The sci-fi series Star Trek: Discovery has concluded and is now fully available on Paramount+. The final season will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray on August 22, 2024. To celebrate this release, we had an exclusive interview with Doug Jones, who plays Saru, and it seems the conclusion may not be as final as assumed.
There have been rumors of a streaming film featuring the Discovery crew's return. Additionally, popular characters from Star Trek: Discovery may appear in the upcoming series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, which is set chronologically after Star Trek: Discovery. Doug Jones believes this is entirely possible: 'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy [...] is probably the place for a guest appearance.'
Since 2017, Doug Jones has portrayed the Kelpien Saru, evolving from science officer to captain and ambassador throughout his journey in the galaxy. By the end of Star Trek: Discovery, Saru is a married man with a new role as an ambassador at Starfleet Headquarters.
For Doug Jones, the end of Star Trek: Discovery represents a fulfilling conclusion for Saru: 'Things are good; he has a wonderful 'And they lived happily ever after' ending.'
Nonetheless, he sees a potential future for Saru: 'The new Star Trek: Starfleet Academy series, currently in production, is probably the place for a guest appearance. [...] Could he make a guest appearance here and there? Yes!'
At Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, the series will focus on young cadets at the Starfleet Academy. It has been confirmed that fan-favorite Mary Wiseman will return as Sylvia Tilly, leading fans to speculate about other possible returns, including Sonequa Martin-Green's Michael Burnham.
With the upcoming Star Trek: Section 31 film, questions arise about a standalone film featuring the Discovery crew. Section 31 is a spin-off focusing on Emperor Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh).
Some have also proposed a Discovery film, which could potentially happen.
If Section 31 with Michelle Yeoh proves successful for Paramount+, being the first Star Trek film produced exclusively for the streaming service, new films could follow every two years. Star Trek: Discovery certainly has the potential to continue in film form.
Doug Jones notes, 'There are so many series that have film potential, so I'm not sure.' However, if plans materialize soon, he would be on board: 'I haven't been called yet. If the call comes, I would definitely not say no.'
While he is open to returning as an actor, we also asked if he would consider directing a Star Trek episode. His colleague Jonathan Frakes, known as William Riker in The Next Generation, regularly directs episodes.
So far, Doug Jones has not taken that step in his career, but could this be something for the Star Trek veteran? Find out if Doug Jones would return to Star Trek as a director!
On August 22, 2024, Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray, along with more Star Trek adventures in other series and films like Starfleet Academy and Section 31. We have a handy overview of all Star Trek new releases!