Holly Hunter teases ‘Starfleet Academy’ Season 2 after cancellation: 'Always seeking solutions.'
Paramount+ may have canceled 'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy,' but viewers still have a completed second season awaiting release. Production for Season 2 wrapped before Paramount canceled the series. The announcement left fans awaiting new episodes while campaigning for the show's revival. Holly Hunter has now offered a preview of what those episodes will explore. The actor also discussed whether she would play Nahla Ake again.
Hunter leads the series as Nahla, who serves as both captain of the USS Athena and chancellor of Starfleet Academy. The two positions require different sides of the 422-year-old half-Lanthanite, according to the actor. Nahla must make firm decisions as a captain while bringing humor and a lighter touch to her work as chancellor. That contrast will remain part of her story when the series returns for its already-filmed season.
In an interview with TV Insider published, Hunter said the next season will use science fiction to examine ideas that have long been central to 'Star Trek.' She did not reveal specific storylines but indicated that Nahla will face several situations centered on the question, “What if….” She also stated that the season will explore solutions that involve peace and fairness. Hunter said the new material was also enjoyable to film.
“Season 2 asks large questions, which I think Star Trek is particularly good at. Trek is always seeking solutions of peace and solutions of fairness, and I think Season 2 really does that incredibly well and deals with the complexity of that. It’s also tremendously fun because we get to do a lot of things that you can only do in science fiction. It’s like, ‘What if….’ It happens in the second season a lot, particularly for me,” she said.
The cancelation came after Season 1 drew criticism from some viewers who called the show too ‘woke.’ Hunter also pointed to William Shatner's response to cancelation of the show. Recalling his response, she said, “He said, ‘Hey, the definition of Star Trek is woke.’” She also noted that Shatner spoke about Southern states banning the series after it featured a kiss between a black woman and a white man.
Hunter said the support for 'Starfleet Academy' has mattered to her as fans continue calling for its return. “It’s meant a tremendous amount to me that people have been so vocal in loving the show, and I also think the critics were vocal in loving the show. The reception from so many was really positive,” she said. Asked if she would return as Nahla if another opportunity emerged, Hunter did not close the door. “I had nothing but a blast playing Nahla, nothing but a blast with that amazing cast. I love those actors,” she said.
The actor also called joining the group of performers who have played a 'Star Trek' captain “a privilege” and said, “It really is a legacy for American entertainment. Sixty years is unbelievable continuity. So, I’m thrilled. I hope I won’t be the last one.”
