'Star Trek: Discovery' casts Rainn Wilson as Harry Mudd

Image from LA Weekly

By Darian Scalamoni

            There has been plenty of hype around the upcoming Star Trek: Discovery that will air on the new streaming service CBS All Access. They have raised all of that excitement even more with recent casting announcements but the newest actor joining the fray will bring back a character known by fans of the original series. According to Deadline, Rainn Wilson, who is best known for his role as Dwight Schrute on The Office has been cast as conman and criminal, Harry Mudd.

            Harry Mudd originated in the 1960s Star Trek series played by Roger C. Carmel appearing in one episode each of the first two seasons. Wilson’s Dwight Schrute was one of the most beloved characters on the hit NBC comedy, The Office and later starred in his own series, Backstrom, a crime/comedy that aired on FOX and lasted only one season. With Wilson’s quirky personality, he is perfect for a role within this series and I hope it lasts longer than Carmel’s portrayal that lasted a mere two episodes.

            Star Trek: Discovery premieres later in the Fall with the first episode premiering on CBS before the rest of the episodes will be available on CBS All Access. The series stars Jason Isaacs, Doug Jones, Sonequa Martin-Green, Anthony Rapp and Michelle Yeoh.