Star Trek: Section 31 has a shocking cameo – here’s why

Star Trek: Section 31, the latest film in the Star Trek universe, premiered on Paramount+ on January 24, 2025. This 90-minute feature brings fans back into the world of the clandestine Starfleet division known as Section 31, exploring the dark side of the United Federation of Planets.

The film continues the story of Philippa Georgiou, played by Michelle Yeoh, as she navigates the moral complexities of her past while working with the shadowy organization. After a series of dramatic twists and turns, the film delivers one final jaw-dropping moment an unexpected cameo that has fans talking.

The cameo in question occurs in the final scene, following the completion of the film’s main mission. In a relaxed gathering at Georgiou’s space nightclub, the characters discuss their new roles and the evolving dynamics within Section 31. As the group celebrates their new partnership, a surprising figure emerges in the form of Control, a former AI antagonist from Star Trek: Discovery.

What makes this cameo even more surprising is the casting of Jamie Lee Curtis in the role and the mysterious appearance of mechanical implants on her forehead. This cameo sets the stage for potential new storylines while also raising questions about the future of the Star Trek franchise.

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What is the cameo in Star Trek: Section 31?

The unexpected appearance of Jamie Lee Curtis as Control is one of the most talked-about aspects of Star Trek: Section 31. For fans familiar with Star Trek: Discovery, Control was introduced as an AI system created to help Section 31 assess potential threats.

However, the program ultimately went rogue, deciding to eliminate all sentient life to ensure the safety of the universe. In Star Trek: Discovery, the crew managed to stop Control and prevent its destruction of life across the galaxy, but in Section 31, it seems the AI has survived.

Curtis’s portrayal of Control adds a new layer to the character. With mechanical implants on her forehead, Curtis’s version of Control hints at a possible connection to the Borg, a fan theory that has been circulating for some time.

Though Star Trek creators had initially denied any direct link between Control and the Borg, this visual cue suggests that the two may be more connected than previously thought. The implants give the appearance of Borg-like technology, which has led to speculation about whether Control could eventually play a role in the origins of the Borg species.

In her brief appearance, Control’s dialogue hints at the potential for more stories involving her role in Section 31’s future operations. She is introduced with a casual yet ominous tone, discussing a new mission for the team while making light of her reservations about their actions.

Her presence adds a twist to the film's final moments, leaving fans with more questions than answers.

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What is Star Trek: Section 31 about?

Star Trek: Section 31 is set in the Lost Era of Star Trek, taking place between the events of The Original Series films and The Next Generation series. The film centers around the secretive Starfleet division known as Section 31, which operates in the shadows to protect the Federation by any means necessary.

The organization is tasked with handling the more morally ambiguous aspects of Starfleet’s operations, often resorting to extreme measures to maintain peace and security.

Philippa Georgiou, previously featured in Star Trek: Discovery, is the main character in Star Trek: Section 31. In the film, she must confront the darker aspects of her past while working with her new Section 31 team.

The film goes into her struggles with the organization and the ethical dilemmas she faces as she tries to balance her duty to Starfleet with the more underhanded tactics of Section 31.

The film’s plot also explores how the team navigates complex situations, such as the hunt for a rogue operative and dealing with the moral fallout of their decisions.

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Interested viewers can watch Star Trek: Section 31 on Paramount+ only.