WWE Superstar Becky Lynch Has Joined 'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy'
The Lass-Kicker is taking to space in her biggest TV role yet
The Man has taken to the bridge. In the midst of a 200+ day WWE hiatus, wrestler Becky Lynch continues to rack up acting credits by joining the cast of Paramount+’s Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.
Lynch, whose real name is Rebecca Quin, made the announcement herself on her socials, doing so in a video captioned “Not your average average Starfleet officer! I'm beaming in to the first season of StarTrek: Starfleet Academy on ParamountPlus”. She states in the video “You know when you’ve already been champion of the world, there’s only one place to go next, and that’s to the stars. I’m so excited to share with all of you that I’m joining Star Trek: Starfleet Academy as part of the bridge crew… This has been the most amazing experience, acting alongside just a spectacular cast and crew, and I cannot wait for all of you to check it out when it comes out on Paramount+. And hey, live long and prosper!” She concludes by giving the Vulcan salute.
Lynch is considered one of the most celebrated women’s wrestlers of all time with multiple WWE title reigns. She has made several reality and game show appearances, but in terms of acting has appeared as herself in an episode of Showtime’s Billions and played Cyndi Lauper in an episode of the NBC sitcom Young Rock. Her mentioning of “first season” is interesting seeing as Starfleet Academy has already been renewed for a second season. The capacity of her role is unknown, but it makes sense if she does explore a return to WWE that she commit to just the one season. Or maybe it’s an element of suspense to be kept and not undercut when the series doesn’t even have a premiere date yet.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy stars a sextet of cadets played by Kerrice Brooks, Bella Shepard, George Hawkins, Karim Diané, Zoë Steiner, and Sandro Rosta who according to the logline “come together to pursue a common dream of hope and optimism. Under the watchful and demanding eyes of their instructors, they discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves and a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself.” Some of those instructors include reprising series regulars Tig Notaro as Jett Reno and Robert Picardo as The Doctor, and guest stars Oded Fehr and Mary Wiseman as Admiral Charles Vance and Sylvia Tilly, as well as Gina Yashere. Lynch’s character’s captain, who also serves as the Academy’s chancellor is played by Holly Hunter, while the villain is played by Paul Giamatti. Tatiana Maslany has also been confirmed to guest star.
Paramount+ quote-tweeted Lynch with a proper welcome, and a salute back. Alex Kurtzman, a major producer of much of the streaming era of Star Trek, and Noga Landau serve as co-showrunners and executive producers. Gaia Violo executive produces with them and writes the premiere. Aaron Baiers, Olatunde Osunsanmi, Jenny Lumet, Rod Roddenberry, Trevor Roth, Frank Siracusa, and John Weber also executive produce. The series is produced by CBS Studios in association with Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment.
Sources: Becky Lynch on Instagram, Variety