The Evolution of Captain Kathryn Janeway: From Voyager to Prodigy

The Name Game: Kathryn vs. Nicole vs. Elizabeth

Star Trek: Voyager considered a few different first names for the captain of the USS Voyager before she became Captain Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew). Over the course of seven seasons, Captain Janeway led Voyager home from the unexplored Delta Quadrant, encountering many new aliens and other surprises along the way. Kate Mulgrew brought confidence and heart to the role, but she wasn't the first choice of Voyager's producers.

Kate Mulgrew as Captain Janeway in Star Trek: Voyager looking concerned

Canadian actress Genevi{}ve Bujold spent two days filming as Janeway before deciding to leave the role, and Kate Mulgrew was then offered the part. The character’s original name was Elizabeth Janeway, but that was changed for legal reasons. It then changed to Nicole at Genevi{}ve Bujold’s request, because that is in fact her given name and she wanted that. For two days it was Nicole Janeway. Kate Mulgrew even put her own stamp on the character by suggesting the first name, Kathryn, which stuck. In the Star Trek oral history, The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years by Mark A. Altman and Edward Gross, Voyager Executive Producer Jeri Taylor discusses Janeway's three first names.

Prodigy Admiral Janeway Padd

Kathryn Janeway: A Trailblazing Captain and Admiral

Captain Kathryn Janeway was the first female captain to lead a Star Trek show, and she went on to become one of the most successful admirals in Starfleet. After successfully leading the USS Voyager back to the Alpha Quadrant, no one would have blamed Captain Janeway if she had chosen to retire. She took the opposite approach, however, choosing to remain an active figure at Starfleet Command after being promoted to vice admiral. Janeway continued to stand up for her friends, even threatening to resign her commission when Starfleet refused to let former Borg drone Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan) join the organization.

Hologram Janeway stands alone on the Protostar Bridge

Although Janeway has not appeared in live-action since her brief cameo in Star Trek: Nemesis, several different versions of Janeway appear in Star Trek: Prodigy. Canceled by Paramount+ and then picked up by Netflix, Star Trek: Prodigy follows the young, misfit crew of the USS Protostar. The Protostar is equipped with a holographic version of Janeway who offers help and advice to the crew. The real Admiral Janeway also makes an appearance, as she commands the USS Dauntless on a mission to locate the Protostar and the missing Captain Chakotay (Robert Beltran).

Janeway and Chakotay in Star Trek: Prodigy season 1.

The Legacy of Kathryn Janeway

Kathryn Janeway made a name for herself on Star Trek: Voyager, and Star Trek: Prodigy offers a welcome update on the career of one of the most decorated officers in Starfleet. Her journey from the unexplored Delta Quadrant to the role of Admiral Janeway is a testament to her leadership, determination, and unwavering loyalty to her crew and friends. With her presence in Star Trek: Prodigy, the legacy of Captain Kathryn Janeway continues to inspire new generations of Star Trek fans, showcasing the enduring impact of her character in the Star Trek universe.

Admiral Janeway Tea