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

Sam Elliott’s Favorite Movie From His Career Is A Little-Known Gem With 77% On Rotten Tomatoes

Despite his repertoire, Sam Elliott’s favorite movie from his career is actually a little-known gem which was rated 77% on Rotten Tomatoes. With his deep voice, rugged…

I Can’t Believe It’s Taken Me 20 Years To Realize Palpatine Was Totally Lying About Darth Plagueis

I Can’t Believe It’s Taken Me 20 Years To Realize Palpatine Was Totally Lying About Darth Plagueis

Emperor Palpatine used every possible tactic to manipulate Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, but his lies about Sith Lord Darth Plagueis were especially twisted….

Yes, It’s About Politics” : James Gunn Addresses How Superman Is “The Story Of America

Yes, It’s About Politics” : James Gunn Addresses How Superman Is “The Story Of America

Superman director James Gunn recently opened up about how the hero finds himself embroiled in political controversy after he interferes in a skirmish between two warring countries….

Johnny Depp Reveals His Story On Losing Harry Potter Role In Light Of Legal Trouble

Johnny Depp Reveals His Story On Losing Harry Potter Role In Light Of Legal Trouble

Johnny Depp addresses losing the role of Gellert Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts franchise and reveals his perspective on his firing from the project. Indeed, Depp’s exit…

Lilo & Sтιтch 2 Remake Could Adapt These 10 Movies & TV Episodes Into Live-Action

Lilo & Sтιтch 2 Remake Could Adapt These 10 Movies & TV Episodes Into Live-Action

The live-action Lilo & Sтιтch 2 could adapt any number of pre-existing stories from the animated franchise. The movie is a sequel to 2025’s Lilo & Sтιтch,…

Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s New 87% RT Horror Makes Up For His Disappointing M Marvel Movie

Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s New 87% RT Horror Makes Up For His Disappointing $62M Marvel Movie

Aaron Taylor-Johnson may only be 35 years old, but the actor has been building up his career for over two decades. His big breakout role was playing…