Emerging Klingon actor Karim Diané, portraying Jay-Den Kraag in the fresh Starfleet Academy series, found an unexpected guide in Star Trek veteran Michael Dorn. Their connection blossomed after Diané secured the role, thanks to co-showrunner Alex Kurtzman's insightful suggestion of a one-on-one meeting between the past and present Klingon actors. Dorn, renowned for his iconic portrayal of Worf across numerous Star Trek iterations, had never formally guided a new actor stepping into the vast universe of Star Trek. Yet, his candid conversation with Diané offered invaluable insights into the demanding transformation required to embody a Klingon. Diané confessed that he had meticulously researched Dorn's past interviews and content regarding the prosthetics process, feeling a sense of mentorship even before their direct interaction, and expressed gratitude for Dorn's honest accounts of the challenges involved.
The role of Jay-Den Kraag presents a unique challenge, as the character is an aspiring medical officer, a stark contrast to the fierce warrior ethos typically associated with Klingon culture. Episode 4 of Starfleet Academy delves into Jay-Den's origins, revealing his pacifist nature that led to his family's abandonment and his ongoing struggle with his Klingon heritage. Diané resonates with Jay-Den's narrative, drawing parallels to his own West African Mandingo background, a culture known for its warriors, where he chose a path less traditional than expected. The personal connection to his character's journey deepens his portrayal, as he navigates the complex themes of identity and belonging. Their first face-to-face meeting occurred at the Rose Bowl Parade, where Diané, adorned in his Klingon makeup, shared the Star Trek float with other franchise stars, creating a memorable moment that symbolized the passing of the torch within the Star Trek legacy. The conversations between Diané and Dorn also shed light on the intense practicalities of playing a Klingon, particularly the laborious prosthetics application, which initially took Diané nearly five hours daily, a process reminiscent of Dorn's own early experiences that eventually led to significant time reductions.
Despite the initial excitement, Diané admitted to experiencing apprehension before meeting Dorn, wary of potential negative interactions within the industry. However, Dorn's approachable and kind demeanor quickly dispelled his concerns, fostering a sense of relief and camaraderie. Both actors reflected on the shared experience of navigating the passionate, and at times critical, Star Trek fanbase. Dorn recalled the scrutiny faced by the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation as they stepped into the shadows of Kirk and Spock, a sentiment echoed by Diané who regularly encounters similar online chatter questioning his portrayal of a Klingon. While acknowledging the presence of a "toxic corner" within the fandom, both actors found encouragement in the overwhelming positivity and enthusiastic reception from viewers who have embraced the new characters. Diané expressed profound satisfaction with his role, describing it as the most fulfilling of his career, fueled by the outpouring of support and excitement from fans. This shared journey highlights not only the enduring legacy of Star Trek but also the human element of performers connecting across generations to bring its diverse characters to life.