Everything We Know About Star Trek: Section 31 (2025)

The Federation’s shadowy intelligence agency, Section 31, has evolved dramatically over its 25-year journey in the Star Trek universe. From its debut as a rogue operation in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (“Inquisition”, 1998) to its upcoming debut as Star Trek’s first streaming film on Paramount+, the story of Section 31 has been both compelling and mysterious.

A Brief History of Section 31

Section 31 was introduced in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as an autonomous and morally ambiguous intelligence agency. It later appeared in Star Trek: Enterprise, Star Trek Into Darkness, and Star Trek: Discovery. References to the organization have even popped up in Star Trek: Picard and the animated Star Trek: Lower Decks. The unit’s darker tone and ethical complexities have made it a fan favorite and a fertile ground for storytelling.

Now, Section 31 takes center stage in a film featuring Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh reprising her role as Emperor Philippa Georgiou. Initially introduced in Star Trek: Discovery as Captain Philippa Georgiou of the USS Shenzhou, the character’s journey has been one of Star Trek’s most captivating arcs, evolving into a darker iteration from the Mirror Universe and, eventually, into a key agent of Section 31.

Release Date

Star Trek: Section 31 will premiere exclusively on Paramount+ on January 24, 2025. The streaming service is currently available in the US, UK, Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, and Switzerland.

While you wait for the release, you can catch up on other Star Trek shows and movies available on Paramount+. For a detailed guide, check out our Star Trek streaming recommendations.

Plot Overview

Story details for Section 31 remain tightly under wraps, fitting the film’s secretive theme. However, Paramount has provided this intriguing synopsis:

“In Star Trek: Section 31, Emperor Philippa Georgiou joins a secret division of Starfleet tasked with protecting the United Federation of Planets and faces the sins of her past.”

The timeline is set after the events of Star Trek: Discovery Season 2 but before the start of The Original Series, positioning the story within the Strange New Worlds era. Georgiou’s recruitment into Section 31 hints at a journey of redemption, espionage, and moral dilemmas.

In the trailer, Georgiou, now running a nightclub outside Federation space, is drawn back into action after a mysterious customer makes her an offer she can’t refuse. As she navigates her role within Section 31, she must confront both external threats and the haunting memories of her Mirror Universe past.

Cast and Characters

Michelle Yeoh leads a stellar ensemble cast that includes:

• Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou
• Omari Hardwick as Alok Sahar, a brilliant mastermind
• Sam Richardson as Quasi, a shapeshifting Chameloid
• Kacey Rohl as Rachel Garrett, a Section 31 agent
• Robert Kazinsky as Zeph
• Sven Ruygrok as Fuzz
• James Hiroyuki Liao as San
• Humberly González as Melle

Additional roles include Miku Martineau as a young Georgiou, Cindy Goh and Houston Wong as Georgiou’s parents, and Sonja Smits as Terran Proctor. Expect surprise appearances from Discovery and Strange New Worlds characters.

Yeoh’s passion for the role shines through. In a statement, she shared:

“I’m beyond thrilled to return to my Star Trek family and the role I’ve loved for so long. Section 31 has been near and dear to my heart since I began playing Philippa. To see her finally get her moment is a dream come true.”

Trailers and Teasers

Fans got their first glimpse of Section 31 in a teaser released in July 2024. This was followed by an official trailer in December, offering a closer look at Georgiou’s mission, the high-stakes espionage, and the dark underbelly of the Star Trek universe.

Director, Writers, and Crew

The film is directed by Olatunde Osunsanmi (Star Trek: Discovery), with a screenplay by Craig Sweeny. Both serve as executive producers alongside Alex Kurtzman, Aaron Baiers, and Michelle Yeoh. Secret Hideout and CBS Studios produce the film, with contributions from Roddenberry Entertainment.

Kurtzman noted:

“Michelle had the idea for a spin-off back in 2017. Now, six years later, Section 31 arrives on the heels of her groundbreaking achievements. Long live Emperor Georgiou; long live Michelle Yeoh!”

Final Thoughts

Star Trek: Section 31 promises to be a thrilling addition to the Star Trek franchise, exploring new depths of espionage and moral ambiguity. With Michelle Yeoh at the helm, fans can expect a captivating blend of action, drama, and character-driven storytelling.

Mark your calendars for January 24, 2025, and get ready to boldly go where no Star Trek film has gone before!