‘Star Trek: Discovery’: Meet Klingon Leader T’Kuvma

Lauren Gallaway
TV Star Trek
TV Star Trek

Star Trek: Discovery premieres this Sunday on CBS. Before the series begins, lets get to know the Klingon leader T’Kuvma.

T’Kuvma is a leader on the Klingon Warbird called the Sarcophagus. He will be the main antagonist of the series. His crew includes two other main officers, Battle Deck Commander L’Rell and the Klingon leader of the House Kor, Kol.

T’Kuvma is played by actor Chris Obi. Obi most recently played god Anubis on American Gods, as well as an ambassador in Ghost in the Shell. Obi has also been a part of numerous other genre shows like Doctor Who and Atlantis.

Unite the Houses

Star Trek Discovery Tkuvma
Chris Orb plays Klingon T'Kuvma on 'Star Trek: Discovery.'

T’Kumva is the key antagonist of Star Trek: Discovery. However, the word antagonist should be used with care. While he may face off against the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery during the series, his main goal is not to defy the Federation. T’Kumva’s passion is to unite the Klingon Empire.

At the time of Star Trek: Discovery, the Klingon home world of Qo’noS (pronounced Kronos) is divided into 24 ruling families. T’Kumva wants to unite these houses into one ruling force. His desire to unite them will put him at odds with the Federation and with other Klingons who see the Empire in a more traditional light.

The Klingon/Federation conflict will take center stage in Star Trek: Discovery. This is a time before Worf joined Starfleet, before Sarek brokered the Treaty of Alliance between the Federation and the Klingons. This is a time where tensions are running high and will be showcased on the show.

It will be fascinating to have such a strong Klingon antagonist on the show. Previous series of Star Trek have focused on certain Klingon characters, but rarely the entire Klingon Empire and how it became allies with the Federation.

To learn more about T’Kumva, check out the video above.

Star Trek: Discovery airs on CBS this Sunday, September 24, 2017.

Lauren Gallaway
TV editor at FANDOM. Creator of The Marvel Report. Journalist, Comic-Con reporter, Podcaster.