Bella Shepard is making a significant mark in the world of science fiction as the first actress to portray a representative of a new alien race in the upcoming series “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.” The show is set to premiere on January 15, 2025, on Paramount+, with new episodes available weekly. Shepard plays the character Genesis Lythe, an ambitious cadet navigating her identity in a newly reopened Starfleet Academy.
Speaking about the responsibility of introducing a new species, Shepard admitted it was “scary” at first. “I didn’t really know what to expect when I learned my character was a new species. It left me feeling lost in the beginning because I didn’t know what to go off of,” she explained. As she embraced the challenge, she found excitement in creating an entire culture around the Dar-Sha, the newly introduced race known for their unique facial ridges without eyebrows.
Exploring Genesis Lythe’s Journey
Genesis Lythe, the daughter of an admiral, is determined to carve her own path within Starfleet. “There are so many things about Genesis that I love so much,” Shepard shared. “She’s very layered: dynamic, confident, strong, and smart, but under all that, she’s got a lot of insecurities.” This complexity adds depth to her character, who is still figuring out where she fits in among her peers and what her goals are.
“Starfleet Academy” is set in the 32nd century, a time period introduced in “Star Trek: Discovery.” The series follows a new class of Starfleet cadets training to become officers, marking the first such class in over a century. The show features a star-studded cast, including Oscar winner Holly Hunter as Capt. Nahla Ake, the chancellor of the academy, and Robert Picardo reprising his role as the holographic doctor from “Star Trek: Voyager.”
As the series progresses, Shepard anticipates that viewers will connect with the emotional and action-packed storylines. “The rest of Season 1 is very emotional and very deep; I hope it touches a lot of people,” she noted. “We’re three-quarters of the way filming Season 2 right now, so there are many different sides to Genesis that I’m excited for people to see.”
The Legacy of Star Trek
“Starfleet Academy” becomes the twelfth television series in the expansive “Star Trek” franchise, which began with the original series in 1966. The show created by the late Gene Roddenberry chronicled the adventures of Capt. James T. Kirk and the crew of the Starship Enterprise. Despite its initial cancellation after three seasons, the series gained a cult following that led to a resurgence in popularity, resulting in numerous films and spinoffs, including “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and “Star Trek: Voyager.”
As the franchise celebrates its 60th anniversary, Shepard expressed her gratitude for being part of such a beloved universe. “I’m so incredibly honored that I get to be just even a small piece of what ‘Star Trek’ means to the fans,” she said. “I feel like I’m joining a big family, honestly, because generations of people have loved ‘Star Trek’ for so long.”
Reflecting on the franchise’s enduring appeal, Shepard remarked, “From the beginning, ‘Star Trek’ has been all about inclusivity, family, and community.” This inclusivity has allowed fans to see themselves in the characters, strengthening their connection to the series over the decades.
Shepard, who hails from Royal Oak, Michigan, began her acting career with a role in “Oz the Great and Powerful” and has since appeared in various television shows, including “Wolf Pack” and “Orange is the New Black.” Despite her success in Los Angeles, she maintains a strong connection to her roots, citing fond memories of her time in Michigan.
With “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” set to introduce new characters and narratives, Bella Shepard is poised to leave her mark on the franchise, bringing fresh perspectives and stories to a legacy that continues to inspire audiences around the world.
