Sonequa Martin-Green felt a 'kaleidoscope of emotions' over Star Trek: Discovery ending

Sonequa Martin-Green didn't know Star Trek: Discovery season 5 would be the show's last when the cast started filming. It was only after they wrapped the majority of the shoot that she heard the news, and it brought up a lot of feelings within the lead actress.

"My reaction when I heard Star Trek was ending — well, Star Trek: Discovery...man, it was a kaleidoscope of emotions," Martin-Green tells EW in an interview at the SCAD TVfest. "There was definitely the bittersweetness, but then there was this really powerful sense of peace as well because of what we did, what we created, and what we were all able to be a part of. So, yeah, bitter and sweet, but peaceful at the same time."

The actress, who plays Captain Michael Burnham on the flagship Paramount+ series, believes "there is something quite culminating about the season," even with the way the cast found out. "We went back and did a little addendum shoot to fully wrap it up," she adds.

In a glass-half-full sense, Martin-Green admits she appreciates both experiences: The cast could film the bulk of season 5 without the burden of knowing it would be the last, and then they formally returned to say proper goodbyes.

What we know of season 5 is that it will see Captain Burnham and the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery uncovering a mystery that will send them on an epic adventure across the galaxy to find an ancient power whose very existence has been deliberately hidden for centuries. But there are others on the hunt as well… dangerous foes who are desperate to claim the prize for themselves and will stop at nothing to get it.

The cast also features Doug Jones (Saru), Anthony Rapp (Paul Stamets), Mary Wiseman (Sylvia Tilly), Wilson Cruz (Dr. Hugh Culber), David Ajala (Cleveland “Book” Booker), Blu del Barrio (Adira) and Callum Keith Rennie (Rayner), and recurring guest stars Elias Toufexis (L’ak) and Eve Harlow (Moll).

Could Martin-Green now show up in other parts of the Star Trek franchise, whether it's on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds or the Michelle Yeoh-led Section 31 movie, both of which evolved out of Discovery? "We get the question about crossover opportunities all the time. I can speak for all of us, I think, when I say that we would all do it," she replies. "It would be so much fun. It would be a great thing if we could cross over in whatever way. I don't think anyone would say no."

Well, will season 5 at least be able to top the big Stacey Abrams cameo as the President of Earth? "No," Martin-Green says before breaking into laughter and adding, "I guess I shouldn't say flat-out no. That was something else, being able to have her there with us. And she's so grounded and humble. We really enjoyed just being with her because she made herself available, she engaged with us."

As to whether season 5 has any big tricks like that up its sleeve, the star adds, "I guess that's up to perception."

Season 5 will premiere on Paramount+ this April. Watch a clip from EW's SCAD TVfest interview with Martin-Green above.

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