Thescreescore – In a candid and biting revelation, veteran actor Jason Isaacs has broken his silence regarding the intense vitriol directed at Star Trek: Discovery lead Sonequa Martin-Green. During a recent appearance on the Dropping Names… And Other Things podcast, hosted by franchise icons Jonathan Frakes and Brent Spiner, Isaacs pulled no punches when discussing the toxic online environment that surrounded the series’ debut.
Reflecting on the early days of the Paramount+ series, Isaacs recalled the wave of hostility aimed at Martin-Green, which he characterized as rooted in prejudice rather than legitimate critique. The actor, who portrayed the complex Captain Gabriel Lorca in the show’s inaugural season, noted that the backlash often masked itself as complaints about the show being "too woke."
"There was such a lot of racist backlash about Sonequa before we started, online," Isaacs admitted during the discussion. He revealed that his response to the trolls was blunt, often telling them to "f** off." Isaacs argued that the very essence of Star Trek* has always been about progressivism and inclusivity, suggesting that those attacking the show for its social consciousness fundamentally misunderstood the franchise’s core mission. "You can’t get any more progressive than Star Trek," he asserted, dismissing the detractors as people who failed to grasp the series’ historical purpose.
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Beyond the heavy subject of online hate, the conversation shifted to a more heartwarming note as Isaacs praised Martin-Green’s leadership on set. Referring to her as the "mother hen" of the cast, Isaacs shared anecdotes from Sunday barbecues he hosted for the crew in Toronto. He humorously noted that while he was busy grilling, he eventually realized his meat was going untouched because Martin-Green had inspired the entire cast to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle following a documentary.
Isaacs lauded Martin-Green not just as a peer, but as a vital pillar of the production. By calling her a "great Number One"—a nod to her status at the top of the production’s call sheet—he highlighted her role in fostering a positive, professional, and playful atmosphere amidst the pressures of a major reboot.
While Star Trek: Discovery faced significant scrutiny from certain segments of the fandom regarding its place in the established canon, the series ultimately became a cornerstone for the streaming era, paving the way for the expanded Star Trek universe we see today. As the franchise enters a new chapter under Skydance ownership, Isaacs’ defense serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience required to lead a legacy property into a modern, diverse era.
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