Paul Giamatti has weighed in on his roles as two notorious on-screen adversaries, comparing his Star Trek: Starfleet Academy villain, Nus Braka, to his earlier turn as Marty Wolf in Big Fat Liar. With Star Trek: Starfleet Academy premiering on January 15, Giamatti revealed his personal views on both characters while discussing his experience as the Star Trek Starfleet villain.
Giamatti’s insight reflects on the complexity and motivation behind Nus Braka, the part-Klingon, part-Tellarite antagonist in the new Paramount+ series, versus the more straightforward greed-driven Hollywood producer Marty Wolf from the 2002 film directed by Shawn Levy. This comparison highlights what makes his latest Star Trek role stand out for him as an actor.
Giamatti’s Perspective on His Iconic Villain Roles
Known for playing memorable villains, Giamatti spoke openly about his thoughts on Nus Braka and Marty Wolf while promoting Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. He described a deeper admiration for Nus Braka, noting the thoughtfulness and rationale that the character brings to his antagonism.
“I think I have more respect for Nus Braka than I do for Marty Wolf,”
Paul Giamatti said in an interview with SYFY Wire.
“I think I like Nus Braka. He’s actually got more reason for what he’s doing. He’s actually more thoughtful.”
— Paul Giamatti, Actor
The character of Nus Braka is seen orchestrating calculated chaos among a new generation of Federation cadets, contrasting sharply with the more impulsively villainous Marty Wolf who chased Frankie Muniz and Amanda Bynes through Universal Studios Hollywood in Big Fat Liar. Giamatti pointed out the distinctions between the two, emphasizing the redeeming qualities he sees in his Star Trek counterpart.
“I actually think Marty was worse. He’s just reprehensible. Nothing good about him,”
Giamatti explained.
“Whereas, I think there are redeeming things about Nus. I think Marty Wolf is worse.”
— Paul Giamatti, Actor
The Cast and Characters of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
Giamatti’s Nus Braka is the principal antagonist in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, taking inspiration from past Star Trek figures like Khan Noonien Singh. Braka is crafted as an intelligent and formidable enemy seeking vengeance for injustices he believes were done to him by the Federation. Holly Hunter joins the series as Captain Nahla Ake, who once ordered Nus Braka’s imprisonment and is now responsible for guiding a diverse group of young cadets at the Academy.
The dynamic between Braka and Captain Nahla Ake sets the stage for dramatic confrontations. Hunter brings her own philosophy to the character, embracing comfort and individuality as a captain—down to her choice of footwear.
“I’m of an age where I’m not wearing stilettos,”
Hunter told SYFY Wire.
“I’m not going to wear shoes that make me howl with pain and agony—and I can’t even be present because I can’t wait to take them off. I’m not doing that anymore.”
— Holly Hunter, Actor
Hunter’s Nahla Ake is described as casting aside traditions and expectations, prioritizing her well-being and practical leadership style.
“I also think Nahla just jettisons some of the stuff that has been irksome and annoying for her entire life,”
the Succession alum noted.
“Being comfortable is totally a priority when you’re 422 years old and you’ve seen things come and go.”
— Holly Hunter, Actor
Setting and Timeline for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy unfolds in the 32nd century—almost a thousand years after the era of the original Star Trek and iconic series such as The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine. The show picks up within the Discovery timeline, centering around the reopening of Starfleet’s San Francisco campus and the next cohort of students stepping into the legendary halls once walked by James T. Kirk, played by William Shatner, and Mr. Spock, portrayed by Leonard Nimoy.
Captain Nahla Ake attempts to set things right by bringing in characters such as Caleb Mir, played by Sandro Rosta, alongside classmates like Jay-Den Kraag (Karim Diané), SAM (Kerrice Brooks), Darem Reymi (George Hawkins), Genesis Lythe (Bella Shepard), and Tarima Sadal (Zoë Steiner). The casting brings together a rich ensemble, who find themselves performing alongside celebrated actors like Giamatti and Hunter.
The experience left a significant impression on the younger cast.
“Holly, getting to know her, has been so incredible,”
Shepard shared with SYFY Wire.
“I still can’t believe all the time that I get to not only call her a scene partner, but also, I feel like I could genuinely call her a friend.”
— Bella Shepard, Actor
The Heart of Starfleet Academy’s Story
Co-created by Alex Kurtzman, Noga Landau, and Gaia Violo, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy promises to give fans a closer look at the rigorous training process for the Federation’s future leaders. The story’s official premise centers around cadets driven by a shared dream of hope, navigating friendship, rivalry, love, and the threats posed by new adversaries under the eyes of instructors and command staff.
“A young group of cadets who come together to pursue a common dream of hope and optimism. Under the watchful and demanding eyes of their instructors, they discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves and a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself.”
— Official series synopsis
Premiere and Impact of the New Series
The first two episodes of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy will launch on January 15, marking the beginning of a celebratory year for the franchise’s 60th anniversary, originally created by Gene Roddenberry. The anticipation around the premiere is heightened by the involvement of actors like Paul Giamatti and Holly Hunter, whose layered performances are expected to elevate the new series.
As Star Trek: Starfleet Academy prepares to introduce audiences to a new generation of cadets, the show aims to explore the personal and collective challenges of aspiring officers, while drawing connections to longstanding Star Trek legacies. Through characters like Nus Braka and Captain Nahla Ake, the series seeks to offer both conflict and hope, setting the tone for the franchise’s newest chapter.
