Jonathan Frakes Teases a Hollywood Murder Mystery in STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS Season 3

Jonathan Frakes, director on STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS. Images: Paramount+ / Daniel Dornhöfer.

Jonathan Frakes is back at the helm for an intriguing episode in the upcoming third season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Known for his iconic portrayal of Commander Will Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Captain Riker in Star Trek: Picard, Frakes has carved out an impressive directorial career within the franchise. His latest directorial effort promises to be a standout, as he teases a Hollywood murder mystery set to captivate fans.

Frakes first stepped into the director's chair for Strange New Worlds in season 2, delivering a crossover episode with Star Trek: Lower Decks that received critical acclaim. Now, he's back to bring his unique touch to season 3. In an exclusive interview with Screenrant, Frakes shared his excitement about the upcoming episode, though he remained tight-lipped on specific details. 

"As far as I can go is a part of it is a Hollywood murder mystery. And I'm also incredibly proud of the episode. I went back and shot a little more of it last week. I think it's going to be a winner," Frakes revealed.

With eight episodes of Star Trek: Discovery and six episodes of Star Trek: Picard under his belt, Frakes has established himself as a prolific and influential director within the Star Trek universe. His experience and passion for storytelling continue to shine through in his work, promising a compelling and memorable addition to Strange New Worlds.

The anticipation for season 3 is palpable, as production nears completion with the tenth and final episode of the season, directed by Maja Vrvilo. The cast, including Jess Bush (Nurse Christine Chapel), recently wrapped up filming in Toronto, sharing a celebratory photo from the USS Enterprise's bridge. The series has already secured an early renewal for season 4 from Paramount+, ensuring that fans have much to look forward to.

Unlike the back-to-back filming of seasons 1 and 2, there will be a hiatus before the cast and crew return to Toronto for season 4. This break offers a moment of respite before diving back into the adventures that have made Strange New Worlds a beloved part of the Star Trek legacy. With directors like Chris Fisher, Dan Liu, Jordan Canning, Valerie Weiss, and Jonathan Frakes contributing their talents, season 3 is poised to deliver thrilling and diverse storytelling.