Nearly three years ago, Star Trek: Discovery made history as the first iteration of the iconic franchise to feature a Black woman as its headliner. The show has also given us the first gay Star Trek characters with Anthony Rapp’s Paul Stamets and Wilson Cruz’s Hugh Culber. Now, Discovery will continue its push toward diversity with two new additions to its third season. Via Deadline, Blu Del Barrio and Ian Alexander have been cast in the series. They will be the Star Trek franchise’s first regular non-binary and transgender characters, respectively. You can also check out the official announcement via Twitter below.
Welcome to the #StarTrekFamily Blu del Barrio and Ian Alexander #StarTrekDiscovery #StarTrek https://t.co/0LJYhQZGMj
— Star Trek (@StarTrek) September 2, 2020
Discovery marks Del Barrio’s first-ever screen acting role. They will play Adira, described as “highly intelligent with a confidence and self-assurance well beyond their years.” Their character will also form an “unexpected bond” with Stamets and Wilson Cruz’s Dr. Hugh Culber.
Meanwhile, sci-fi fans may recognize Alexander from his role as Buck Vu on Netflix’s The OA. He also recently appeared in The Last of Us Part II as Lev. Alexander will play Gray, who’s “eager to fulfill his lifelong dream of being a Trill host.” However, viewers will watch as his life “takes an unexpected turn.”
RELATED: Star Trek: Discovery Season 1 Will Air on CBS This Fall
Discovery’s co-showrunner and executive producer Michelle Paradise also issued a statement about this latest casting news.
“Star Trek has always made a mission of giving visibility to underrepresented communities because it believes in showing people that a future without division on the basis of race, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation is entirely within our reach,” said Paradise. “We take pride in working closely with Blu del Barrio, Ian Alexander and Nick Adams at GLAAD to create the extraordinary characters of Adira and Gray, and bring their stories to life with empathy, understanding, empowerment and joy.”
Star Trek: Discovery season 3 premieres on CBS All Access on October 15.
Are you excited to see what these actors bring to the series? Let us know in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: Star Trek: Discovery – Aftermath
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