A brand-new generation of young heroes is about to be introduced in the upcoming Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.
Marking the biggest shift in the franchise since Star Trek: Discovery launched the new TV era, Paramount+ has released a new poster featuring the six young cadets who will lead the franchise into its next chapter. So, who are they? Read on to find out.
Who are the Six Young Cadets in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy?
The new Star Trek: Starfleet Academy key art poster features six cadets lying on the grassy field of Starfleet Academy's San Francisco campus.
The group looks happy together, united by the fact that they’re training in the same institution that produced some of the franchise’s most iconic figures, such as James T. Kirk, Spock, Michael Burnham, and Seven of Nine.
So, here are Star Trek’s new heroes:
- Caleb Mir (Sandro Rosta) – A human orphan, Caleb joins the Academy in hopes of finding his mother.
- Jay-Den Kraag (Karim Diane) – A Klingon who aspires to become a medical officer, Jay-Den wants to bring his heritage into the new class.
- Sam (Series Acclimation Mil) (Kerrice Brooks) – Sam is the first Kasqian (a type of hologram) to join Starfleet Academy. Despite being only weeks old, she is programmed as a young adult, making everything a new experience for her.
- Daren Reymi (George Hawkins) – Coming from the wealthy world of Khionin, Daren dreams of becoming a captain but carries certain expectations about the Academy.
- Genesis Lythe (Bella Shepard) – Genesis is a Dar-Sha and the daughter of an admiral, determined to make a name for herself in Starfleet.
- Tarima Sadal (Zoe Steiner) – Tarima is the daughter of the president of Betazed, which may set her apart from the other cadets.
Other stars joining Star Trek: Starfleet Academy include Nahla Ake as Holly Hunter, who will lead the series as the half-Lanthanite captain of the USS Athena and the chancellor of Starfleet Academy.
Alongside her is Paul Giamatti as Nus Braka, who will serve as the first season’s recurring villain. Robert Picardo will also return as The Doctor.
What is Star Trek: Starfleet Academy About?
Set in the 32nd century, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy follows a fresh class of cadets entering the franchise’s legendary campus.
They will be the first class of cadets to study on Earth in over a century, matriculating aboard the USS Athena, a starship that also doubles as the Academy's San Francisco campus.
This new series focuses heavily on a younger cast, offering a contemporary coming-of-age story wrapped in classic Star Trek world-building.
By the looks of it, the franchise is now passing the torch to these new characters, making them the future of the Academy – and the next decade of Star Trek storytelling may begin with them.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is slated to premiere on January 15, 2026, on Paramount+.
Keep it locked on Epicstream, your go-to source for film, TV, and celebrity news!