‘Star Trek’ Actors Respond to Criticism Over Diversity in New Spinoff ‘Starfleet Academy’

One of the biggest Star Trek creatives, both in front of and behind the camera, is speaking out about the criticism the current series, Starfleet Academy, is getting from the fandom.

Jonathan Frakes is known to many Star Trek fans for his portrayal of Commander William T. Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation, its four films and other appearances throughout the franchise. He’s also one of the franchise’s most prolific directors, having helmed the penultimate episode of Starfleet Academy’s first season.

The show has been criticized by some within the Star Trek fandom for featuring diversity in its casting and stories. Meanwhile, others have rebuked the show for its plotlines and storytelling. Frakes, 73, told IGN in a recent interview that he’s surprised but largely unbothered by the online hate.

“I was prepared because when Next Gen came out almost 40 years ago, we were trolled,” he explained. “Nobody wanted us. And this was pre-internet. But it’s still dimensionally more painful [today]… and the trolls are hiding, and the trolls are hating. … It’s the first rule of the Constitution.”

Frakes concluded, “I guess they’re entitled to their opinion, but it surprises me how aggressively ‘anti’ they are with each new iteration of the show. And it continues to surprise me, and I try not to let it upset me.”

In an interview with Reel School published in January, fellow Star Trek actor Robert Picardo, known for his role on Star Trek: Voyager, also spoke out about the backlash the show received for its diversity, noting that it was envisioned as a show about all walks of life among humanity.

“I’ve heard some fans say that Star Trek has gone too far in its diversity and inclusion. I completely disagree with that,” he said.

“Star Trek was founded during the turbulent ’60s at a moment of real cultural and political turmoil. And I think that at times when you have that same critical amount of cultural and political turmoil, the world needs Star Trek more than ever,” he added.