STAR TREK: DISCOVERY's Blu Del Barrio on Adira’s Journey and the Thrills of Being Directed by Jonathan Frakes

Blu del Barrio as Adira in STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. Image: Paramount+.

In the expansive universe of Star Trek, Blu Del Barrio stands out not only for their role as Adira, the franchise’s first nonbinary character, but also for the vibrant journey they've embarked upon since joining Star Trek: Discovery in its third season. Their character, Adira, has evolved significantly, with the latest season showcasing some of their most thrilling moments yet.

Reflecting on Adira’s journey in an interview with TrekMovie, Del Barrio said, "Something I realized after-the-fact was how much they joke around in this episode, how comfortable they are on this mission that they probably would not have been trusted to do in the past two seasons. This probably wasn’t a responsibility they would have been given. I think the difference is just a lot of security. I think they feel their value. I think they feel their worth as a part of this crew."

The episode "Lagrange Point" marked a significant milestone for Adira, featuring a dangerous undercover mission that had Del Barrio donning the infamous Breen suits. Despite the inherent anxiety any actor might feel about their character’s fate in such high-stakes scenarios, Del Barrio embraced the challenge. 

"I am an anxious person, so all the time. From the second I started working on Discovery to the moment I finished there was a ‘I’m going to get fired tomorrow’ mentality. But actually, no, not for this episode," they admitted. "I was excited for the responsibility and to be like a little action hero for a minute."

One of the most exhilarating aspects for Del Barrio was the combat scenes. 

"The most fun was definitely the fighting, the combat. I came up in theater so I’ve done more stage combat than is necessary for anybody," they recalled with a laugh. Despite the Breen suits being "like 70,000 pounds and very constricting," the experience was a dream come true for Del Barrio.

Adira's newfound confidence is a testament to their growth over the seasons. Del Barrio attributes this evolution to several factors, including the support of their "space dads" and the challenges presented by new characters like Rayner. 

"I think it definitely comes from their space dads. I think it comes from probably feeling a little bit of the weight to get more comfortable and confident after going through a breakup," they explained. "Rayner was also a really good challenge for them."

Working with the talented cast and crew of Discovery has also been a transformative experience for Del Barrio. They likened their on-screen dynamics with Wilson Cruz (Culber) and Anthony Rapp (Stamets) to a familial relationship. 

"Definitely more on the side of a child and their parents," Del Barrio said, highlighting the seamless integration of these dynamics into their performances.

One of the most significant moments for Del Barrio was being directed by the legendary Jonathan Frakes, both in their first episode and in "Lagrange Point." 

"For me, he is probably my favorite director I’ve ever worked with. That man is absolutely Looney Tunes, and also the smartest person in the room," they shared. 

Frakes’ unique blend of fun and professionalism left a lasting impact on Del Barrio, making their first and second-to-last episodes memorable bookends to their Discovery journey.

As the series concludes, Del Barrio reflects on Adira’s arc with a sense of fulfillment, though they remain open to future possibilities within the Star Trek universe. 

"I think that I am satisfied where Adira leaves off. But of course, there was definitely a bunch of stuff that I wanted to do. I wanted them to be a part of a Mirror Universe episode," they mused. "Trek is forever, so maybe in the future Adira can come back."

Del Barrio expressed gratitude for the representation and impact of their character, despite the initial pressures. 

"As scary as it was, and kind of as vulnerable as to sort of come out on television and also go through a lot of my medical transition while I was on Discovery, I’m really proud that it’s out there for anybody who felt like me."

As for mementos from the set, Del Barrio treasures the backing of their chair that says “Adira” on it—a small but meaningful keepsake from a groundbreaking and unforgettable role.

Del Barrio’s journey with Star Trek: Discovery has been a remarkable one, filled with growth, challenges, and triumphs, both on and off-screen. Their portrayal of Adira has not only expanded the boundaries of the Star Trek universe but has also provided inspiration and representation for many fans around the world.