The second episode of the fourth season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds sees the crew encounter a malevolent entity aboard a ghost ship. Directed by Axelle Carolyn, "The Griffin Incident" utilizes a stylistic nod to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" to heighten its horror elements.
The USS Griffin and the 'Thriller' homage
The crew of the USS Enterprise, including Lt.. Spock (Ethan Peck) and Lt. Cmdr. James T. Kirk (Paul Wesley), encounters a malevolent entity aboard the derelict USS Griffin. As the report indicates, the episode , written by Robbie Thompson, utilizes a chilling atmosphere to explore the deepest fears of the characters. This spooky tone is underscored by a nod to Michael Jackson's "Thriller," a connection further emphasized by Christina Chong's social media presence, where she reenacted the iconic zombie dance.
A billion-dollar pop culture wave fueling the spooky season
The decision to lean into horror themes coincides with a massive global resurgence in Michael Jackson's popularity. According to the source, Antoine Fuqua's biopic, Michael, has grossed over $1 billion worldwide, largely driven by Jaafar Jackson’s standout portrayal of the King of Pop. This cultural momentum provides a timely backdrop for the "spoopy" elements introduced in the Strange New Worlds episode.
Christina Chong’s musical pause during the 2025 production schedule
Actress Christina Chong is currently managing a demanding production schedule that has temporarily impacted her music career. The report notes that filming for seasons 4 and 5 is being conducted simultaneously in 2025 , leaving the star with little time for new studio releases . While Chong has previously released music alongside her work on the series,her current commitment to the Star Trek franchise remains her primary focus.
Will the USS Griffin's horror tone become a series staple?
The introduction of a "chilling" and "spooky" episode raises questions about the future creative direction of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. It remains unclear if the show intends to make psychological horror a recurring theme or if "The Griffin Incident" is a standaolne tribute. Additionally, while the source highlights the fun and protective spirit of the homage, it does not address whether the heavy reliance on pop-culture references might alienate traditionalist fans.
Comments 0