Star Trek: Strange New Worlds cast shares Season 3 insights and fun behind-the-scenes moments.
The crew of the Enterprise is boldly going deeper than ever in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3, and cast members Celia Rose Gooding, Babs Olusanmokun, and Melissa Navia opened up about what fans can expect, how their characters evolve, and the joyful chaos that comes with filming this beloved sci-fi series.
How the Enterprise Crew Blows Off Steam
Gooding, who plays the iconic Uhura, revealed that when things get intense on the ship, her character would lean on karaoke and a splash of reposado to unwind, including show tunes. Navia, who plays pilot Erica Ortega, said that drinks with Ortega are a highlight for everyone on board, including the doctor. Even Olusanmokun, who brings Dr. M’Benga to life, admits he’d jump in for some off-key karaoke. “Babs agreed to karaoke with me!” Gooding teased. “I will hold him to it.”
M’Benga’s Inner Battle Between Light and Dark
Season 3 promises a deeper dive into M’Benga’s inner conflict as he grapples with the light and dark within. Olusanmokun described it as an ongoing struggle. “There’s definitely turmoil — a fight between light and dark,” he said. “I don’t know if he’ll win that fight, but he’ll try.”
The Story Told Through Hair
Fans paying attention to the details will notice character journeys reflected in the smallest touches, even hair. Gooding said Uhura’s hair is like an emotional barometer: ‘If it’s a mess, she’s a mess. If it’s neat and moisturized, she’s good.” Navia, who jokes about her relationship with wigs, teased that Ortegas’ look takes a turn in a murder mystery episode.
Bigger Arcs and Fan-Favorite Moments
For Navia, Ortegas’ arc this season is a dream come true for fans craving more of the wise-cracking pilot. “There are only ten episodes and so many amazing characters,” Navia said. “Fans wanted more Ortegas, and the writers delivered.”
Gooding added that Uhura’s story continues to show her processing past trauma in new ways. “Instead of focusing on her loss, she’s finding new connections with her crew, legacy characters, and even some new romances.”
Returning After a Long Break
Picking up production after recent industry strikes posed its own challenges, but the cast took it in stride. “We’re good at what we do,” Navia said. “We had no choice but to jump right back in. The writing, the prosthetics, the Gorn — it all helped.”
While the upcoming fifth season will mark the end of this run, the cast is staying focused on the now. “I haven’t thought much about it ending — I love this franchise, this cast, this crew,” Gooding said. Navia echoed that sentiment: “And Star Trek never really ends, right?”
Pushing Themselves On Set
Every season brings unique challenges on set, and the cast didn’t hold back when asked about their most demanding moments. For Gooding, it was episode six. “It really challenged me to interrogate Uhura’s place in Starfleet,” she said. Navia pointed to a later episode that finally gives Ortegas her moment to shine. “It challenged every part of me — I’m a better actor for it,” she said. For Olusanmokun, it was a tense episode involving his protégé. “There was real pain there.”
Balancing the Warrior and Healer
The conversation turned philosophical when Olusanmokun spoke about the duality of M’Benga, who was both a healer and a warrior. “Inside us, we have light and dark — the human condition is managing that balance. He’s just a man trying to do his best for his crew.”
Friendship, Family, and New Dynamics
Navia also teased more about Ortegas’ family life, including her younger brother, played by Minor Lukin. “Uhura and Ortegas are best friends — Ortegas isn’t so sure about her best friend and brother hooking up, though!” Navia said, laughing. Gooding added, “Melissa and I are good friends, and it shows.”
Trek Values That Endure
When asked what core Trek value shines brightest this season, the trio agreed it’s about hope and diversity. “Hope and optimism — even in the worst moments,” Olusanmokun said. “Infinite diversity in infinite combinations,” Gooding added. “Trek shows that separatism doesn’t work — diversity makes us stronger.”
A Tease for the Fun Holodeck Episode
Before wrapping up, the cast couldn’t help but tease one of Season 3’s standout episodes — a holodeck adventure that brought much-needed levity to the set. “So fun!” Gooding said. Navia joked about the endless wigs, and Olusanmokun simply summed it up: “It was a blast.”
With karaoke nights, deep space battles, and the crew’s unwavering bond, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 proves this starship still has plenty of life left in its five-year mission — and beyond. The new season will premiere with two new episodes on Thursday, July 17th, on Paramount+.
Read more News on Nerdtropolis. Subscribe to our YouTube.
Discover more from Nerdtropolis - Movie News, Reviews, Interviews, and Trailers
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
