“Lots of twists”

Star Trek: Section 31 director Olatunde Osunsanmi reflected on the project’s journey during New York Comic Con, explaining why it was turned into a film and not a TV series. While the next Star Trek: Section 31 will be the first TV movie in the franchise, it was originally conceived as a spinoff series for Star Trek: Discovery focused on Philippa Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh). However, during the development process, it was later announced that it would be a film about her joining Starfleet’s secret division while facing her past in the Mirror Universe.

Talking to Screen speech at New York Comic Con, Osunsanmi explained how Star Trek: Section 31 was conceived as a TV show in 2019, but concrete plans could not be realized. However, the continued efforts of executive producer Alex Kutzman, Paramount+, writer Craig Sweeney and Yeoh led to the creation of the two-hour feature. The director expressed hope that the final product would offer a moving story that viewers would become attached to, highlighting the importance of it being a film. Check out what Osunsanmi had to say below:

Yes, Discovery is present in a few different places. About five years ago, just over five years ago, we started this journey as a TV show and I was invited by Alex Kurtzman and Paramount Plus, and we kept testing them, we kept falling apart and it took a lot of twists and turns and throughout the path. Michelle Yeoh supported that, and so we ended up in this form, as a movie, and it was the best version in all the different ways. Craig Sweeney wrote these unbelievable characters, and because of that moment, we were able to cast this unbelievable cast. If it weren’t for Michelle just being the steward of each iteration, we wouldn’t be here right now. And that was definitely very special for me, because it’s a two-hour movie from start to finish. It’s been great getting to know the cast, some you see here, some who aren’t here and who I hope will touch you and touch the audience in an emotional way. They touched me with what they did.

What Osunsanmi’s Statement Says About Section 31 Becoming a Movie

It will be a better decision than being a TV show

Why Star Trek: Discovery ended a section of the timeline that Philippa is a part of, her new film acts as both a continuation of her story in the series and a new beginning. It is also the first film in the franchise since 2016 Star Trek: Beyondand the first within Kurtzman’s expanded universe of science fiction. Section 31 was first announced as a film in April 2023, indicating how long it took for the decision to be made after negotiations began in 2019.

However, the time it took to decide that Philippa’s story would continue on film indicates the importance considered in perfecting the medium in which her story deserved to be told. Star Trek TV shows already underway, from the last season of Lower decks for the next Starfleet Academy spinoff, the film allows the franchise to feel more versatile in its storytelling capabilities. It also forces the story to focus on Philippaproviding core development for her character in the process.

Our Take on Section 31 Being a Movie Instead of a TV Show

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

Although a TV series would have allowed Philippa more screen time, Star Trek: Section 31 being a film will allow for a more concise plot to expand his characterization. Given the franchise’s flexibility, however, it’s still possible that it will appear in more films and shows going forward, with this newest release being the first of many. Since Yeoh has already expressed interest in a sequel should the first be successful, a TV movie seems like the perfect way to expand her character, leaving the door open for future developments.