New ‘Starfleet Academy’ Promotional Video Connects Past and Present

Starfleet Academy mantra – “Duty, Honor, and Service.”

StarTrek.com has just released a new promo video that sets the stage for the upcoming Star Trek: Starfleet Academy series coming to Paramount+ on January 15.

Set in the 32nd century—the same far-future era introduced in Star Trek: Discovery—the show follows a new class of cadets as they train to become officers in a rebuilding Federation. 

The brand-new promotional video titled “Carry the Legacy and Create the Future” features never-before-seen footage, with narration by Oscar-winner Holly Hunter, and includes the voices of legendary Star Trek characters to bridge the gap between past series and this new 32nd-century setting.

The promo comes shortly after yesterday’s Paramount+ new 20-second TV spot, promoting it with “The next great Star Trek adventure begins January 15,” and an Instagram social media promo highlighting the main cadet characters, obviously targeting a younger audience.

View this post on Instagram

Iconic footage and voices from the franchise’s past Star Trek legends can be seen and heard in the “Legacy” promo featuring Captain James T. Kirk, Mr. Spock, Lt. Worf, Jonathan Archer, and Benjamin Sisko.

Clearly, though, Captain Kirk is the highlight here, as he can be heard delivering his famous line: “Risk is our business. That’s what the starship is all about.”

While Shatner’s iconic character is used here to evoke nostalgia while promising a fresh, bold take on Star Trek, longtime Trekkies will also definitely take notice of the appearance of a Mugato (the horned ape from The Original Series) in a blink-of-an-eye quick shot.

Hunter’s Captain Nahla Ake closes out the clip by encouraging students – “Whatever challenges came before today led you to this moment. And now you decide… if they define you.”

You can check out the promotional “legacy” clip for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy below:

“I don’t believe in a no-win scenario.”: James T. Kirk