April 19, 2023
KUALA LUMPUR – There will be more of Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh (pic) to love as the Oscar-winning actress is set star in a new Star Trek movie titled Star Trek: Section 31.
The 60-year-old Malaysian actress will return to her role as Emperor Phillipa Georgiou, a character she first played in Season One of Star Trek: Discovery.
“I’m beyond thrilled to return to my Star Trek family and to the role I’ve loved for so long,” said Yeoh in a press statement.
“Section 31 has been near and dear to my heart since I began the journey of playing Phillipa all the way back when this new golden age of Star Trek launched, and 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)!” she added.
According to executive producer Alex Kurtzman, it was Yeoh’s idea for this particular project.
“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 of her character,” said Kurtzman.
“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, Section 31 finally arrives on the heels of her latest groundbreaking (Oscar) win.
“Everyone on Team Trek couldn’t be more thrilled to have our legendary friend return home to us … Long live Emperor Georgiou, Long live Michelle Yeoh!” he added in the press statement.
In the upcoming movie, to be aired in Paramount+ streaming service in the United States, Georgiou joins a secret division of Starfleet tasked with protecting the United Federation of Planets and faces the sins of her past. Production is set to begin later this year.