Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 4 Episode 9 “Once La’an a Time” Details Revealed
The penultimate episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 4 arrives this week. Episode 9, titled “Once La’an a Time,” marks a return to one of the series’ earlier genre swings, serving as a follow-up to the Season 1 fantasy adventure “The Elysian Kingdom.” The episode streams Thursday, September 17 on Paramount+.
Showrunner Confirms Direct Sequel to Season 1 Fantasy Episode
Showrunner Henry Alonso Myers described the upcoming installment to TrekMovie as “a sequel of sorts to an episode we did in one of our previous seasons.” The synopsis confirms the connection: “We return to the Elysian Kingdom, but this time on a REAL fantasy planet.”
Episode 9 Production Credits
- Title: “Once La’an a Time”
- Writer: Onitra Johnson
- Director: Sydney Freeland
- Episode: 9 of 10 (Season 4)
- Release Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
- Platform: Paramount+
The episode title plays on the classic fairy tale opening “Once upon a time,” signaling another genre-bending outing for the Enterprise crew.
New Promotional Images Released
Paramount+ has released a batch of new photos from the episode, credited to photographer Jan Thijs. The images feature key cast members in what appears to be the fantasy setting:
- Rebecca Romijn as Una Chin-Riley (Number One)
- Melissa Navia as Lt. Erica Ortegas
- Anson Mount as Captain Christopher Pike
- Ethan Peck as Spock
Several photos show the bridge crew together in the fantasy environment, suggesting the entire senior staff may be involved in this return to the Elysian Kingdom concept first introduced in Season 1’s “The Elysian Kingdom,” where a nebula transformed the ship and crew into characters from a children’s book.
Season 4 Nears Conclusion
With Episode 9 serving as the penultimate chapter, Season 4 of Strange New Worlds approaches its finale. The series has continued its pattern of genre experimentation this season, blending traditional Star Trek storytelling with horror, musical, and now fantasy elements.
A trailer for the episode is also available for viewers wanting a preview of the fantasy-themed adventure.
