Here’s an in‑depth recap of the Star Trek Universe panel at San Diego Comic‑Con 2025, held in Hall H and hosted by Trek veteran Robert Picardo (The Doctor on Star Trek Voyager).

Star Trek Universe Hall H Panel

Robert Picardo guided back‑to‑back segments spotlighting two ongoing Star Trek series: Strange New Worlds (Season 3 & a preview of Season 4) and the forthcoming Starfleet Academy series, however, no live stream was provided.

Strange New Worlds — Seasons 3 & 4 Highlights

“A Space Adventure Hour” Screening

Hall H guests saw an advance screening of the Season 3 episode “A Space Adventure Hour,” directed by Jonathan Frakes. A holodeck murder mystery featuring La’An as detective and high stakes aboard Enterprise.

Into the Puppet‑Verse (Season 4)

In a playful departure, Season 4 includes an episode in a puppet universe, directed by Jordan Canning and created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. Attendees were teased with a glimpse of Muppet-style Captain Pike in action. The episode continues SNW’s tradition of genre bending after previous music‑themed and animated excursions.

Series Finale Planned

Paramount+ confirmed Season 4 will be followed by a fifth—and final—season, allowing SNW to conclude its five‑season arc properly. Season 4 filming is complete, post-production is underway.

Starfleet Academy — A New Generation Begins

First Trailer Revealed

The panel debuted the first official trailer for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, set in the 32nd century post‑Burn era introduced in Discovery. It positions the Academy as a dynamic, Hogwarts‑like environment for training the first cadet class in 120 years.

Cast & Characters

  • Holly Hunter stars as Chancellor Nahla Ake, half‑Lanthanite, commanding the USS Athena.
  • Robert Picardo, Tig Notaro, Mary Wiseman return in familiar roles.
  • New talent includes Sandro Rosta, Karim Diané, Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins, Bella Shepard, with support from Paul Giamatti (villain Nus Braka) and Gina Yashere as Commander Lura Thok (Klingon‑Jem’Hadar hybrid) .

Vision & Timeline

Co-showrunners Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau emphasized the show’s themes of rebuilding and hope, set for early 2026 release as a ten‑episode first season.

Offsite Experiences & Immersions

Throughout SDCC weekend, fans encountered immersive activations:

  • “Strange New Spectacle”: live performances in Gaslamp Quarter—zombie horror, Vulcan wedding, ‘60s mission, murder mystery, and more.
  • Paramount+ Lodge (340 Fifth Ave): interactive Star Trek zones open to the public with no badge required .

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Star Trek panel at SDCC effectively balanced nostalgia, innovation, and vision. Led by Robert Picardo, it teased a bold farewell for Strange New Worlds and launched excitement for Starfleet Academy’s rise. Hall H attendees left with exactly the mix of surprises, previews, and theatrical fun that Trek fans crave.

Are you most excited for the puppets, the Academy, or the final voyage of Strange New Worlds? Let me know your thoughts!