Paul Giamatti, acclaimed for his roles across film and television, shared which legendary leader tops his list in an interview about Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, the new series premiering January 15 on Paramount+. When speaking about iconic figures, Giamatti made it clear that his favorite, Captain Benjamin Sisko, holds a special place in his heart—a detail that demonstrates his deep knowledge of the Star Trek universe and the Paul Giamatti Star Trek Captain connection.
Giamatti’s Inspiration Drawn from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
As Paul Giamatti prepares for his role as Nus Braka, a half-Klingon, half-Tellarite adversary in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, he drew both inspiration and admiration from a fellow Star Trek captain. In a conversation with Holly Hunter—who plays Chancellor Nahla Ake, the newest Star Trek Captain—Giamatti discussed why Benjamin Sisko stands out among the many memorable Starfleet leaders. Executive producers Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau have envisioned a series where opposing characters like Giamatti’s Nus Braka and Hunter’s Nahla Ake lead a talented cast, including Sandro Rosta as Caleb Mir, Karim Diane as Jay-Den Kraag, and Kerrice Brooks as Sam.
During the press junket for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, TrekMovie’s Laurie Ulster asked what specific Captain inspired him most. Giamatti enthusiastically responded with genuine passion—
Paul Giamatti: Well, I love Captain Sisko. I mean, he’s a fascinating character, that character, and the sort of strange religious mission that he’s given and his sort of struggle with that stuff. [To Holly:] I don’t know if you’ve seen that series.
Holly Hunter: No.
Paul Giamatti: That character, and the actor’s great. Avery Brooks is amazing. He’s such an interesting character, such a complicated, interesting character. Wonderful journey that character has.
This exchange underscores Giamatti’s admiration not just for the character’s layered arc, but also for Avery Brooks’ compelling performance. He describes Sisko as complex, highlighting the Captain’s struggles with his unique role as both a Starfleet officer and a spiritual figure for the Bajoran people.
A Trekkie Turned Villain Creator
Giamatti’s passion for Star Trek began in his youth, starting with The Original Series, but his love for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and its array of villains left a lasting impact. In shaping the persona of Nus Braka, Giamatti thought of DS9’s formidable antagonists like Gul Dukat—portrayed by Marc Alaimo—and Liquidator Brunt, brought to life by Jeffrey Combs. These storylines and characters, as well as Benjamin Sisko’s evolving journey as a single father, husband, and eventually a demi-god for Bajor, provided a wealth of inspiration.
This connection makes sense given Giamatti’s career-long fascination with characters occupying morally gray spaces, allowing him to explore levels of complexity both as a fan and as an actor. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine offered a captain who was more than a rule-follower; Sisko was a nuanced leader, deeply tied to his crew and the fate of Bajor.
New Series Pays Tribute to Sisko and DS9 Legacy
Hints of this admiration will reportedly appear in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy itself. Footage revealed at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 features cadet Sam—played by Kerrice Brooks—looking at a photograph of Captain Sisko, suggesting the new show will pay its respects to Deep Space Nine and its renowned captain. With Giamatti’s well-established fan status and love for the series, the ensemble cast, including Hunter, Rosta, Diane, and Brooks, appears poised to breathe new life into the Starfleet universe.
Amidst a dynamic cast and the overarching direction of Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau, Hunter’s Nahla Ake brings another compelling female captain to Star Trek’s legacy, facing off against Giamatti’s villainous Nus Braka. Laurie Ulster of TrekMovie highlighted how Giamatti’s informed appreciation for the franchise enhances his credibility among dedicated fans.
Introducing the Cast and Their Roles
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy unites a diverse cast, each bringing their unique talents to the series:
- Holly Hunter as Chancellor Nahla Ake, leading Starfleet Academy and introducing a powerful new female captain
- Sandro Rosta as Caleb Mir, a Starfleet cadet poised for discovery
- Karim Diane as Jay-Den Kraag, contributing depth to the mix of cadets
- Kerrice Brooks as Sam, who embodies the spirit of honoring Starfleet legends like Captain Sisko
What Lies Ahead for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
With its premiere on the horizon, executive producers Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau promise an energetic and modern take on the Star Trek tradition. Giamatti’s honest disclosure of his admiration for Captain Sisko and Avery Brooks signals that the new show will not only introduce complex new characters and relationships but also embrace—and celebrate—the rich legacy of Star Trek captains. Fans and newcomers alike can look forward to nods to Deep Space Nine and thoughtful homages that will intrigue both original viewers and a new generation.
