Holly Hunter’s portrayal of Captain Nahla Ake in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy introduces viewers to an unconventional leader whose energy blends the spirit of an artsy theater kid with the command of a starship captain. Premiering today on Paramount+, the series showcases Nahla’s unique mannerisms, including her unorthodox way of sitting in the captain’s chair—often cross-legged or in a relaxed pose—which sets her apart from traditional captains in the franchise.
Hunter’s interpretation of Nahla’s posture and demeanor draws inspiration from the captain’s name, which traces back to the Arabic word for the
“first drink of water in the desert.”
This symbolism helped Hunter develop a fluid and feline approach to the character that influences both her movement and interactions on screen.
I love the whole idea of being water,
Hunter explained to Entertainment Weekly.
So I thought maybe I can just be that kind of fluid, spineless, feline…You know how cats just kind of melt into their thing? So I started doing it and it was really fun. It awakened different impulses and it evoked different responses from people who I was doing scenes with.
Holly Hunter, Actress
Paul Giamatti Embodies a Complex Half-Klingon Villain
Playing opposite Hunter, Paul Giamatti takes on the role of Nus Braka, a half-Klingon, half-Tellarite character who breaks the mold of typical Star Trek antagonists. Nus’s backstory is entwined with young Caleb Mir, played by Sandro Rosta, whose separation from his mother (Tatiana Maslany) creates a pivotal narrative arc within the show. Years later, Chancellor Nahla, now heading the revamped Starfleet Academy, offers Caleb the opportunity to become a recruit in hopes of reuniting him with his mother.
The show stands out with its surprising casting choices, pairing Hunter, known for films like The Piano and Home For the Holidays, with Giamatti, best recognized for roles in Billions and Alexander Payne’s movies. This fresh combination marks a new creative direction for Star Trek on Paramount+, with Season 2 already in development.
Behind the Scenes: How the Series Was Shaped Around the Leads
Showrunners Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau worked closely with Hunter to craft the series around her presence. Hunter recalls a relaxed weekend spent with the creators before filming began, fostering a collaborative atmosphere that stood out from her previous experiences in the industry.
Before the sets were built, we were just hanging out, getting to know each other,
Hunter remembered.
I have been on a very small number of movies where I never met the director until I got to the set. There’s something sad about that, but it does happen. This was the absolute total opposite. We got to know each other in a completely different way where there was no pressure.
Holly Hunter, Actress
In contrast, Giamatti’s journey to Star Trek was almost serendipitous. While promoting his 2023 film The Holdovers, he mentioned in an interview his desire to play a Klingon. This comment caught the attention of the show’s creators, who reached out to him within a day with multiple role options, allowing him to select the primary antagonist, Nus Braka.
I’ve always wanted to play a Klingon, but it was not something I actually thought was ever gonna come to pass,
Giamatti said.
I can’t think of anything else manifesting like that, that I’ve said and that it actually happened.
Paul Giamatti, Actor
Giamatti’s Bold Performance Pushes Boundaries
Portraying a character from two fierce alien races gave Giamatti the freedom to explore an intense and aggressive performance style, occasionally teetering on the edge of excess. The creators rarely restricted his choices, encouraging him to fully embrace Nus’s volatility.
I had my pedal to the metal,
Giamatti reflected.
They really allowed me to be pretty big. I said to them early on, ‘I’m playing this combination of two incredibly aggressive alien species. You okay if I really go for the aggression? And they said, ‘Absolutely.’ Most of it felt in danger of going off the edge of a cliff, but I don’t think I did.
Paul Giamatti, Actor
The Dynamic Chemistry Between Hunter and Giamatti
The synergy between Hunter and Giamatti is a key factor in the success of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Their interactions highlight the tension and mutual challenge between the captain and the villain, especially evident in a standout scene from the premiere where Nus takes control of Nahla’s ship, which also serves as the Starfleet school.
There’s something really excited about working with Paul,
Hunter shared.
I just felt, I don’t know, a kinship with [him] being on set. Paul’s up for anything.
Holly Hunter, Actress
I feel like I was having too much fun,
Giamatti added.
Occasionally, I thought somebody needed to come to sedate me.
Paul Giamatti, Actor
What Lies Ahead for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
With strong leads like Hunter and Giamatti bringing fresh energy and depth to unexpected roles, the series marks a bold step forward for the Star Trek franchise. As the story develops, viewers can anticipate further exploration of complex characters and layered storytelling within the universe, solidifying the show’s place in the franchise’s evolving landscape.
