Star Trek: Starfleet Academy – Behind-the-Scenes Secrets Revealed

Noga Landau, an executive producer and co-showrunner for the new series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, and actor Karim Diané (who plays Jay-Den Kraag) have shared some behind-the-scenes details about the first four episodes. The show is currently available to stream on Paramount+ and has received a ‘Certified Fresh’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes with an approval score of 88%.

The fourth episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy explores the heartbreaking history of Jay-Den Kraag, explaining the difficult situation facing the Klingon Empire in the late 32nd century. As Jay-Den grapples with his identity – being both a Klingon warrior and a Starfleet student – he develops a daring plan to rescue the remaining Klingon refugees and find them a new planet to call home.

ScreenRant recently chatted with Karim Diané and Noga Landau about the new series. They discussed everything from the Klingons and the complex motivations of Jay-Den Kraag to the value of friendships at Starfleet Academy and how fans are responding to the show. Plus, they hinted at the surprising popularity of a funny character that viewers have really taken to in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.

Karim Diané’s Social Media Tells Him Starfleet Academy Is Reaching Its Target Audience

Since Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is designed for young adults, Karim Diané believes it’s successfully reaching that audience, based on what he sees on social media. He feels the show is “100%” connecting with its intended viewers.

I’m getting a ton of messages and seeing a huge reaction online. People are noticing even the smallest details of the show – things I didn’t even pick up on myself! They’re pointing them out in comments and reaction videos, which is amazing. It really feels like the show is connecting with the right audience.

Noga Landau Loves The Fan Reaction To How Holly Hunter Sits In Her Captain’s Chair

I’ve been following the buzz around Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, and honestly, one of the biggest things people are talking about is Holly Hunter’s posture – specifically, how comfortably she sits in her Captain’s chair! It’s funny, because according to Noga Landau, one of the show’s producers, you really never know what seemingly small detail is going to resonate with the audience. She said you can plan all you want, but sometimes it’s the unexpected things that really catch fire with fans.

I have to say, John, some of the most fun content I’ve seen – and there’s already a ton of great Starfleet Academy stuff online, on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook – is these compilations of people recreating Nahla sitting in the chair. We really had no idea that would become so popular! There’s this one video of a girl doing it, and another one like that, and another – those are the videos I love the most.

Noga shared that it’s wonderful to see new fans enjoying their work and enthusiastically participating in daily Starfleet Academy events. She described them as a fun and dedicated group, affectionately calling them ‘an army of weird chair sitters’.

Karim Diané Explains His Process Of Playing Jay-Den Kraag In Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Episode 4

For the first three episodes of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, Jay-Den Kraag kept his feelings to himself. However, in episode 4, he starts to share his worries about whether he can truly live up to the standards of both a Klingon warrior and a Starfleet cadet.

Karim Diané described exploring the character of Jay-Den as a freeing experience. He explained that he was still discovering how to portray Jay-Den, and it took time to become comfortable with speaking in a much deeper voice for the role.

Karim Diané really praised the director, Doug Aarniokoski. He recalled a scene where he was arguing with Caleb in the lab, and after a few takes, Doug came over and asked if he should really let loose and go wild with the performance. Karim said he was trying to understand what Doug meant and how far he wanted him to take it.

As Karim, I’m comfortable being expressive, but stepping into the role of Jay-Den was a challenge. I wasn’t sure how to portray him, so I just tried it, and it felt incredibly freeing. That moment unlocked the rest of the performance, allowing me to build layers into the voice and add genuine emotion. I finally understood how to fully embody the character and let go.

Karim Diané And Noga Landau Discuss The Importance Of Positive Male Friendship In Star Trek: Starfleet Academy

One of the best parts of this episode is seeing the growing friendship between Jay-Den and Caleb, as well as with Darem. Both characters were there for Jay-Den when he needed them, and though he was hesitant at first, he eventually allowed them to get close. It’s interesting to compare this to Worf, who never really had close male friendships within Starfleet, despite having significant romantic relationships. Jay-Den, on the other hand, has developed genuine friendships with Caleb and Darem, and it makes you wonder how he feels about finally having those ‘bros’ in his life.

I definitely think friendship is incredibly important. Especially when I think about someone like Jay-Den, who doesn’t have family nearby. He’s missing his parents and brother, and doesn’t have anyone at school who shares his background or experiences. That makes finding a sense of community really crucial for him.

Moving to New York City was incredibly isolating at first. I didn’t know anyone and felt completely lost, unsure of who I was. But connecting with my artist friends – dancers, aerialists, fire performers, and even my drag queen friends – helped me discover my true self. They guided me in expressing myself, offering advice on everything from my style to my makeup, and gave me the confidence to embrace who I am as both a person and an artist. Now, I see Jay-Den going through a similar journey, finding his own voice and identity through his connections with Caleb and Darem.

Landau also had an important angle to add to the conversation:

I think it’s really important that our show offers positive examples of masculinity. So many men need to see healthy, supportive relationships between men, and we didn’t see much of that on television, especially back in the 90s. Someone told me after our show premiered that it showcases great masculinity and men supporting each other, and that really resonated with me. I hope it reminds male viewers that strong, supportive friendships are possible – and that’s something Starfleet Academy really encourages.

Karim Diané Says Romance Will Be Part Of Jay-Den’s Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Journey

I was really enjoying the latest episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy! There was a cute, flirty little moment between Jay-Den and Kyle, who’s a cadet from the War College. When someone asked Karim Diané what was happening with them, he playfully said that I’d have to ask Kyle! He explained that Jay-Den just seems to be doing his own thing, and all these guys are suddenly interested in him. It was a funny and sweet response, and definitely left me wanting to see more of that dynamic!

As Star Trek: Starfleet Academy moves forward, the show plans to explore romantic relationships for Jay-Den. According to creator Karim, this includes the possibility of him developing feelings for Kyle or another fellow cadet. “Romance is definitely going to be a part of Jay-Den’s story, and you’ll see those relationships develop as the series continues,” Karim confirmed.

Noga Landau Confirms That Klingons Will Return In Star Trek: Starfleet Academy

In Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, we met Jay-Den Kraag and learned about his Klingon family, who were the only survivors of a disaster. These Klingons have also laid claim to the planet Faal Alpha as their new home. Noga Landau has confirmed that the Klingons will reappear in future installments of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.

We’re not giving away any secrets, but you can expect to see more Klingon stories from us in the future. We can promise that!

Karim Diané And Noga Landau Tell Tales Of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’s Surprise Breakout Comedic Character

I’m really enjoying the character Ocam Sadal, and Romeo Carere’s performance is fantastic. He was incredibly reserved in the second episode of Starfleet Academy, barely speaking to his sister. It’s fun to see him develop into a more outgoing, almost comedic character – he’s like something out of American Pie!

Karim Diane thinks Romeo is incredibly talented – a true genius, in fact. She doesn’t say that easily, and she genuinely means it. Watching him work has been a pleasure, especially considering he often makes up his lines on the spot.

Okay, so this comedian, Romeo, is just brilliant. He doesn’t always nail every joke, but when he does, it’s these totally unexpected, absurd lines that just kill. Seriously, he’ll say something so out there that the whole audience loses it. What I love is he’s not afraid to push boundaries, to really test what he can get away with, and just go for it. It makes him such a memorable and hilarious character. I’m a huge fan of Romeo and Ocam, honestly.

If you enjoyed the Ocam storyline in the first season, you’re in for a treat! Season two really dives deep into it, and I’m excited for viewers to experience it.

ScreenRant: As a writer, you create this character, but you probably didn’t see that coming, right?

Originally, we envisioned the character Ocam as Tarima’s sister – we hadn’t even considered a male actor for the part. But then Romeo Carere auditioned and completely changed our minds. He was a local Toronto actor we’d never seen before, and we instantly knew he was perfect for the role. He wasn’t just right for Ocam as Tarima’s brother, he brought so much more to the character.

Check out our other Star Trek: Starfleet Academy interviews:

Oded Fehr

2026-01-31 19:42