The new film showcases the vital role of Toronto’s creative community in its success
Toronto: Michelle Yeoh is back as Philippa Georgiou in the new film Star Trek: Section 31, now streaming on Paramount+. This marks the third Star Trek project for director Olatunde Osunsanmi, who’s got a great cast alongside Yeoh, including Omari Hardwick and Kacey Rohl. The movie follows Georgiou on a mission to find a dangerous super-weapon to protect the United Federation of Planets.
What’s cool is that Toronto has a rich Star Trek history. Other series like Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: Discovery were filmed there too. Osunsanmi pointed out how crucial Toronto talent is for these projects.
He mentioned, “Before 31, I had a six or seven-year history working here in Toronto. This project was super ambitious for the budget we had. Only this crew in Toronto could have pulled it off.”
Osunsanmi also said that if they had filmed elsewhere, it would have cost way more and taken much longer. The crew in Toronto has a fantastic relationship, which makes everything smoother. They know each other well, and that helps with communication.
He praised the local artistry, saying, “The work ethic is incredible. There’s no need for motivational speeches here.” He believes Toronto is a gem in the film industry, which is why so many great movies are shot there.
González, who plays Melle, loves her career in Toronto. She said, “I started my career here, and you always find someone you’ve worked with on set.” She feels lucky to be part of such an iconic franchise filmed in her hometown.
She added, “I didn’t have to go elsewhere. My grass was always green here, and being a Toronto local is special.”
Osunsanmi knows fans have high expectations for Star Trek projects. He approaches it carefully, wanting to keep the essence of Star Trek while bringing something fresh. He aims for each new project to have its unique flavor.
González mentioned that with something so beloved, it’s natural for new projects to ruffle some feathers. But she believes Section 31 allows them to explore new stories and characters.
Michelle Yeoh’s role as both an actress and executive producer is vital. Osunsanmi said, “We all respect Michelle. No one knows her character better than she does.” Her energy on set helps create a great atmosphere.
González noted that the cast bonded quickly, thanks to Yeoh’s playful and generous spirit. Rohl added that Yeoh’s energy is infectious, making the set lively and fun.
González also shared how stepping into the Star Trek world was a big transformation for her. She felt empowered in her role, showcasing a different side of herself.
Rohl, who has experience in action genres, found that her past work helped her in Star Trek: Section 31. She emphasized the importance of staying active and connected to her body during filming.
