“Lots of twists and turns”

Star Trek: Episode 31 Director Olatunde Osunsanmi reflected on the journey of the project during New York Comic Con, explaining why it was made into a movie rather than a TV series. While the coming Star Trek: Episode 31 Will be the first TV film of the franchise, it was originally envisioned as a spinoff series Star Trek: Discovery Focused on Philippa Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh). However, during the development process, it was later announced to be a film about her joining the secret Starfleet division while facing her past in the Mirror Universe.

Talk to Screen Rant At New York Comic Con, Osunsanmi explained how Star Trek: Episode 31 Was envisioned as a TV show in 2019, but concrete plans could not fall into place. However, the continued efforts of executive producer Alex Kutzman, Paramount+, writer Craig Sweeney and Yeoh led to the two-hour feature. The director expressed hopes that the final product will offer an emotional story for viewers to be attached to, highlighting the importance of being a film. Check out what Osunsanmi had to say below:

Yes, Discovery has its hands in a few different places. Five years ago, just over five years ago, we started this journey as a TV show and I was invited to join by Alex Kurtzman and Paramount Plus, and we kept trying them out, always falling apart, and it took a lot of twists and turns and over the road. Michelle Yeoh stood with him, and then we ended up in this form, as a movie, and it was the best version of all the different forms. Craig Sweeney wrote these incredible characters, and because of this moment in time, we were able to cast this incredible cast. If it wasn’t for Michelle really just being the manager all the way through each iteration, we wouldn’t be here right now. And it was definitely very special to me because it’s a two-hour movie from start to finish. It was great to get to know the cast, some that you see here, some that aren’t here that, hopefully, will touch you and touch the audience in emotional ways. They touched me with what they did.

What Osunsanmi’s statement says about Section 31 becoming a movie

It will prove to be a better decision than a TV show

Because Star Trek: Discovery Ending one section of the timeline that Philippa is part of, her new movie acts as a continuation of her story in the show, and a new beginning. It is also the first movie in the franchise since 2016 Star Trek: BeyondAnd the first in Kurtzman’s expanded universe for the sprawling sci-fi universe. Section 31 was first announced as a movie in April 2023, indicating how long it took for the decision to be reached after talks started in 2019.

However, the time it took to decide Philippa’s story would continue with a movie indicates the importance considered in perfecting what means her tale deserved to be told in. Star Trek TV shows in the works already, from the final season of Lower decks To the upcoming Starfleet Academy Spinoff, the movie allows the franchise to feel more versatile in its storytelling capabilities. It also forces the story to focus on PhilippaProviding major development for her character in the process.

Our take on Section 31 is a movie instead of a TV show

It’s a great way to continue Philippa’s storyline

Although a TV series would allow Philippa more screen time, Star Trek: Episode 31 Being a movie will allow for a more concise storyline to broaden her characterization. Given the flexibility of the franchise, it is still possible that she will appear in more movies and shows going forward, with the latest release being the first of many. Since Yeoh has already expressed interest in a sequel if the first one is successful, a TV movie seems like the perfect way to expand her character and leave the door open for future developments.