Strange New Worlds Season 4 Gives Star Trek Fans An Early Surprise

The news came out when Paul Wesley, who plays Captain James T. Kirk in Strange New Worlds let it slip in an interview about his bourbon brand with the Hollywood Reporter that he would be returning to Toronto in February to shoot Strange New Worlds season 4.

Discussing balancing his bourbon business with his acting career, Wesley tipped off fans that filming would begin over the winter of 2025 rather than in the spring as originally announced.

This means that the show will either be taking its time with shooting and editing or that it’s planning a more complex season requiring a longer schedule to produce.

Paul Wesey’s announcement of his planned trip to Toronto for filming tips us off to both the earlier schedule for filming as well as the return of his character, Captain James T. Kirk, for another season.

Anson Mount will also be returning for Strange New Worlds season 4 as Captain Pike. Other major characters have not been confirmed yet, but it’s likely we’ll see most of our favorites returning for a fourth season.

The news that Strange New Worlds season 4 is ahead of schedule is gratifying news for fans of the Star Trek franchise, signaling that the series is firmly moving forward.

As fans say goodbye to Star Trek: Lower Decks and welcome aboard a new class of cadets in Starfleet Academy, which began filming at Pinewood Studios in Toronto in August, the continuation of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds into a strong season 4 provides a sense of stability for the fan base.

Giving the franchise some roots and keeping Strange New Worlds going will allow it to cultivate a new fanbase with a longer view of the newer series.

CBS and Paramount+ are keeping fans guessing, as they have yet to announce exactly when season 3 of Strange New Worlds will be released.

Adding to the suspense, the development of Strange New Worlds season 4 will have been in production for some time before season 3 is released.

If the studio is attempting to build up some hype around the release of the forthcoming seasons, they’re doing a great job.

2026 is the 60th anniversary of Star Trek, with the Original Series being released in 1966. If Strange New Worlds season 4 is complete in time for a 2026 release, there could be some major anniversary callbacks, easter eggs, and surprises.

With the filming schedule bumped up to at least February, fans can expect that Strange New Worlds season 4 will make a 2026 release date, giving it a guaranteed 60th-anniversary presence.