CBS All Access has officially tapped Yeoh to captain her own ‘Star Trek’ series: a black ops-themed spinoff of ‘Discovery’ in which the actress will reprise her role. The show will explore the next chapter in the life of Captain Philippa Georgiou. The untitled drama will also explore Starfleet’s Section 31 division, a shadow organization within the Federation featured on ‘Star Trek: Discovery.’
The untitled live-action drama, news of which leaked in November, is now currently in development. This was a smart move, as CBS All Access owns ‘Star Trek’ and is paying Alex Kurtzman $25 million to captain the franchise. Therefore, CBS All Access and writers Bo Yeon Kim and Erika Lippoldt can extend the ‘Star Trek’ world and mythology as part of CBS All Access. Also, more time for Kurtzman to plot animated series ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks,’ and a Patrick Stewart-led Picard live-action drama. There are other projects too, including a younger-skewing ‘Starfleet Academy’ entry. That one is from ‘The O.C.’ and ‘Marvel’s Runaways’ duo Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage.
Kurtzman had this to say about the project:
“Michelle has shattered ceilings, broken boundaries and astonished us with her grace and gravitas for decades. As a human, I adore her. As an actor, I revere her. Erika and Boey are remarkable, exciting writers who bring a fresh perspective to the world of Star Trek, and we’re all thrilled to explore the next wild chapter in the life of Captain Philippa Georgiou.”
Yeoh also commented:
“I’m so excited to continue telling these rich Star Trek stories. Being a part of this universe and this character specifically has been such a joy for me to play. I can’t wait to see where it all goes — certainly I believe it will go ‘where no woman has ever gone before!'”
Yeoh is a former Bond girl, and other credits include the ‘Crouching Tiger’ franchise, ‘Memoirs of a Geisha,’ ‘Sunshine’ and more. She is currently enjoying the awards season circuit in support of blockbuster hit ‘Crazy Rich Asians.’
Season two of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ bows January 17 on CBS All Access.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter