Cast your mind back to October 2022, when a few cryptic words from Alex Kurtzman lit a fuse. Speaking at New York Comic Con, he gave a few coy hints about a possible live-action Janeway project:

Things have been talked about. That’s all I’m going to say. But nothing would make me happier than to bring Janeway back. I think it would be an incredible, incredible thing to do. There might be an idea in play.

That possible idea caught the imagination of fans, and slowly but surely, more questions were asked, and speculation grew.

Fast forward to 2025, and Kate Mulgrew responded to a fan question during 'An Evening With…' on the Star Trek: The Cruise VIII:

There is a conversation happening. It is being pursued.

While nothing had been officially confirmed, it was enough to raise a few more hopes. And Admiral Janeway's return in Star Trek: Prodigy had only left us wanting more.

Things then went a little quiet until this year's SpaceCon San Antonio, when Mulgrew asked the audience if there's a need for Janeway now.

Well, seeing as the question has been asked, we have a few thoughts...

We find ourselves in an era of Star Trek that loves to serve up plenty of action, adventure and on-screen spectacle, but Kathryn Janeway has been kicking ass and taking names since 1995.

Whatever your view on who the best Captain is, Janeway has always been a solid choice to have on the other end of a commbadge when you need to get the job done. From busting her crew out of cells to outsmarting smug inspectors, she approached every obstacle with equal parts grit, wit and humanity.

Those qualities became invaluable when the USS Voyager was pulled into the Delta Quadrant, leaving Janeway with the unenviable task of getting her crew home while upholding the ideals of the Federation. But her determination, intellect and empathy weren't forged in that crucible; they were always an innate part of who she was.

So many of the attributes modern Star Trek celebrates...resilience, compassion, tenacity...were already there in Captain Janeway, and would no doubt continue to define the Admiral.

Janeway would fit right in with the likes of Una Chin-Riley, Nahla Ake and even the newly promoted Seven of Nine. Little work, if any, would be needed to ensure Janeway suited the current Trek-scape. In fact, it's easy to imagine Janeway in the wings, just waiting to step back into the spotlight.

Contributor

Katherine Lewington

Katherine has been boldly going since childhood, when the BBC Two 6pm Star Trek slot changed her life. She was drawn in by the franchise's optimism, compassion and flair for character-driven storytelling. She's been writing stories since she could pick up a pen and has spent far too much time immersed in television, films, books, music and theatre. She loves any chance to talk or write about her favourite fandoms, of which there are many. When not busy writing, she can usually be found playing video games or explaining why the concept of a transporter is actually terrifying.

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