From Melbourne to the final frontier, Zoë Steiner is making waves. She has stepped into the next chapter of the Star Trek universe with Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, which premiered on Paramount+ in mid-January. The rising star is not only signed on for Season 2 but is also leaving a lasting impression.
Portraying one of the franchise’s newest cadets alongside Paul Giamatti and Holly Hunter, Steiner brings a fresh perspective to the iconic series. The trailer, premiered at Comic Con, has already garnered over 7.8 million views in just weeks. She recently took a break from filming in Toronto to discuss her on- and off-set routines and the experience of taking on “Trekkie duty.”
How do you feel now that the show has finally been released after months of anticipation?
“It feels amazing! We put in a lot of hard work. We finished filming Season 1 a year ago, and now it’s out. It’s a great feeling to see our work out in the world and receive positive feedback from both original Trek fans and new viewers.”
Were you a fan of Star Trek before? How did you familiarize yourself with the universe?
“It was a lot to take in! I wasn’t a huge Star Trek fan before. I hadn’t watched it for some reason. Many people, including Holly, were introduced to it as kids, often through their fathers. That wasn’t the case for me. I was familiar with Star Trek in general, but not much beyond that. Once I got cast, I felt the responsibility to explore it.
Personally, I was intrigued by the next generation and the character Deanna Troi, another Betazoid. Even though Tarima is a different kind of Betazoid, I wanted to go back and watch. However, it didn’t necessarily influence my acting choices or anything else.”
How did you prepare yourself to get into character while filming?
“That’s a great question. Costumes played a significant role for me. I vividly remember my first fitting for Tarima’s red outfit at the Betazoid cocktail party. It helped me connect with her status as the president’s daughter.
As an actor, it’s always challenging to pinpoint one thing. I have a few rituals, like journaling, that helped me get into character. It may sound cliché, but playing a telepathic and empathic character required me to stay grounded in my daily life, so I could fully embody the role.”
As a beauty magazine, we have to ask: Do you have any favorite products or Australian sunscreens to recommend?
“Let me check my bathroom real quick! I’ve always loved the Lancôme Hypnose mascara since my teenage years. It’s my go-to. During the New York premiere, my makeup artist used the Stila Heaven’s Hue highlighter in Opulence. I prefer cool tones, so anything in that range works for me.
I also use Sun Bum mineral sunscreen and recently started using a retinol product with a dermatological focus. It has been beneficial for my sensitive skin and seamlessly integrated into my routine without causing any irritation.”
We heard you’re already filming Season 2. How’s that going?
“I’m currently in Toronto, with just under a month left of filming. We’re nearing the end of Season 2. We’re about to start shooting episode 10. As for what’s next, I’m not entirely sure. When I left Melbourne to film this season, I moved out of my rented place, so I don’t have a permanent residence. I have some open plans. I might move to New York or go traveling. I enjoy keeping my options open.”