Rendering of the Rose Parade’s Star Trek float, which will feature actors from the franchise.
Actor and activist George Takei will participate in the Rose Parade along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena on Thursday, Jan. 1, from 8 a.m.
Takei will ride on a float celebrating the 60th anniversary of “Star Trek,” which premiered on NBC in September 1966. The parade will also promote a new series, “Starfleet Academy,” which will premiere next year.
Takei played Hikaru Sulu in the original series, the animated series, six movies, video games, “Captain Sulu” audio adventures, episodes of “Voyager” and “Lower Decks,” and the just-released audio drama “Star Trek: Khan.” He wrote about his Star Trek experiences in an autobiography, “To the Stars.”
He will be joined by Rebecca Romijn, Una on “Strange New Worlds”; Tig Notaro, Jet Reno on “Discovery” and “Starfleet Academy”; and Karim Diané, Klingon cadet Jay-Den Kraag on “Starfleet Academy.”
The Star Trek team said in a statement, “As the year of 2026 marks a historic chapter for Star Trek, highlighting the legendary franchise’s milestone of six decades, the anniversary emphasizes ‘Space for Everybody,’ extending an open invitation to celebrate the future that Star Trek aspires to — a future of HOPE, a future of EXPLORATION and a future where we rise to the challenge to BE BOLD.
“From back to front, the float features the iconic starship U.S.S. Enterprise rising above an array of Star Trek planets. Local Los Angeles landmark Vasquez Rocks feature prominently at the back of the float, paying homage to its role as a frequent Star Trek filming location, with interactive transporters adorning the center of the float.
“In honor of ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy,’ their campus also rises above the float as the newest addition to both the Star Trek universe and the classic San Francisco cityscape. The side of the float boasts the Star Trek 60 logo in honor of the franchise’s 60th anniversary, while front and center is the renowned bridge of the U.S.S. Enterprise, where Star Trek actors will be stationed for the parade.
“The float has been designed by artist John Ramirez and brought to life by the creatives at Artistic Entertainment Services (AES).”
For those unable to attend, the parade will be broadcast and streamed on many platforms.