Star Trek: Section 31 is the highly anticipated addition to the Star Trek universe and its first television film, premiering on January 24, 2025, exclusively on Paramount+. Directed by Olatunde Osunsanmi and written by Craig Sweeny, the film stars Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou, reprising her role from Star Trek: Discovery.
Set during the “lost era,” Star Trek: Section 31 delves into thrilling espionage and moral dilemmas as Philippa Georgiou rejoins the secretive Section 31 to protect the United Federation of Planets.
Filming locations played a key role in shaping the futuristic atmosphere, with Toronto, Canada, serving as the primary backdrop. Notably, production used advanced virtual technology to enhance storytelling.
The story follows Georgiou as she faces her history and sets out on a secret mission with Section 31. Downtown Toronto, Scarborough Bluffs, and Pinewood Toronto Studios were transformed into futuristic cityscapes and extraterrestrial settings to bring the images to life. With its rich settings and gripping story, this film is a turning point for Star Trek.
Filming locations of Star Trek: Section 31
Pinewood Toronto Studios
A significant portion of Star Trek: Section 31 was filmed at Pinewood Toronto Studios, a state-of-the-art facility known for hosting large-scale productions. The studio provided space for crafting elaborate starship interiors and Section 31’s headquarters. Many sets from Star Trek: Discovery were repurposed for the film, enabling continuity and detailed futuristic designs.
CBS Stages Canada
The visuals of the film were significantly influenced by virtual production technology. A Pixomondo video wall stage was showcased at CBS Stages Canada in Mississauga, where it was used to create real-time simulations of otherworldly environments and alien worlds. This method increased efficiency without sacrificing quality by reducing the necessity for on-location shoots.
Downtown Toronto
Toronto's Financial District and Distillery District served as important locations for urban scenes and extraterrestrial cityscapes. These locations offered striking backgrounds for several important scenes in the film because of their unique blend of contemporary architecture and historic charm.
Scarborough Bluffs
Scarborough Bluffs was used heavily in outdoor scenes needing dramatic settings. The film's images gained grandeur from its alien terrain created from its remarkable cliffs and calm beaches. The site's natural beauty enhanced the film's visual attractiveness and gave its scene credibility.
Detailed plot of Star Trek: Section 31
Philippa Georgiou, a former emperor from the Mirror Universe, joins Section 31, tasked with safeguarding the United Federation of Planets through covert methods.
As she leads a team of operatives, Georgiou confronts her troubled past and unresolved conflicts, including her former lover, San, and others from her reign. The movie weaves themes of redemption, espionage, and leadership as Georgiou navigates this morally complex journey.
Themes explored in Star Trek: Section 31
The path Philippa Georgiou travels reflects the difficulty she has balancing her past actions with her present goal. Viewers looking for stories of development and change will find the movie relevant because of its focus on self-discovery and redemption.
Star Trek: Section 31 places the action in the "lost era," so bridging the gaps between The Original Series and The Next Generation and providing viewers with a better knowledge of the Star Trek chronology as well as fresh stories about the universe.
Stay tuned for more news and updates on Star Trek: Section 31 and similar projects as the year progresses.