IN CONVERSATION WITH GEORGE HAWKINS

interview by JANA LETONJA
photography by JENNY ANDERSON

One of Britain’s most exciting new talents, George Hawkins will soon be making his interstellar debut in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, premiering in January on Paramount+. Charismatic, thoughtful, and passionate about his craft, George is fast becoming one of the industry’s most promising rising stars, blending classical training with natural screen presence.

You’ll be starring in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. How does it feel to be stepping into such an iconic universe? 

It’s surreal and deeply humbling. I don’t think it’s fully sunk in yet. I don’t think it ever will. ‘Star Trek’ holds so much meaning for a lot of people, and to be a part of that legacy, especially at the beginning of a new series, feels like an honour and a deep responsibility.  

images courtesy of JENNY ANDERSON

What was your first reaction when you learned you’d landed the role? 

I was at my family home but no one else was in at the time, so it was a bittersweet moment of pure elation and having to wait a few hours before I could share it with my family. I called my agent straight away and couldn’t stop thanking him for believing in me.  

Without giving too much away, can you tell us a little about your character and what drew you to the role? 

I play Darem Reymi, a Khionian, the first of his species to be a part of the Star Trek universe. From his earliest memory, Darem has had an expected standard of excellence on his shoulders that he must uphold, not just for himself or family, but for the Khionian people. Coming to Starfleet Academy gives him the perfect opportunity to exercise that excellence.  

The Star Trek fan base is famously passionate. Have you started to feel the excitement from fans yet? 

Yes, definitely. It’s been really eye opening to meet fans at ComiCon. Finally getting to witness the passion of Star Trek fans has given this work a completely different air. You’re not just making story for your own creative fulfilment, but for a fan base that has been watching longer than I’ve been alive. It gives me so much encouragement.

image courtesy of JENNY ANDERSON

What’s the most challenging part of embodying a character in a universe with so much legacy and expectation? 

I think the hardest part is being able to let go of legacy and expectation when it comes to filming. As an actor, I want to be free of all external opinion and conversation in a scene and give my full focus to my character’s experience and my scene partners. The story that we are telling helps to focus on the intimacy and relationships, the scale and legacy look after themselves.  

How does this version of Star Trek differ from what audiences have seen before? 

This show is going to be different to anything we’ve seen before in the Star Trek universe. We’re watching our heroes become the beloved captains that we all know and love. We see our cadets question everything they’ve believed and known to be true. I really believe this is the best way to see this universe, through the eyes of those who are new to it as well. What a beautiful way to welcome a new generation of Trek fans whilst honouring everything Trek has been and stands for.  

What inspires you most about storytelling as an art form? 

What inspires me most about storytelling is the permission it gives us to deeply explore ourselves. We can, without the feeling of isolation or being exposed, truly question our conscience whilst also being entertained. I’ve always been drawn to stories that ask meaningful questions about identity, purpose and belief, and they are never easy answers to hear, but at its best, storytelling can allow those conversations to feel so much more accessible. 

You’ve been praised for being charismatic and well-spoken. How do you stay grounded as your career takes off? 

Wow, thank you. I’m blessed to be surrounded by people who love and support me, but they also keep me on the ground and remind me of what’s truly important. I’m also aware that I’m not perfect and that perfection is an unhealthy expectation, so I give myself, through my faith in God, the permission to be imperfect. In knowing I’m eternally and unconditionally loved by God I have the freedom to fully commit to life.  

As someone new to the global spotlight, how do you hope to use your platform as your visibility grows? 

I’m still very aware of how new this is all to me, so I think my main priority is staying grounded and building a greater understanding of my craft. As my visibility grows, I hope to use my platform to encourage hope, joy and sense of purpose, especially for young people who are also just trying to figure out who they are.  

I’m really interested in telling stories that explore responsibility, identity and the pursuit of belonging. These themes feel very relevant to me at the moment. I want to be able to explore my values whilst being open to learning about the world around me, and I think that can only happen when the focus isn’t primarily influence and platform, but intentionality and craftsmanship.   

What’s one dream role or genre you’d love to explore after Star Trek: Starfleet Academy? 

I’ve always loved the medieval period. My favourite Shakespeare is the collection of Henry plays. The idea of swinging a sword around and riding a horse is very exciting to me.