The most recent episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy included a clever reference to the classic Alien movies, and I just noticed it on a rewatch! Even cooler, the idea came from one of the new Star Trek actors, Zoë Steiner, who found a great way to pay tribute to Sigourney Weaver’s iconic character, Ellen Ripley.
Steiner recently posted on Instagram Stories about the filming of “Vitus Reflex,” available with a Paramount+ subscription. Thanks to a TikTok, she saw the trick shot Ripley hit in Alien: Resurrection, and decided then and there that Tarima would do the same:
I stumbled across this while filming the first season and wondered if I could pull it off. I became fixated on the idea and was determined to include it in the basketball scene.
It’s fun to notice that basketball still exists as a sport in both Star Trek and Alien, even far in the future. No matter how much technology advances, there’s still something special about a simple two-on-two game.
Steiner started sharing videos of her basketball training online, and people were amazed to see her successfully make the difficult behind-the-back shot. I initially thought the videos might have been edited, but after watching her do it repeatedly in practice, I’m convinced it’s pure skill.
Just when Zoë Steiner was ready to film the scene, she faced an unexpected problem. She’d practiced with a regular basketball, but found out on the day of shooting she’d actually be using a different ball.
On top of everything, I also had the added stress of learning to play with this custom basketball – it’s really well-made, but feels and plays completely differently than a normal ball.
I couldn’t help but smile when I heard Steiner call the ball “space,” especially since these airless basketballs are still pretty new! But honestly, I’ve watched enough pros play with them to know they feel different than a regular ball. That’s what made her shot so amazing – she nailed it even with that different feel!
Steiner’s inside look arrives at a key moment for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, the new series generating a lot of buzz among fans as the first Trek show in years. While critics generally liked it, some have voiced complaints – even people in high-level government positions.
I’m really enjoying this series, and I’m excited to hear they’re already filming Season 2! They’ve built such a fantastic world on set, and I’m hoping the new season builds on that while also acknowledging the strong reactions the first season got. It feels like the show really tapped into what people are thinking and feeling right now, and I’d love to see them explore that even further.
Paramount+ offers streaming entertainment starting at $7.99 per month or $59.99 per year. You can enjoy shows like Star Trek: Starfleet Academy with their Essential plan at $7.99/month, or upgrade to the ad-free Premium plan for $12.99/month. For the best value, consider an annual subscription to save money while watching all your favorite content. See the deal here.
If you’re looking for a new sci-fi series, I highly recommend checking out Star Trek: Starfleet Academy on Paramount+. As a longtime Star Trek fan, I’ve been really impressed – it feels fresh and original while still capturing the spirit of the classic shows. And the performances by Paul Giamatti and Holly Hunter are excellent!
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2026-01-27 20:08