How Michelle Yeoh Influenced Star Trek: Section 31’s Visual Style Explained By Director: “A Woman On Fire”

Michelle Yeoh’s influence shaped the visual design of Star Trek: Section 31, as explained by the film’s director and executive producer, Olatunde Osunsanmi. Set to premiere on Paramount+ on January 24, the film focuses on Captain Philippa Georgiou (portrayed by Yeoh), a key figure who previously appeared on Star Trek: Discovery, as she is tasked with protecting the United Federation of Planets. Following Yeoh’s Oscar win in 2023 for Everything Everywhere All at Once and involvement in the 2024 hit Wicked, her return to Star Trek brings renewed attention to the covert operations of Starfleet’s Section 31.

During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Osunsanmi shared that Yeoh’s performance directly influenced Star Trek: Section 31‘s visuals. Philippa Georgiou’s fiery, relentless nature inspired an unpredictable and cinematic style, marking a departure from typical Star Trek aesthetics. This design approach reflects Georgiou’s duality and her journey of redemption, setting Star Trek: Section 31 apart as a visually bold new chapter for the franchise. Check out Osunsanmi’s comments below:

At the end of the day, each scene usually belongs to one particular character. In Section 31, 99 percent of those scenes belong to Michelle Yeoh’s character, Philippa Georgiou. So then, what you have is a movie that is visually inspired by who she is. She is unpredictable, she is dangerous, she is relentless, she also has discovered that she’s kind and has the opportunity for redemption. Instead of a man on fire, you have a woman on fire and a visual design that is unpredictable for the first time in this modern era.

What This Means For Star Trek: Section 31

Michelle Yeoh’s Character Inspired The Production Design

Osunsanmi’s decision to shape the film’s visuals around Yeoh’s Philippa Georgiou directly influenced the design of Star Trek‘s narrative and aesthetic, focusing on character-driven elements that redefine the film’s approach to storytelling. With the franchise traditionally ensemble-driven, Star Trek: Section 31 will center on different characters throughout the film. This focus allows the film to explore Georgiou’s redemption arc in greater depth, but also allows the creative team to center the visuals around other individual characters.

Furthermore, the production’s unique visual style reflects Paramount+’s commitment to reinvigorating Star Trek for contemporary audiences. By tailoring the film’s aesthetics to Georgiou’s personality, the filmmakers are pushing the boundaries of what a Star Trek project can look and feel like. This approach also builds on previous installments, like Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and the aforementioned Discovery.

Moreover, Yeoh’s involvement also emphasizes the franchise’s evolving priorities. Her notoriety attracts a global audience, expanding Star Trek‘s reach beyond its established viewership. The film’s emphasis on espionage and character-driven drama, coupled with its distinctive visuals, could become a new standard for future Star Trek projects.

Our Take On Yeoh’s Impact On Star Trek: Section 31

Star Trek: Section 31 Will Deliver Stunning Visuals, Thanks to Yeoh


Philippa Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh) being praised by (Omari Hardwick) and (Sam Richardson) in Star Trek Section 31 Teaser Trailer
Image via Paramount+

Yeoh’s influence on Star Trek: Section 31 is a testament to her ability to elevate any project she’s involved in. By centering many of the film’s visuals on her character, the Star Trek franchise demonstrates its willingness to evolve and embrace bold creative choices. This television movie has the potential to redefine Star Trek in exciting ways, offering a dynamic and visually stunning experience that honors its legacy while charting a new course.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Related Posts

Superman’s Box Office Pᴀsses All Other 2025 Superhero Movies

Superman’s Box Office Pᴀsses All Other 2025 Superhero Movies

As of its third weekend in theaters, James Gunn’s Superman is the highest-grossing superhero film of 2025. Intended to launch the new DC Universe, it stars David…

Every 60s Animated TV Show Reference In The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Every 60s Animated TV Show Reference In The Fantastic Four: First Steps

The Fantastic Four: First Steps pays rich homage to the team’s animated past, particularly the 1967 The Fantastic Four cartoon produced by Hanna-Barbera. First Steps makes a…

Fantastic Four: First Steps Has A Moment As Good As Avengers: Endgame’s Final Scene

Fantastic Four: First Steps Has A Moment As Good As Avengers: Endgame’s Final Scene

Spoiler alert! This article contains spoilers for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The Fantastic Four: First Steps opened with a scene on par with the beautiful ending…

After Decades Of Controversy, Marvel & DC Have Fixed The Biggest Superhero Movie Problem

After Decades Of Controversy, Marvel & DC Have Fixed The Biggest Superhero Movie Problem

Both the DC Universe and the MCU have just dealt with the same superhero movie problem that has caused controversies and generated complaints for decades of the…

7 Martial Arts Movie Franchises You Probably Haven’t Seen

7 Martial Arts Movie Franchises You Probably Haven’t Seen

Martial arts movies feature some of the most memorable moments in cinema history, yet there are many great franchises the average viewer has never even heard of,…

Keira Knightly Sleeper Hit Is Getting A Sequel 23 Years Later – But The .3B Grossing Actor Hasn’t Signed On

Keira Knightly Sleeper Hit Is Getting A Sequel 23 Years Later – But The $6.3B Grossing Actor Hasn’t Signed On

A sequel is officially in the works for Bend It Like Beckham, the British cult sports hit starring Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley. The original movie, which…