Star Trek: Strange New Worlds actor Babs Olusanmokun talks about a classic comeback episode and emotional moments between father and son.

[This story contains spoilers for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds episode “The Elysian Kingdom.”]

There was a time when Bab Olusanmokun was a little confused by his involvement. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds He has since read the first two scripts in the Paramount+ series. But the sensation immediately evaporated when the third attacked.

The film and television actor was thrilled to play the role of medical director, Dr. Jabilo M’Benga, a character previously played (albeit briefly) by the late Booker Bradshaw. the original series.

The wise, outspoken and stoic Dr. Olusanmokun’s M’Benga had a brief introduction in the series premiere and was not in the next episode. But in the series’ third episode, “Ghosts of Illyria,” the character made his mark with a heartfelt revelation. In “Ghosts”, it is revealed that Dr. M’Benga uses an old trunk to house his terminally ill daughter Rukia (Sage Arindel) as he desperately tries to find a cure for his Zygokemia.

In this week’s episode, “Elise’s Kingdom,” the arc is further explored when an alien (gleefully) takes over the company and befriends a classic map. ᲕThe way of the stars Back to delicious nonsense. However, the series finale is probably the most emotional moment so far.

in an interview the hollywood reporterOlusanmokun talks about the beauty and complexity of M’Benga with her daughter in these harrowing scenes. The actor also recalls that it was a joy to have the crew film the “Elysian Kingdom”, during which several takes were marked by laughter.

How did you get into the program?

My team told me they were directly involved with the cast because it was a secret. I put two sides of the tape on and a few weeks later they told me the showrooms wanted Zoom. We had a meeting and I reshot the scenes with good conversation. Everything was really cool. And a few weeks later, I got a call saying I had a job. And, of course, that was wonderful news.

As you developed your sober but insightful and often profound personality, Dr. M’Benga? Do you look at the works of Booker Bradshaw? COUGH As a reference point?

Knowing that he had played Booker Bradshaw before, I checked out the two episodes he was in. Unfortunately, Booker didn’t get much. So it was a matter of redesigning something. It was about taking this kid on a new journey and making sure he was bringing to life what Booker could have smiled at. Character recognition continues.

I always feel the weight of responsibility as I try to convey the message through the character on the plate. It’s always a wonderful challenge for an actor. It is a show that carries messages of commitment and optimism. It’s nice to play a character who talks about something. You go to great lengths to ensure that everything comes from a true and honest place.

I really enjoyed this week’s episode, “The Kingdom of Elysium”. it’s so wonderful ᲕThe way of the stars The abstinence episode. Please tell me everything. What were those epic costumes like? How did you get through all the funny performances?

(laughs.) These costumes were amazing. We had been hearing about the costumes for months before filming this particular episode. When I finally started making accessories, it was amazing, with coat and even underwear and beads. It was just glorious. So I’m doing my job, let’s play. It was a real thrill and a blessing. I’m the type of actor that when I read material that’s powerful and ask me something, I just swim and I’m so grateful. And I approached with that feeling.

There were two days where there was continuous laughter on the bridge. It was crazy, which is unusual for me. I can be a pretty serious guy. (laughs.) But there were some ruined. It was just superfluous. I don’t think the words justify it. I looked to absorb the words – and then I laughed. I said, “My God. I am professional. What’s up?” (laughs.) We had a great time and I’m glad I met you.

As a parent, I get very emotional when I see M’Benga’s relationship with his daughter, Rukia, especially in “Ghosts of Illyria” and this week’s episode. Can you tell me about two performances that are so powerful that they reach an emotional level, especially for us parents?

I remember doing the first episode when we were in Toronto, which was an intro, and then I wasn’t in the second episode. And as an actor, insecurity starts to bother me, for example, “Am I really in this business?” (laughs.) So when I saw the script for “Ghosts of Illyria”, I was very upset. I felt its weight. I found it beautifully written. There are certain monologues that you read over and over as it becomes more and more true. When the writing is so strong, it never gets to where you are, “Good. I’m tired of saying it.” You can’t not approach him with an open heart. It can’t be boring. This is so true and heartbreaking. And I really relate to that. So it was really nice to get that experience for me. the “Ghosts of Illyria”.

What happens next in “Kingdom of Elisha” is a massive continuation of this arc. I accept the weakness of it all; It’s the insecurity she must have while staying as strong as she can through all of this. He is brave when he goes around the world to find something that will heal him. Down there is this horrible feeling: “What will my son be like and how will he make it?” So it was work, emotional work with the vulnerability that is inside him.

I had no idea what would happen in the future of the series, but did you feel like the story came really fast? I ask because I figured the search for a cure would be an important component of M’Benga’s story, so we got there fast.

I don’t know if I don’t agree with you, but what you said is another reason why I wasn’t strict at all. I know this is a show where we can move quite confidently in different directions. So what we thought was solved, I wouldn’t say it’s solved. It is a constant and living condition. He uses. And in season two he uses it. Even if it is not on the surface, it is present on the inside. So I guess what I’m trying to say is that you can’t tell us that we’re not going back to that at all.

I think I’m copying. Hoda, on the same subject, I have to ask about Sage Arindel. She is just wonderful and the two seem to have a very strong relationship. How was that relationship?

Sage has a wonderful idea and it was wonderful to work with him. He really gets tall. She is a beautiful little actress. He responds, looking into her eyes. You have a broken job. The relationship with him was fantastic. We were doing this at the height of COVID and we had masks. So I tried to create a connection behind the mask that would help us in the scenes. It was wonderful to work with him.

The interview is edited for length and clarity.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds It will stream new episodes on Paramount+ on Thursday.