Star Trek: Section 31director Olatunde Osunsanmi has opened up on the movie’s controversial nature and the furor that has surrounded it. The TV movie is the 14th overall in theStar Trekfranchise, andSection 31stars Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou, reprising her role fromStar Trek: Discovery.Section 31sees Georgiou join the titular secret division of Starfleet, which is tasked with conducting covert operations for the United Federation of Planets. The upcoming movie has caused consternation among manyStar Trekfans, and there are concerns about how it fits intoStar Trekcanon.
In an interview withTV Line, Osunsanmi opens up on the backlash that the movie has received prior to its release, and the fact thatmany fans are concerned with the direction the movie will take, and how it differs from creator Gene Roddenberry’s original vision. Addressing the concerns of fans claiming “Not my Star Trek!” and dubbing the movie as antithetical to the essence of the show, Osunsanmi has tried to ease concerns by reassuring fans that the film will attempt to uphold the values of Star Trek. Check out the director’s full comments below:
“What we can say is we worked really hard to make sure we kept up the ideals of optimism and ‘What do we want our society to be in the future? In the end,Section 31is good, it’s fun, and it’s a joy. Hopefully, they’re pleasantly surprised.”
What Osunsanmi’s Comments Mean For Star Trek: Section 31
The Movie Might Be Enjoyable, But Trekkies Are Right To Have Concerns
Osunsanmi has presented a positive view of theupcomingStar Trek:Section 31, but this makes sense as he is the director of the movie. But, if what he says is true, the movie could be an enjoyable entry inStar Trekcanon. However, thelegacy fans are right to share concerns about how the film will fit into the franchise. The movie’s focus on a shadowy, clandestine organization - largely consisting of morally ambiguous characters - engaged in morally gray actions feels in direct contrast to the core ideals of peace and diplomacy that are such a key pillar of the franchise.
“…the idea of aStar Trekspy movie feels like anathema, and a betrayal of Gene Roddenberry’s vision”
Section 31 as an organization has appeared in several episodes of the TV shows, as well as in theStar Trekexpanded universe, but this is the first time Section 31 has been the principal subject of a movie.The concept of antiheroes playing a prominent role inStar Trekis not a common trope, and it is one that could prove challenging for audiences to get on board with, especially with a relatively new character. This is something that the movie will have to grapple with if it is going to help cater to the franchise’s strong existing audience.
Our Verdict On Star Trek: Section 31’s Chances Of Success
The Movie Doesn’t Feel Like Its Made For Existing Fans
Section 31feels like a movie that has its work cut out for it, and doesn’t feel like it was made for legacy fans. For one thing, the idea of aStar Trekspy moviefeels like anathema, and a betrayal of Gene Roddenberry’s vision, but, it’s also the firstStar Trekmovie not to focus on the Starship Enterprise, which could be another point of contention among legacy fans used to the tradition and formula ofStar Trek. However, some may viewStar Trek: Section 31as bringing complexity and intrigue to the franchise narrative, and offering something a little different.
Star Trek: Section 31
Cast
Star Trek: Section 31 follows Emperor Philippa Georgiou as she joins a clandestine Starfleet division tasked with protecting the United Federation of Planets, confronting the consequences of her past actions.
