Yetide Badaki has built a career around playing deeply complex and powerful characters, captivating audiences with her nuanced performances. From portraying the ancient goddess Bilquis in American Gods to the formidable lawyer Neera in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Badaki continues to explore themes of mythology, power, and identity in ways that resonate deeply with viewers.
In a exclusive interview, she shared insights into her passion for storytelling, her connection to these roles, and her hopes for the future of Neera in the Star Trek universe.
The Power of Storytelling and Mythology as a Reflection of Society
Badaki has always been drawn to roles that go beyond mere entertainment. She seeks characters that provoke thought and spark conversations about society.
“From playing Bilquis in American Gods to Neera on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, I have found that roles that explore mythology, power, and identity are potent ways of speaking to the questions that we as a society have about ourselves,” she explained.
She believes mythology has always served as a mirror to humanity, offering insights into the past, reflections of the present, and predictions for the future. This is why she finds herself naturally gravitating toward characters that exist within these rich and symbolic narratives.
Bilquis in American Gods and the Exploration of Power and Identity
One of Badaki’s most iconic roles is Bilquis, the ancient goddess of love in American Gods, a series adapted from Neil Gaiman’s bestselling novel. Playing Bilquis allowed her to engage with powerful themes of immigration, faith, and personal transformation.
She found deep meaning in the way American Gods examined what it means to belong in a new land, mirroring the experiences of many immigrants. “Neil asked the question: what is America, and what makes America? In speaking of them, he is speaking of the American experience and the tapestry that is built of the threads of all those who come,” she reflected.
For Badaki, Bilquis represented not just an ancient deity but also a modern woman navigating her place in an evolving world. “It was an incredible experience to play a character that had existed for so long yet still had so much to discover about herself,” she said.
Neera in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and a Role That Resonates
Badaki’s portrayal of Neera in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has struck a powerful chord with fans. The episode Ad Astra Per Aspera introduced Neera as a passionate and intelligent lawyer fighting for civil rights in a futuristic setting.
She sees Star Trek as a perfect vehicle for addressing social issues through the lens of science fiction. “Genre roles like that of Bilquis and Neera allow an ability to explore sometimes painful present truths through the veil of science fiction and fantasy,” she noted.
The response to Neera has been overwhelmingly positive, with many fans calling for a Star Trek legal procedural centered around her character. Badaki is fully on board with the idea. “I love Neera so much that I would really love to see that Star Trek legal procedural helmed by her dynamic character that fans have been calling for since Ad Astra Per Aspera aired,” she said enthusiastically.
A Lifelong Love for Storytelling
Badaki’s passion for storytelling is deeply rooted in her childhood in Nigeria, where she was surrounded by a rich tradition of oral storytelling. She fondly remembers sitting by the fire as her father transported listeners to ancient lands and magical realities through his vivid tales.
This early exposure to mythology and folklore shaped her desire to bring complex and meaningful stories to life. “Art is a tool to encourage our humanity to evolve and grow,” she said. “It is a way to participate in the broader conversation about who we are and who we want to become.”
The Future and Tackling Big Questions Through Science Fiction
As she looks ahead, Badaki remains committed to roles that challenge, inspire, and entertain. Whether exploring ancient mythology or futuristic legal battles, she sees storytelling as a way to ask the big questions and push the boundaries of imagination.
“I am drawn to the possibility of tackling the big questions we struggle with in a week by week format through the lens of a brilliantly imagined science fiction world, as Gene Roddenberry himself did from the show’s inception,” she shared.
With her talent, passion, and commitment to thought provoking storytelling, Yetide Badaki continues to be a force in genre television.
Fans can only hope they will see more of Neera in the Star Trek universe and more of Badaki’s signature performances that blend mythology, power, and identity in ways that leave a lasting impact.
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