Paul Giamatti reveals how Star Trek role as villainous Nus Braka is a dream come true: “It is Shakespearean!”

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Paul Giamatti has become known for brilliantly portraying melancholy and subtly frustrated characters. He first gained widespread recognition in the 2004 film Sideways, playing a downcast writer, and recently won a Golden Globe for his role as a grumpy professor in the popular 2023 movie The Holdovers.

I was really surprised to hear about his new role! After everything he’s done, it’s wild to see him playing Nus Braka, this tough, Klingon pirate in the new Star Trek: Starfleet Academy show. It’s a total change of pace, and honestly, I’m really excited to see what he does with it.

You’re a respected indie film darling — how did you come to beam aboard Starfleet Academy?

Look, everyone knows I’m a huge Star Trek fan. I’ve probably mentioned it a few times, especially while talking about ‘The Holdovers,’ and even joked about wanting to play a Klingon someday. I honestly didn’t expect anything to come of it! But somehow, someone heard me and sent over a script. They actually had a couple of roles in mind, and I immediately thought the villain sounded like the most fun.

As you’re such a Trek fan, how big an ambition was it for you to be in the series?

It felt like a dream come true – something I never expected. I’ve been a Star Trek fan since childhood, watching it with my dad who loved the original series back in the 60s. Even now, it feels surreal that I actually got to be a part of it.

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Your character, Nus Braka, is a deranged half-Klingon space pirate. What drew you to him?

What really drew me to the character was that he was a villain. I always loved the antagonists in Star Trek as a kid. This guy is just a scoundrel – not a sophisticated criminal, but more of a pathetic, drunken buffoon.

I’m surprised you didn’t choose a captain role. Surely you want to wear the uniform?

I feel the same way! It reminds me of when I worked on Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes. My agent suggested I play a human character so people could see my face, but I thought that was crazy! Why would anyone want to be a human in Planet of the Apes? That’s how I feel about Star Trek too – I want to play an alien! I want to get creative with makeup and play a really fun, unusual character!

You’re best known for quieter, more actorly roles. Is Nus Braka a chance to cut loose?

I used to be in more lively and expressive roles, especially when I performed on stage before moving into film. Lately, the parts I’ve been offered have been much more subdued, and I missed the chance to really perform. So, I was thrilled to play a larger-than-life, showy character – a role where I wasn’t held back or restricted in any way.

Many actors might consider playing a villainous alien in Star Trek beneath them. Do you think it’s important to avoid being pretentious about different types of entertainment or art?

People often think of me as someone who gravitates towards those smaller, character-driven comedies, and that’s true now. But you know, I actually began my career doing big studio comedies and action films. Because of that, I’ve never really bought into this idea of ‘highbrow’ versus ‘lowbrow’ entertainment. Honestly, there’s a surprising amount of intelligence in something like Star Trek. Many of the actors who appeared on those shows were classically trained, with strong theatre backgrounds – it really was Shakespearean in scope! So, moving between those kinds of projects doesn’t feel like a step down to me at all.

Why do you think your love of Star Trek has endured?

I immediately connected with Spock. I always found his internal struggles really compelling. Overall, it was a very uplifting story. My dad, who studied the Middle Ages, thought of it like a modern take on the Knights of the Round Table. And as a kid, Kirk seemed like the ultimate role model – someone you’d happily follow into any situation.

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Many Star Trek fans have a favourite captain. Is Kirk yours?

My favorite Star Trek captain is actually Benjamin Sisko from Deep Space Nine, which is also my favorite series in the franchise. I’m not sure if that’s an unpopular opinion, but it really set a different mood for Star Trek, and Sisko is a wonderfully complex character.

You mentioned you haven’t auditioned for anything since the movie Sideways. Does that mean you might sometimes accept roles that aren’t a good fit for you?

It definitely can be tough. I once started a film and the director immediately questioned what I was doing, even though they had hired me! I’m glad I don’t have to audition anymore, but surprisingly, I do miss the process a little. It helped me understand the situation and figure out where I stood.

So, I understand you really enjoy attending murder trials at the Old Bailey when you’re in London. Could you tell me why?

I’m really into true crime, especially historical British murder cases – you Brits do them so well! I also find the British legal system more captivating than the American one. The judges and lawyers are often more articulate, and the courtroom arguments are more dynamic. I remember following a particularly shocking case in London – a couple who had tragically set their nanny on fire – and going to the court so often that the security guards started recognizing me.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy begins on Thursday 15th January 2026 on Paramount+.

Authors

Stephen Kelly

Stephen Kelly is a journalist who covers culture and science. He edits the ‘Popcorn Science’ section for BBC Science Focus, where experts analyze the scientific accuracy of new movies and TV shows each month. His work also appears in publications like The Guardian, The Telegraph, and Wired. He enjoys Studio Ghibli films, supports Tottenham Hotspur, and has a fondness for writing about himself in the third person.

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2026-01-05 21:29