice crew embarks on its maiden voyage. Their path takes them on a collision course with Nero (Eric Bana), a Romulan commander whose mission of vengeance threatens all mankind. If humanity would survive, a rebellious young officer named James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and a coolly logical Vulcan named Spock (Zachary Quinto) must move beyond their rivalry and find a way to defeat Nero before it is too late.

Rating: PG-13 (Sci-Fi Action|Brief Sexual Content|Violence)

Genre: Sci-fi, Adventure, Action, Fantasy

Original Language: English

Director: J.J. Abrams

Producer: J.J. Abrams , Damon Lindelof

Writer: Roberto Orci , Alex Kurtzman

Release Date (Theaters): May 7, 2009  wide

Rerelease Date (Theaters): Sep 8, 2023

Release Date (Streaming): Aug 1, 2013

Box Office (Gross USA): $257.7M

Runtime: 2h 6m

Distributor: Paramount Pictures

Production Co: Bad Robot

View the collection: Star Trek

Cast & Crew

James T. Kirk

Zachary Quinto

Leonard Nimoy

Spock Prime

Bruce Greenwood

Capt. Christopher Pike

Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy

Zoe Saldana

Montgomery "Scotty" Scott

Anton Yelchin

Winona Ryder

Amanda Grayson

Chris Hemsworth

George Kirk

Jennifer Morrison

Winona Kirk

Rachel Nichols

Faran Tahir

Capt. Robau

Clifton Collins Jr.

J.J. Abrams

Roberto Orci

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Alex Kurtzman

Damon Lindelof

Executive Producer

Jeffrey Chernov

Michael Giacchino

Original Music

Cinematographer

Maryann Brandon

Film Editing

Mary Jo Markey

Scott Chambliss

Production Design

Michael Kaplan

Costume Design

Keith P. Cunningham

Supervising Art Direction

Art Director

Dennis Bradford

Luke Freeborn

Beat Frutiger

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Thanks to sleek direction and a strong script, Star Trek is the true definition of a blockbuster - managing to both satisfy longtime fans while appealing to all demographics with fun and intense action with some of the best visual effects ever put to screen.

It came as a shock to many people when it was announced that Paramount Pictures would make a new "Star Trek" movie that would reboot the franchise. But when the movie came out, pretty much everybody agreed that it was pretty good. This movie is awesome! J.J. Abrams managed to make a movie with some incredible acting and a really good story. The new actors were all pretty good and, of course, Leonard Nimoy who returned to play the older version of Spock proved that he still got it. The weaknesses of this movie are the visual effects when it comes to the creatures and then the villain who is incredibly weak. I didn't think that they had gave him a good reason for him to do what it is that he does. However, I still love this movie and I can't wait to see where this franchise will be going.

Plenty Star Trek super fans stand by the notion that the rebooted/re-imagination that J.J. Abrams brought us in 2009 should not be considered canon or even a part of the franchise. I tend to believe Abrams did right by the franchise's history and pathed the correct way to take the series. That's not to say the film doesn't ask its audience to take some leaps of faith, they certainly do. Beginning with an entirely new cast of actors playing iconic characters. Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, John Cho, Simon Pegg, and the late Anton Yelchin surrounded the film with impressive young talent. Luckily, they all fit right in with the actors who previously played the crew of the Starship Enterprise, while also bringing a fresh new face to the front of the franchise. Much like 2015's The Force Awakens, J.J. Abrams took a relatively simple and safe approach to revamping the series with Star Trek. Take the villain for example, Nero, he's a vengeful leader of a race who demands payback against those who wronged him. In this case those people are one, in Spock. Though Eric Bana is unrecognizable and quite good as Nero, he's sort of an antagonist doing antagonistic things just so that Kirk and Spock can have something to overcome. As it is a reimagining of sorts for the crew, we get to see Spock, Kirk, and even Uhura in places we've never seen them, both physically and emotionally. I particularly enjoyed the much more involved Uhura, though I'm not sure she needed to have a romantic relationship with Spock. But it does also provide us with a more unplugged version of Spock, though obviously still emotionally guarded. In all, the characters still feel like the same old Enterprise characters from the old films and series, just with a fresh spin. And that's okay Trek fans. Of course, there are quite a few gaps in the storytelling. After a highly emotional beginning with a great expanded cameo from Chris Hemsworth (up and comer at the time), I don't think the film ever reaches those gut punching heights, so from that angle, the film doesn't necessarily succeed. At other times, events happen that aren't explained well enough and warrant perhaps too much suspension of disbelief. With that said, once Leonard Nimoy steps into the film, everything begins to make a bit more sense and the entire film takes a leap forward in quality as well. It just takes a little bit to get to that point. This Star Trek reboot is far from perfect, but it's certainly nowhere near the 'dismal' quality some 'Trekkies' deem it. +The Kirk and Spock relationship is the krux of the story +Uhura's role amped up +J.J. reinvigorated the series -Some conveniences -Never hits the emotional heights of the first segment 8.0/10

This was a very very very smart way to reboot the franchise, especially with concern to using the characters from the original series. Very effective job by the actors. Zachary Quinto steals the show as "the new timeline Spock." It's amazing, the script that this team of writers can put together when directed by a quality director (they also wrote the first Transformers).

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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

A prequel to Star Trek: The Original Series, the show follows the crew of the USS Enterprise under Captain Christopher Pike. A prequel to Star Trek: The Original Series, the show follows the crew of the USS Enterprise under Captain Christopher Pike. A prequel to Star Trek: The Original Series, the show follows the crew of the USS Enterprise under Captain Christopher Pike.

• Akiva Goldsman
• Alex Kurtzman
• Jenny Lumet
• Anson Mount
• Christina Chong
• 1K User reviews
• 38 Critic reviews
• 9 wins & 32 nominations total

Episodes 31

• Captain Christopher Pike …

• La'an Noonien-Singh …

• Lt. Erica Ortegas …

• Una Chin-Riley …

• Nurse Christine Chapel

• Nyota Uhura …

• Dr. M'Benga

• USS Enterprise Computer …

• Lieutenant George Samuel 'Sam' Kirk

• Jenna Mitchell

• Captain Batel …

• Admiral Robert April

• Captain James T. Kirk …

• T'Pring
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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Did you know

• Trivia Bruce Horak , the actor who plays Hemmer, is legally blind, just like his character's species, the Aenar, who are also blind.
• Goofs There are some rank insignia mistakes. Number One is introduced as "Lieutenant Commander Una Chin-Riley" yet she is wearing the rank insignia of a full commander: two full stripes. A Lieutenant Commander's rank insignia is a full stripe under a thin stripe (in TOS it is a full stripe and a staggered stripe). It is not uncommon for a ship's first officer to be a Lt. Commander if they have not been in the position long. Spock at this point is a Lieutenant but he is wearing Lieutenant Commander's stripes; a Lieutenant just has one stripe. La'an is the ship's chief of security and the ship's second officer. She is also wearing Lt. Commander stripes but is addressed as a Lieutenant, but it would make more sense for her to be a Lieutenant Commander. Either way both of their rank insignia are not matching the rank they are addressed by. Ortegas is addressed as a Lieutenant but is wearing Lieutenant Commander's strips. A Lieutenant Commander may be addressed as a Commander or Lieutenant Commander but never as just a Lieutenant, so either her rank insignia or the manner she is addressed by the rest of the crew is in error.

[opening narration]

Captain Christopher Pike : Space. The final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no one has gone before.

• Connections Featured in Nerdrotic: Woke Hollywood is FAILING, and That's a Good Thing (2022)

Technical specs

• Runtime 52 minutes
• D-Cinema 48kHz 5.1
• Dolby Digital
• Dolby Atmos

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‘Star Trek’ Origin Story Movie Will Be Set Decades Before 2009 Film

CinemaCon 2024: The new project will be produced by longtime “Star Trek” steward J.J. Abrams

Paramount Pictures is ready to boldly go (again).

After rumors circulated earlier this year, Paramount officially announced a new “Star Trek” prequel film on Thursday, this time taking place decades before the original 2009 “Star Trek” feature.

“Andor” director Toby Haynes will direct from a script by Seth Grahame-Smith (who is also writing another hotly touted CinemaCon title, the third “Now You See Me” film). J.J. Abrams is returning to produce.

But then again, we’ve heard about a new “Star Trek” movie before.

During the run-up to “Star Trek Beyond” in 2016, it was revealed that a fourth film would reunite Chris Pine’s Captain Kirk with his deceased father (played, once again, by Chris Hemsworth). A year later, Quentin Tarantino approached Paramount about doing a “Star Trek” movie – this time as an R-rated gangster movie (based, in part, on the 1968 episode of the original series “A Piece of the Action”). In 2018 S.J. Clarkson, a TV vet who would eventually direct “Madame Web,” was hired to direct the fourth film in the Abrams-verse, but salary disputes led to Pine and Hemsworth leaving the project. That version was canceled in 2019 and Tarantino stated in 2020 that he wouldn’t be making his “Star Trek” either.

In November 2019 “Fargo” creator Noah Hawley was hired to write and direct a new “Star Trek” film based on his version of the series. A year later, this movie was canceled by new Paramount Pictures president Emma Watts. In 2021 “Star Trek: Discovery” writer Kalinda Vazquez was hired to write a version based on her original pitch, but a separate script was being developed by Lindsey Beer and Geneva Robertson-Dworet. The studio even set a summer 2023 release date for a new “Trek” (which “Trek” was the question).

In 2021 that release date was pushed to Christmas 2023, under the direction of “WandaVision” director Matt Shakman. Josh Friedman and Cameron Squires were brought on to retool the script. In early 2022 it was announced that the stars of the three previous “Star Trek” installments in the Abrams-verse would all be returning, although it was later reported that the actors had not entered negotiations to return.

In 2022 Shakman left “Star Trek” to join Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four.” But just last month Steve Yockey was hired to write a fourth “Star Trek” movie.

Now, we are finally getting word of another film in development, with another writer/director team. But it’s not the first time that a “Star Trek” prequel script has been floated, as Erik Jendresen, cowriter of “Mission: Impossible: Dead Reckoning,” had submitted a script for “Star Trek: The Beginning” before J.J. had taken over and pitched his 2009 version. It depicted the Earth-Romulan War.

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The Star Trek “Origin” Movie Is Finally Going Into Production

The new Star Trek prequel movie is set to be revealed on the big screen. Probably.

For 30 years — from 1979 to 2009 — the longest wait between new Star Trek feature films was seven years. And, for most of that period, from the release of Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) to Star Trek: Nemesis (2002), there was almost always a new Star Trek movie in theaters every two to four years. But after the wildly successful J.J. Abrams-directed reboot film in 2009, the release clip for Trek movies went from maximum warp to impulse power, to glacially slow. And now, by the time the next Star Trek movie hits theaters, it will have been about 10 years since the previous one — Star Trek Beyond — beamed into cinemas in 2016.

Since that time, for Trekkies, updates of a new Star Trek film have been very similar to the game football Lucy plays with Charlie Brown; just when a hypothetical movie sounds real, it gets snatched away. But now, there’s a glimmer of hope. Thanks to reports out of CinemaCon 2024, it looks like, the next Trek film is scheduled for release in either 2025 or 2026. But what’s it about? And will it really happen?

Star Trek 14 is “an untitled origin story”

The new “origin story” will be set before the 2009 reboot. But how many decades before?

During CinemaCon 2024, Paramount confirmed several in-development projects including a live-action GI Joe / Transformers crossover (teased in 2023’s Rise of the Beasts ), a hardcore Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles live-action movie, a remake of the sci-fi thriller The Running Man (from Edgar Wright), the confirmation of an Avatar trilogy, and the assertion that a new Star Trek feature film will go into production this year, with a release date soon to follow.

Since 2016 to now, there have been at least five different attempts to make a new Star Trek film, either as timey wimey direct sequel to Beyond (“Star Trek 4”) a one-off space mobster movie (Quentin Tarantino’s script) or something else entirely (Noah Hawley and Matt Shakman’s attempts that remain undisclosed). But now, although Paramount is reportedly developing a sequel to Beyond — which would feature the reboot cast from the 2009 film one last time — the next Star Trek movie is not that sequel, but instead, as previously reported , an “origin story” that “takes place decades before the 2009 Star Trek film that rebooted the franchise.” This movie has been confirmed to be directed by Toby Haynes ( Andor, Doctor Who ) with a script from Seth Grahame-Smith ( The Lego Batman Movie , Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter) .

Wait? Wasn’t the 2009 film an “origin story?” While the answer to this question is technically a “yes,” the 2009 film (just titled Star Trek ) was also partially a time-travel sequel to the canon established in The Next Generation , and literally everything else in the Trek franchise up until that point. By saying the new prequel film takes place “decades before” the first reboot, this could hypothetically mean that the movie takes place in both the Prime and Kelvin timelines simultaneously.

TLDR: The Trek timeline diverged in the first reboot movie, beginning in the year 2233, so, a story set even a few decades before that divergence, in the 2210s or 2220s or earlier, would be consistent with all versions of Trek's future history. Presumably, the “origin story” won’t take place in the two decades between the prologue of the 2009 film (2233) and the main story (2258), because honestly, even for hardcore Trekkies that’s a big canon headache. So, sometime in the early 2200s, but before the 2230s is probably the best bet. And, even if the movie was set a bit earlier than that — say in the late 2180s or 2190s — we’d still be dealing with a very early point of Starfleet history that has never been depicted and that we know almost nothing about. Hence, if you squint — and don’t think about the prequel series Enterprise (2151-2161) too much — then yes, we’re looking at an origin story in which pretty much anything could happen.

Star Trek “origin” movie release date

One of the earliest shots of the USS Enterprise — from the 1964 Star Trek pilot episode “The Cage.” The new prequel film will likely be set half a century before this moment.

While some tweets out of CinemaCon seemed to indicate that the new Star Trek movie could hit next year in 2025 , TrekMovie confirmed that the “Untitled Star Trek Origin Story,” is on the Paramount slate for 2025 or 2026. TrekMovie also predicted that 2026 is more likely, writing, “If Paramount can move fast enough they could get the origin movie into theaters by 2026 — in time for Star Trek’s 60th anniversary.” Then again, 2025 is not impossible, it’s just cutting it a little close.

It should also be noted that the entire corporate entity of Paramount is reportedly close to a merger that would see it purchased by Skydance Media, the same production company behind the three existing J.J. Abrams-produced Star Trek reboots. If that deal is finalized soon, then, yes, this Star Trek feature film might actually happen very quickly. And if it doesn’t, there will still be plenty of new Star Trek shows streaming , not to mention the first direct-to-streaming standalone Star Trek movie, Section 31 , starring Michelle Yeoh, which will hit Paramount+ sometime later this year.

All the reboot Star Trek films (2009-2016) are currently streaming on Paramount+. The previous ten films (1979-2002) are all on Max.

Ryan Britt's new book on the history of Star Trek's biggest changes. From the '60s show to the movies to 'TNG,' to 'Discovery,' 'Picard,' Strange New Worlds,' and beyond!

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I’m Glad Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Has Been Renewed For Season 4, But It’s A Shame There’s Also Some Bad News For The Franchise

O ne of the best reasons to have a Paramount+ subscription is so you can access the modern era of Star Trek TV. Ever since Star Trek: Discovery premiered on then-CBS All Access in 2017, the small screen corner of the sci-fi franchise has been revitalized, with some of the other shows including Strange New Worlds and Lower Decks . Well, there’s some good news and bad news that’s come in today. Strange New Worlds has been renewed for Season 4, but Lower Decks will be ending.

For those of you who’ve enjoyed watching the adventures of Captain Christopher Pike and the crew of the USS Enterprise in the immediate years ahead of The Original Series , there’s yet another batch of episodes on the way, though it’ll be a while until that specific group arrives since Strange New Worlds Season 3 isn’t expected to premiere until 2025. Unfortunately, those of you who have enjoyed the comedic hijinks of Boimlier, Mariner, Tendi and Rutherford on the animated Lower Decks must now prepare for the last hurrah with Season 5, which will premiere later this year on the 2024 TV schedule . Executive producers Mike McMahan and Alex Kurtzman released the following statement regarding the news:

We wanted to let you know that this fall will be the fifth and final season of Star Trek: Lower Decks. While five seasons of any series these days seems like a miracle, it’s no exaggeration to say that every second we’ve spent making this show has been a dream come true. Our incredible cast, crew and artists have given you everything they have because they love the characters they play, they love the world we’ve built, and more than anything we all love love love Star Trek. We’re excited for the world to see our hilarious fifth season which we’re working on right now, and the good news is that all previous episodes will remain on Paramount+ so there is still so much to look forward to as we celebrate the Cerritos crew with a big send-off. Finally, thank you for always being so creative and joyful, for filling convention halls and chanting “LOWER DECKS!” We remain hopeful that even beyond season five, Mariner, Boimler, Tendi, Rutherford and the whole Cerritos crew will live on with new adventures. LLAP

Now it is worth noting that Star Trek: Lower Decks ending shouldn’t come as a complete shock. Last October, Mike McMahan told CinemaBlend’s own Mick Joest that he wasn’t sure if Season 6 was in the cards , saying that “ you shouldn’t assume that this stuff is gonna stick around unless you vocally and watch it early on.” Sure enough, Season 5 will be the show’s last, so hopefully the writers were able to craft a conclusive ending rather than leave fans with any lingering plot threads.

All this being said, just because Star Trek: Lower Decks is ending doesn’t mean we’ll never see its characters again. After all, Jack Quaid and Tawny Newsome played Boimler and Mariner in live-action for last year’s Strange New Worlds / Lower Decks crossover , so perhaps there’ll be another opportunity for them to return to that show or some other live-action venue. Maybe they could even be joined by costars like Noël Wells or Eugene Cordero. And then, of course, these characters could simply keep being explored in books and comic book series.

As for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds , Season 2 ended with Pike being forced to decide whether he should follow Starfleet’s orders and retreat from the battle with the Horn, or defy them to save his captured crew members. So with Season 3 needing to resolve that plot thread and explore various other stories, it’ll obviously be a while until we learn what Season 4 holds in store.

The upcoming Star Trek TV shows lineup also includes Starfleet Academy , and the Michelle Yeoh-led Section 31 movie will also exclusively play on Paramount+. Meanwhile, the theatrical side of the franchise is beginning development on a Star Trek origins movie , so keep visiting CinemaBlend for the biggest updates on all these projects.

Screen Rant

Star trek origin movie officially announced by paramount for 2025 release.

Paramount Pictures officially announces the next Star Trek movie at CinemaCon, which will arrive in movie theaters in 2025.

• Paramount Pictures announces new Star Trek movie for 2025, directed by Toby Haynes and written by Seth Grahame-Smith.
• Chris Pine-led Star Trek 4 remains in development, while the new film is an origin story set decades before Abrams' 2009 movie.
• Alongside the Star Trek origin movie, Paramount reveals a packed slate of exciting films for 2025-26 at CinemaCon in Las Vegas.

Paramount Pictures officially announces the next Star Trek movie, which is scheduled to arrive in theaters in 2025. As reported in January, the next Star Trek movie isn't the long-delayed, Chris Pine-led Star Trek 4 produced by J.J. Abrams, which remains in development at Paramount. Rather, the next Star Trek movie is an origin story directed by Toby Haynes ( Star Wars: Andor ) and written by Seth Grahame-Smith (A braham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter ).

Screen Rant' s Rob Keyes (@rob_keyes) is at CinemaCon in Las Vegas where Paramount Pictures confirmed the next Star Trek movie , currently called Untitled Star Trek Origin Story , to be released in 2025. J.J. Abrams is also producing Untitled Star Trek Origin Story, which takes place decades before Abrams' Star Trek 2009 movie. See Rob Keyes' Tweet below:

Paramount also confirmed Untitled Star Trek Origin Story will begin production later this year for theatrical release in 2025.

Every Upcoming Star Trek Movie & TV Show

Star trek's new movies in theaters and paramount plus explained, star trek is finally making movies again.

After nearly a decade, Star Trek i s back to making movies. Star Trek on Paramount+ has created a television renaissance for the franchise, but the theatrical side of Star Trek overseen by Paramount Pictures has languished in development hell since Star Trek Beyond bowed in the summer of 2016. Toby Haynes' Untitled Star Trek Origin Story is yet another prequel, but as it's said to be set decades before Star Trek 2009, it could very well be set after Star Trek: Enterprise 's mid-22nd century voyages but otherwise be an origin story for both Star Trek 's Prime and alternate Kelvin timelines .

Meanwhile, J.J. Abrams' Star Trek 4 , which is the "final chapter" of the USS Enterprise crew led by Chris Pine's Captain James T. Kirk and Zachary Quinto's Spock, has seen some movement with a new screenwriter, Steve Yockey ( The Flight Attendant ), tackling the long-delayed sequel. Pine and his fellow Star Trek actors, including Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, and Sofia Boutella, have all expressed their eagerness to return if Star Trek 4 can come together.

It's a positive sign that Star Trek movies are finally coming back.

Paramount+ is making their own Star Trek movies, with the recently-wrapped Star Trek: Section 31 awaiting a release date. Starring Academy Award-winner Michelle Yeoh, Section 31 i s the first made-for-streaming Star Trek movie, and it is reportedly set during Star Trek 's "lost era" with connections to Star Trek: The Next Generation. Section 31 could get a sequel if successful, and the Star Trek: Picard spinoff dubbed Star Trek: Legacy may also become a streaming movie instead of a series. However all this shakes out, it's a positive sign that Star Trek movies are finally coming back.

Source: Rob Keyes Twitter

‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Renewed for Season 4; ‘Lower Decks’ to Conclude With Season 5 (EXCLUSIVE)

By Adam B. Vary

Adam B. Vary

Senior Entertainment Writer

• ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Renewed for Season 4; ‘Lower Decks’ to Conclude With Season 5 (EXCLUSIVE) 14 hours ago
• ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Getting Bloody, Live-Action Film ‘The Last Ronin’ 2 days ago
• Why ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Built Season 5 Around a Classic Episode From a Legacy Series 1 week ago

“ Star Trek : Strange New Worlds,” currently in production on its third season, has been renewed by Paramount+ for Season 4. Meanwhile, “ Star Trek: Lower Decks ,” the first animated “Star Trek” comedy, will conclude its run on the streamer with its fifth season, which will debut in the fall.

Popular on Variety

“Lower Decks” charted brand new territory for “Star Trek” when it debuted in 2020, as both an animated comedy and a series that focused on the junior officers of the USS Cerritos: Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome), Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid), D’Vana Tendi (Noël Wells) and Sam Rutherford (Eugene Cordero). Set in the years following the feature film “Star Trek: Nemesis,” the series has included voice cameos from many beloved “Star Trek” alumni, like George Takei, Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, John de Lancie, Will Wheaton, Armin Shimerman, Nana Visitor and Robert Duncan McNeill.

Given its premise, concluding “Lower Decks” make sense considering the main four characters all received promotions in Season 4. But in a message to fans, Kurtzman and executive producer and showrunner Mike McMahon left the turbolift doors open for continuing the characters’ stories following their time at the bottom of the Starfleet pecking order. 

The “Star Trek” TV universe, overseen by Kurtzman through his Secret Hideout production company and produced by CBS Studios, has enjoyed a robust expansion since “Star Trek: Discovery” first premiered in 2017. Along with “Strange New Worlds,” the made-for-television movie “Star Trek: Section 31” recently concluded production with star Michelle Yeoh, and the new series “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” will begin shooting later this year.

“It has been incredibly rewarding to continue to build the Star Trek universe, and we’re so grateful to Secret Hideout and our immensely talented casts and producers,” said Jeff Grossman, executive vice president of Programming at Paramount+. “‘Strange New Worlds’ has found the perfect blend of action, adventure and humor. Similarly, ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ has brought the laughs with an ample amount of heart to the franchise across its four seasons. We can’t wait for audiences to see what is in store for the crew of the U.S.S. Cerritos in this final season.”

“‘Lower Decks’ and ‘Strange New Worlds’ are integral to the ‘Star Trek’ franchise, expanding the boundaries of the universe and exploring new and exciting worlds,” said CBS Studios president David Stapf. “We are extraordinarily proud of both series as they honor the legacy of what Gene Roddenberry created almost 60 years ago. We are so grateful to work with Secret Hideout, Alex Kurtzman, Mike McMahan, Akiva Goldsman, Henry Alonso Myers and the cast, crews and artists who craft these important and entertaining stories for fans around the world.”

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A Star Trek origin story movie is officially on the way from Andor and Black Mirror director

It's set to take place decades before 2009's Star Trek

Paramount has officially announced a new Star Trek movie – but it's not Star Trek 4.

The Untitled Star Trek Origin Story was unveiled at CinemaCon, with J.J. Abrams set to produce (H/T The Wrap ). The film will take place decades before 2009's Star Trek, with Andor's Toby Haynes set to direct and Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter author Seth Grahame-Smith set to pen the script. Plot details have yet to be released. Deadline first announced the film earlier this year.

Haynes directed the popular Black Mirror episode U.S.S Callister, which acts as a Star Trek parody. Black Mirror season 7 will feature a sequel to U.S.S Callister , though it has not yet been announced who will direct.

Paramount also stated that the origin pic would begin production later this year to make it in time for a 2025 theatrical release. Star Trek 4, the sequel to Abrams' 2009 flick, is still in development. WandaVision's Matt Shakman was previously attached to direct, but  left the project  in August 2022  around the same time he was announced as the new Fantastic Four director. Last month, Variety reported that Sucker Punch and Supernatural writer Steve Yockey would pen the fourth Star Trek film, which intends to bring back Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, and the rest of the cast.

The Untitled Star Trek Origin Story does not yet have a release date. For more, check out our list of the most exciting upcoming movies in 2024 and beyond, or, skip right to the good stuff with our list of movie release dates .

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Lauren Milici is a Senior Entertainment Writer for GamesRadar+ currently based in the Midwest. She previously reported on breaking news for The Independent's Indy100 and created TV and film listicles for Ranker. Her work has been published in Fandom, Nerdist, Paste Magazine, Vulture, PopSugar, Fangoria, and more.

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When does the final season of 'Star Trek: Discovery' come out? Release date, cast, where to watch

It's time for U.S.S. Discovery's final mission.

Paramount+'s hit TV series "Star Trek: Discovery" is returning for its fifth and final season this week and there is a lot to look forward to.

"The fifth and final season will find Captain Burnham and the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery uncovering a mystery that will send them on an epic adventure across the galaxy to find an ancient power whose very existence has been deliberately hidden for centuries," says Paramount+ about the upcoming season. "But there are others on the hunt as well…dangerous foes who are desperate to claim the prize for themselves and will stop at nothing to get it."

"Star Trek: Discovery" debuted in 2017 and is the seventh in the Star Trek series. Here's everything you need to know about the final season of the series.

When does 'Star Trek: Discovery' Season 5 premiere?

The finale season of "Star Trek: Discovery" is scheduled to premiere on Paramount+ on Thursday, April 4.

The first two episodes will be available to stream on the premiere date, with new episodes dropping weekly on Thursdays. Paramount+ did not specify what time the episodes will be available on their platform.

'Star Trek: Discovery' on Paramount+: Subscribe

Kenneth Mitchell: 'Star Trek: Discovery' actor, dies after battle with ALS

'Star Trek: Discovery' Season 5 episodes

Season 5 of "Star Trek: Discovery" has 10 episodes in total. The first two will be available to stream on April 4, with the remaining dropping weekly on Thursday on Paramount+.

'Star Trek: Discovery' Season 5 cast

Season 5 of "Star Trek: Discovery" brings back new and old faces along with recurring guest stars. Cast members include:

• Sonequa Martin-Green as Captain Michael Burnham
• Doug Jones as Saru
• Anthony Rapp as Paul Stamets
• Mary Wiseman as Sylvia Tilly
• Wilson Cruz as Dr. Hugh Culber
• David Ajala as Cleveland “Book” Booker
• Blu del Barrio as Adira
• Callum Keith Rennie as Rayner.
• Elias Toufexis as L’ak
• Eve Harlow as Moll

'Star Trek: Discovery' Season 5 trailer

Paramount+ dropped the official trailer for Season 5 on Feb. 23.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.

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‘Star Trek’ Fan Leaves Behind a Collection Like No One Has Done Before

When Troy Nelson died, his shelves were filled to the rafters with memorabilia from the popular franchise. Soon, the massive collection will be boldly going, going, gone.

Evan Browne said her brother Troy’s love of “Star Trek” began with the original series, which he and his siblings watched at dinnertime. Credit... Connie Aramaki for The New York Times

Supported by

By Sopan Deb

• Published April 1, 2024 Updated April 3, 2024

Editors’ Note, April 2, 2024: After publication, The Times learned that Troy and Andrew Nelson were named in a civil lawsuit filed in Pierce County Superior Court in 1998, in which they were accused of molesting three disabled adults in a state-licensed facility that they operated. After a six-week jury trial, Washington State was ordered to pay $17.8 million to the plaintiffs. The state said it intended to appeal but missed the deadline and paid the victims. The Nelson brothers denied the allegations and were never criminally charged.

Troy Nelson and his younger brother Andrew were almost inseparable.

The two youngest of six, they were born two years apart. They lived together in their childhood home in Bremerton, Wash., for more than half a century. Near their home, there is a park bench on which they carved their initials as young boys.

The Nelson brothers never married or had children. They worked together at the same senior home. They even once, as teenagers, dated the same girl at the same time while working different shifts at the same pizza shop. This lasted a week until they realized it.

“Two parts of one body,” Evan Browne, their older sister, said of their relationship in an interview.

On Feb. 28, Andrew Nelson, who had been treated for cancer for years, went to feed the chickens and ducks that were gifts from Ms. Browne to her brothers. He had a heart attack and died. He was 55. Just hours later, Troy Nelson, who was stricken with grief, took his own life. He was 57.

“He had talked about it before,” Browne, 66, said, tearfully. “He said, ‘Hey, if Andrew goes, I’m out of here. I’m checking out.’ Andrew would say the same thing, and then it really happened .”

What Troy Nelson left behind has become a sensation. After his death, family members posted pictures on social media of his massive — and, really, the keyword is massive — collection of “Star Trek” memorabilia, which have now been shared thousands of times.

The items took up two living rooms and a bedroom, all lined with bookshelves, according to Elena Hamel, one of the brothers’ nieces. The centers of the rooms were lined with additional bookshelves — all packed to the brim — to create aisles. There were jewelry cabinets serving as display cases.

The shelves contained action figures. Dolls. Models of ships. Posters. Ornaments. Lunchboxes. Legos. Several toy phasers and tricorders. (For non-Trek fans, the phaser is a weapon, and a tricorder is, essentially, a fancy smartphone.) Multiple “Star Trek” lamps. (Yes, there are “Star Trek” lamps.) Trading cards. Comic books. Trek-themed Geeki Tikis (stylized tiki mugs). Life-size cutouts of famous characters. A life-size captain’s chair.

While it’s impossible to account for every private collector in the world, Troy Nelson’s collection is almost assuredly among the largest — if not the largest.

The last additions to the collection came in the final weeks of his life: Stuffed rabbits in “Star Trek” uniforms. “I’ve never seen a collection that size,” said Russ Haslage, the president of the International Federation of Trekkers , a “Star Trek”-themed nonprofit that Haslage founded with Gene Roddenberry, the creator of the franchise.

Haslage’s organization opened in 2020 a “Star Trek” museum in Sandusky, Ohio, that has received donations of memorabilia from estates. Those collections “pale in comparison” to Mr. Nelson’s, he said. (Haslage has reached out to the family to ask about donations from the collection.)

The older brother’s love of “Star Trek” began with the original series, which he’d watch with his siblings.

“It was our dinner meal,” Ms. Browne said. “When we had dinner, we were sitting in front of ‘Star Trek.’”

Troy Nelson began collecting in the late-1970s. His first acquisition was a model version of the Starship Enterprise. Then came Star Trek conventions. Why the franchise was such a draw to him remains a mystery to his family.

“I really can’t say. I mean, other than the fact that he was brainwashed with it at dinner time,” Browne said, laughing. “That sounds ridiculous. When we grew up, it’s like, ‘Dinner is at this time. And if you don’t get here at this time, you don’t get dinner.’ So it might’ve been a comfort for him .”

Troy Nelson would often monitor sites like eBay for items he didn’t have. On several occasions, he would express frustration on losing out on an item before being able to bid on it. Until he found out the reason.

“Andrew already got it for him,” Ms. Browne recalled.

Obsessive “Star Trek” fandom has long become an indelible part of pop culture, especially as the franchise — which has spawned several television series, movies, novels and comics — has been a long-running institution. There have been documentaries that have studied the subject, such as “Trekkies” in 1997. It’s been lampooned on “The Simpsons,” “Saturday Night Live” and “Family Guy,” and become a story line in an episode of “The West Wing,” among many others. For dedicated fans, accruing collectibles isn’t uncommon.

“When you collect these things, you’re closer to that genre that you enjoy so much,” Haslage said. “When I first started in 1979, I was grabbing everything I could get my hands on because it was cool, and it was a piece of the whole ‘Star Trek’ mythos. If you have these pieces, you’re a part of that universe in some way.”

It turns out that collecting is a pursuit that runs in the family.

Andrew Nelson collected mall swords, Ryobi-branded tools and statues of warrior women, like Xena, the warrior princess .

Browne’s house has a wall with thousands of smashed pennies and her living room windows are full of glass sugar and creamer bowls.

Browne’s father, Bud Peers, collected salt and pepper shakers, guns and knives. Troy and Andrew’s father, Norman Nelson, collected scrap metal and wood.

Hamel has 17 Christmas trees, all fully decorated with separate themes.

Browne’s son, Michael, who is 36, collects anything and everything related to black bears.

“ When you have a large collection like that and it’s displayed like that,” Hamel said, “and it’s something that is important to you, it’s often really calming to be in a space like that. It’s just all the things that you love. It’s soothing.”

As far as Browne knew, Troy had no history of mental illness or any previous suicide attempts. After Andrew died, she received a distraught and frantic call from Troy with the news. She told him that she was on her way.

Ms. Browne said she called him when she got to the Tacoma Bridge. No answer. And then again, at the Manette Bridge. No answer. When she reached their home, the back door was open. And then she found him. The phone call was the last time they spoke.

Troy Nelson did not leave a note, but did leave some things meticulously arranged by his computer, including a key to the house, burial plans for the two brothers, and bills.

“ I don’t know really what I thought,” Ms. Browne said. “All I could do was just scream.”

The Nelson family is boxing up Troy’s “Star Trek” collection to prepare it for auction. Andrew’s ashes will be placed in an urn carved in the likeness of the supermodel Bettie Page . (He was a fan.) Troy’s ashes will be placed in a “Star Trek” lunchbox.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources.

Sopan Deb is a Times reporter covering breaking news and culture. More about Sopan Deb

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