It’s finally landed. The first full trailer for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 was released during the launch of IGN Live 2025. We now have just five and a half weeks till episodes one and two air on Paramount Plus. So let’s break down some of the key glimpses the trailer gives us into the new season.
WARNING – Spoilers ahead for Strange New Worlds Season 3!
There’s More to Ortegas
It looks like we’ll learn more about the Enterprise’s top pilot in Strange New Worlds Season 3! It’s been a real shame that we haven’t learned much about Erica Ortegas (Melissa Navia) in the show’s previous seasons. We’ve seen her steer the Enterprise out of sticky situations, bond with her crewmates, and share her opinions without fear of reprisal. But through the last twenty episodes, we’ve learned very little about her past or what makes her who she is.
This could be about to change as Ortegas’ baby brother enters the fray! In a surprising reveal through the trailer, we learn that Mynor Luken has joined the cast of Strange New Worlds during season three. The arrival of Ortegas’ sibling is sure to ruffle some feathers and will hopefully reveal more about the Enterprise’s helmsman.
The Language Of Love
Photo Credit: Marni Grossman/Paramount+
Of course, Strange New Worlds Season 3 could see some feathers being ruffled in good ways. It appears that Beto Ortegas (Mynor Luken) develops an interest in communications officer Nyota Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding). And feelings seem mutual as we witness a clip of the two dancing together, and another of them laughing over drinks.
We also see a moment where Uhura and Beto are teasing the pilot, asking her if she doesn’t trust them with each other. It’s lovely to see the close bonds of these characters flourishing despite Ortegas’ clear reluctance to accept the truth. Her best friend is interested in her baby brother.
Despite the joy and cheekiness of some clips, it’s clear that at some point Uhura and Beto find themselves in a tough spot. Uhura reassures Beto that they will survive if they work together.
We are going to find our way out of this. Together.
Nyota Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding) – Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Destiny Foreshadowed?
Now, to discuss the elephant in the room. Some have been waiting since James Kirk (Paul Wesley) first appeared in season one’s ‘A Quality of Mercy’ for this moment. Others have been hoping it would never happen during Strange New Worlds. But it looks like, somehow, Kirk finds himself in command of the Enterprise for the first time during Strange New Worlds Season 3!
It could be that Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) is incapacitated, and Una Chin-Riley (Rebecca Romijn) is unavailable. Or maybe they are both on an away mission and have left Kirk in command. However, the trailer could be hinting at an ‘alternate’ explanation…
Just over halfway through, we see what appears to be two Enterprises firing phasers, one underneath and mirroring the other. We also witness a red vortex opening up in space. Could it be another alternate reality episode? If it is, there may be hope for the very battered U.S.S. Farragut, we see the Enterprise defending towards the end of the trailer. However, Kirk finds himself in the centre seat, at some point, Pike has some very sound advice for the future Captain.
The choices you make in that chair, they are yours to make. And yours to live with.
Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) – Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Korby’s Vulcan Hello
Many of us expected that the introduction of Roger Korby (Cillian O’Sullivan) would cause complications. There’s already an established history through The Original Series to consider. A history including a romance and engagement to Christine Chapel (Majel Barrett). So, there are questions as to how Korby will be introduced in Strange New Worlds Season 3. And how his arrival will impact the complicated relationship between Chapel (Jess Bush) and Spock (Ethan Peck).
What may not have been anticipated was a rather un-Vulcan hello from Spock. The trailer reveals a rather tense moment where Spock delivers a phenomenal punch to Korby’s face. What did Korby do to unleash the violent emotions of our usually stoic half-Vulcan? We’ll have to wait to find out, but it’s probably something to do with Chapel!
An Interstellar Bromance Begins
Until now, we’ve not seen much interaction between the two characters that kicked the franchise off back in the 1960s. However, it looks like this could be about to change in Strange New Worlds Season 3!
Shortly into the trailer, we see Kirk standing at the Captain’s chair, in a state of shock or uncertainty. Spock is seen looking at him in the background, and in a clip placed alongside, says they are awaiting orders. Maybe not the most prominent of scenes between the two, but Spock is showing complete trust in Kirk. This suggests that their relationship may have started to develop.
Later, we see Spock preparing for a mind meld. The recipient is very difficult to make out, being close to the camera with their back to us, and out of focus. This individual could be James Kirk, and if it is, we can assume they are about to learn a lot of intimate things about each other. Could season three mark the beginning of a truly interstellar bromance?
It’s Finally Time to Boldly Go!
There is a lot to unpack from what is a short full-length trailer, and the above points certainly don’t cover it all! And the more we unpack, the more questions we’re left asking. Thankfully, we don’t have too much longer before they are answered!
Where to Watch
Strange New Worlds Season 3 premieres on July 17th (2025) on Paramount+ in the US, UK, Canada, Latin America, Australia, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Japan. It will also stream on SkyShowtime in the Nordics, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and Central and Eastern Europe.
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