During the press day for Star Trek: Prodigy the creators and cast discuss how this show is an introduction of the franchise to a whole new generation.
Star Trek: Prodigy is a new series coming to Paramount+ that is a great way to introduce a new generation to the beloved franchise. This show is all about friendship, but it is also about learning who you are, and also what Star Trek means. It follows a group of six teenagers who know nothing of the Star Trek Fleet, but will eventually learn the history and inspiration that it has brought to so many.
During the press day in support of the series we attended several interviews with the cast and creators of the show, learning more about it, what it means to them, what they hope viewers take away, and more.
Participating Talent:
- Kevin Hageman (Creator)
- Dan Hageman (Creator)
- Ben Hibon (Directors)
- Kate Mulgrew (Kathryn Janeway)
- Ella Purnell (Gwyn)
- Brett Gray (Dal)
- Rylee Alazraqui (Rok-Tahk)
Kevin Hageman, Dan Hageman, & Ben Hibon
When asked which Star Trek: Prodigy character he resonates with the most, Dan Hageman did not even have to think about it. “Dal. I really connected with Dal. A guy who is brimming with confidence but deep down there’s crippling insecurities. Especially going into a Star Trek show I felt Dal.”
This is a show that kids are going to enjoy, of course, but parents are too. That is something that is hard to come by but Star Trek: Prodigy does it wonderfully. When asked to speak on that Kevin Hageman says, “We always start with out hearts. A good story, you’ve gotta have a real heart behind it – those are the best stories. Adults and kids will react to that. We all respond to hope and aspiration. Then you get to layer in character driven comedy, not just gags. And thrilling adventure that is going to raise all of our blood pressure a little bit.”
Ben Hibon added that Star Trek: Prodigy will open the conversation between the generations. “Seeing the challenges of these characters… kids relating to what is happening on screen. Parents can be able to explain and discuss. I think all of that is where Star Trek is at its best.” He hopes that this show really opens that bridge between parents and their kids.
Kate Mulgrew
Kate Mulgrew reprises her role as Captain Janeway in Star Trek: Prodigy — a role that is beloved by many fans. When asked if this was a no brainer for her, she answered that it was not at all. “I gave it some real consideration over a long period of time.” She explains that it was Executive Producer Alex Kurtzman’s approach and intelligence that helped her make her decision.
“The reality is nobody else could voice it but me in order to make it an honest success. I think people will respond to the fact that it is Mulgrew’s voice in the embodiment of Janeway. I’m thrilled that he asked and I’m thrilled to be doing it. It’s really been quite a happy and satisfying experience.” – Kate Mulgrew
When asked if she ever would have imagined herself returning as Captain Janeway, especially in animated form, she had the most inspiring response. “From the moment I stepped onto that bridge, I knew anything was possible.”
Kate Mulgrew also explains how much she is like Janeway, even laughing as she says they wouldn’t have cast her to begin with if she wasn’t. “The camera does not lie so you have to have certain similarities or it’s just not going to work.”
“Strength of character being foremost among them. I have a strong personality. I have a strong will. And the camera reveals that immediately about me. I have a pretty good sense of humor. I have a great intellectual curiosity, and I am essentially unafraid. You take all of those and you simply enhance them to fit the character.” – Kate Mulgrew
What I really love about her answer though, is when she talks about the characteristics that Janeway has and she doesn’t, but admires. For example, her knowledge of the universe and space and a different kind of courage. She says there is no way to explain how much she loved developing her.
Ella Purnell, Brett Gray, & Rylee Alazraqui
This Star Trek cast is a ton of fun, but they are also quite young. Which means the chances of them growing up on Star Trek like many out there are slim. So when asked if they had watched Star Trek at all, it is no surprise that they all had not watched a lot of it.
“I haven’t seen much. I have seen glimpses of reruns that my stepdad would watch. There was a lot of pressure for me personally, but then when I spoke with the team and I read the script, and I learned that these kids are also new to the world. They know nothing about the ship or the Star Fleet so it took a lot of the pressure off because I was like oh, I am just getting into character. I really know nothing.” – Ella Purnell
Brett Gray says that he also had minimal Star Trek knowledge. “If you said to me socially Captain Kirk, I would know what that meant. But I wouldn’t know.. what that meant.” He says he didn’t feel any pressure or do research. He went in fresh, ready to just wing it — something that is very much like his character, Dal.
As for Rylee, she also knew nothing about Star Trek before coming onto Prodigy. “It was confusing at first. But the characters are new to Star Trek too so the characters and the cast were learning together as time went on.”
Full Star Trek: Prodigy Interviews
There is so much more that we talk about in these interviews, so I do hope that you check out the entire video below to learn more about this amazing series and the cast and creators behind it.
About Star Trek: Prodigy
Developed by Emmy® Award winners Kevin and Dan Hageman (“Trollhunters” and “Ninjago”), the CG-animated series STAR TREK: PRODIGY is the first “Star Trek” series aimed at younger audiences, and will follow a motley crew of young aliens who must figure out how to work together while navigating a greater galaxy, in search of a better future.
These six young outcasts know nothing about the ship they have commandeered – a first in the history of the “Star Trek” franchise – but over the course of their adventures together, they will each be introduced to Starfleet and the ideals it represents.
Star Trek: Prodigy premieres on Paramount+ on October 28th.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.