As the acclaimed series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds approaches its conclusion, exciting new casting details have emerged, along with news of a new addition to the Star Trek universe. Thomas Jane, renowned for his roles in "The Punisher" (2004) and "Deep Blue Sea," has been confirmed to portray Doctor Leonard "Bones" McCoy, the U.S.S. Enterprise's exasperated physician and eventual Chief Medical Officer under James T. Kirk (Paul Wesley). Jane's extensive filmography also includes "Boogie Nights," "The Mist," HBO's "Hung," Syfy and Amazon Prime Video's "The Expanse," and Amazon's "Troppo," which he executive produced.

Joining him will be Kai Murakami as Lt. Hikaru Sulu. Both Jane and Murakami are set to make their first appearances in the finale of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds'" fifth and final season, which recently wrapped production. This casting news comes as the franchise prepares to celebrate the original Star Trek series' 60th anniversary next year. Jane steps into the iconic role originated by DeForest Kelley in 1966 and later brought to the big screen by Karl Urban in the 2009 Kelvinverse reboot movies. Murakami takes on the mantle from the legendary George Takei and John Cho in the Kelvinverse films. Murakami is making his television debut in "Strange New Worlds," with prior stage work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and performance-capture roles in video games like "Assassin's Creed" and "Rise of the Ronin." He is represented by Identity Agency Group in London.

These new additions complete key roles from Kirk's main Enterprise crew. Ethan Peck's Spock and Celia Gooding's Nyota Uhura have been integral to "Strange New Worlds" since its inception. Other iconic characters, such as Paul Wesley's not-yet-captain Kirk and Martin Quinn's Scotty, have been introduced along the way. Jess Bush portrays Nurse Chapel, a character who famously worked alongside Bones in sickbay during the original series, taking over from Majel Barrett Roddenberry. The series has also deepened the lore of original characters like Number One, with Rebecca Romijn breathing new life into the role also first played by Roddenberry.

Over its run, "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" has followed Captain Pike (Anson Mount) and his Enterprise crew, featuring a blend of familiar and new characters. The series premiered in 2022, followed by Season 2 in 2023, and Season 3 in 2025. Paramount announced its renewal for a fifth and final season in June, ahead of the Season 3 premiere. Season 4 is anticipated to air sometime next year, likely 2026. "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" is produced by CBS Studios, Secret Hideout, and Roddenberry Entertainment. Akiva Goldsman and Henry Alonso Myers serve as co-showrunners and executive produce alongside Alex Kurtzman, Anson Mount, Aaron Baiers, Dana Horgan, Alan McElroy, Robbie Thompson, Frank Siracusa, John Weber, Chris Fisher, Rod Roddenberry, and Trevor Roth.

While the final seasons of "Strange New Worlds" are on the horizon, the Star Trek universe continues to expand with new ventures. "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy" is set to premiere on Paramount+ on January 15. This new series marks a historic first for the 60-year-old franchise, being the inaugural academy-set series. It boasts a stellar cast including legendary actors Holly Hunter and Paul Giamatti, alongside a promising roster of rising stars: Sandro Rosta, Kerrice Brooks, Bella Shepard, Zoe Steiner, George Hawkins, and Karim Diane. Star Trek fans have much to anticipate, both with the continuation of beloved stories and the exploration of new frontiers within the galaxy.