Senior Executive Producer James Cawley announced today a succession of casting decisions for the Star Trek New Voyages: Phase II's "Origins" episode slated to begin filming in June 2010. The episode follows the adventures of young James T. Kirk as he starts his career in Starfleet.

Chuck Huber will be joining the cast as "Captain Christopher Pike", the man who commanded the Enterprise before James Kirk. Huber is known for his extensive voice work for FUNimation and in such series as "Full Metal Alchemist" and "Bleach".

"Number One" will be portrayed by actress Michele Specht. Currently filming "Backyard Wedding", Specht has also been featured in such hits as the television series "I Hate My 30's", and movies including "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa". Specht was also featured in the New Voyages: Phase II episode "Kitumba".

Vic Mignogna will be taking on the role of "George Kirk", James Kirk's father. Actor, director, composer, producer Mignogna, is best known for his prolific voice work in such anime hits as "DragonBall Z" , "Full Metal Alchemist", and "Bleech". He earlier joined New Voyages: Phase II in the role of an Andorian captain in "Enemy: Starfleet", and as the Klingon villain in "Kitumba": an episode he also directed.

Rounding out the cast, fans can expect to see some of James T. Kirk's most famous Starfleet Academy classmates. "Gary Mitchell", Kirk's student and friend, will be played by Brian Tubbs. Tubbs was featured in the film "Touched and Melancholy" and has done work for DCverse Productions , Alarstudio, and also had a role in "Kitumba". Meanwhile, Jeff Johnson, an experienced voice actor, will bring life to Kirk's most energetic nemesis ? the perpetually jokester "Finnegan". Fans can also expect to see some of New Voyages: Phase II's familiar regulars, including Brandon Stacy as "Spock". Said Cawley: "This episode has a lot of surprises in store!"

01-31-2010