Was Jesse James Keitel, Rashad in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds? All about the actress’ role in the Paramount+ series

The ever-expanding universe of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is known for its eclectic mix of heroes, villains, and cosmic curveballs — and one such twist came in season 1, episode 7, when fans were introduced to the magnetic and dangerous Captain Angel.

Played by Jesse James Keitel, the character quickly became a standout presence aboard the USS Enterprise. But confusion soon followed — some viewers began wondering if Keitel was playing a character named Rashad.

To set the record straight, Jesse James Keitel is not playing Rashad in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Her role is Captain Angel, a devious space pirate who has a deep-seated connection to Sybok, Spock’s long-lost half-brother. While the character’s enigmatic entrance and dual persona may be the reason for some confusion, there is no official or credited title “Rashad” linked to Keitel’s portrayal.

Captain Angel’s character arc was introduced in the episode “The Serene Squall” and set up further developments involving Vulcan mythology and Spock’s lineage. Within a single episode, Keitel's Angel brought not only complexity and peril, but tremendous charm to the series.

Jesse James Keitel’s Captain Angel shakes up the Enterprise

In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Jesse James Keitel’s Captain Angel starts off as a supposed counselor on a ship in distress — but it’s soon revealed that Angel is orchestrating a full-scale hijack of the USS Enterprise. With Captain Pike and key officers taken hostage, Angel uses their grip on the starship as leverage to negotiate the release of their lover — Sybok, Spock’s emotionally volatile Vulcan half-brother.

The twist hits hard, not just for Spock, but for longtime fans who recognize Sybok from earlier Trek lore.

Keitel imparts a sleek and artistic flair to Captain Angel that is both refreshing and imposing. The character has motives; they are fueled by distorted affection, unswerving fealty, and some measure of disorderly design. It was an engrossing performance that added depth to the standard pirate persona, and audiences felt conflicted and were divided if Angel is a villain or a visionary misplaced in a flawed system.

A boundary-breaking performance in the Star Trek galaxy

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What makes Keitel’s appearance in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds even more significant is the authentic representation it brings to the franchise. As a trans and non-binary actor, Jesse James Keitel helps push Trek into the inclusive future it has always aspired to reflect. Captain Angel isn’t defined by their gender identity — but rather by their sharp intellect, strategic prowess, and emotional intensity. It’s a performance that shatters tropes while staying true to Trek’s ethos of infinite diversity.

Though Angel’s fate was left somewhat open-ended, the impact of Keitel’s portrayal lingers. Fans have been vocal in hoping to see the character return — especially now that Sybok’s storyline has been cracked open again. Whether or not Captain Angel reappears, Jesse James Keitel has already left a bold mark on the Star Trek universe, proving that villains can be just as captivating and necessary as the heroes.

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