Star Trek: Discovery’s Hannah Cheesman created her own back story for Airiam
Star Trek: Discovery’s Hannah Cheesman created her own back story for the augmented human Airiam.
Up until the most recent episode, not much was known about the character – who pretty much played a minor role throughout the show.
But it wasn’t only the audience who were in the dark about her past, as after she was killed off, Hannah revealed she too had no idea where Airiam came from.
When chatting to ING, the actress spoke about the character and how she ended up giving the robot a story of her own.
The star told the publication: ‘There was actually some interesting room to kind of create my own thoughts about what her backstory would be before receiving the information about exactly what had happened and why… what event had been the trigger for her turning into something other than just human.
‘Did I know she was human beforehand? Yes, I had been told that, but I hadn’t been told much else besides that.’
In the last episode, we learn that Airiam had actually once been human.
After being injured in a shuttle crash, it was revealed that she was kept alive through cybernetic augmentation.
‘I like to think that Airiam had gone through this trauma of some kind and that it was her decision, that she could have just let go of, you know, life,’ Cheeseman stated.
‘That she was offered, “But you can stay alive but you’ll never be the same, you’re changed forever.”
‘And is it better to just lose what was or is it harder to come back as something entirely different?’
Earlier this month, Spock finally made his grand debut in the spin-off where it was revealed that the Starfleet officer is dyslexic.
Speaking about Spock’s condition, Ethan Peck who plays the character explained: ‘I think it will be very affirming for a lot of marginalised people in that way.
‘I think it’s really healthy for those that might not be typical, you know, to have a role model out there who’s dealing with it themselves.
He added: ‘I think it can be really comforting and help one identify with themselves.’
The actor added to Comic Book that he had a lot of anxiety taking on the role of Spock, admitting: ‘You can’t just go all fully emotional because he’s still half Vulcan and it’s going to come out in a way that’s still alien.
‘And so figuring out that balance really took a lot of focus and we dealt with it with great care and while we were filming I was like, “Is this working? Is it believable? Does it feel like Spock?”’
Star Trek: Discovery airs on CBS in the US and on Netflix in the UK.
Got a showbiz story?
If you've got a story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk Entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page - we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: Newly engaged Jennifer Lopez looks smitten as she heads out to dinner with Alex Rodriguez
Home › Entertainment › TVSource: metro.co.uk