Star Trek's Jeri Ryan Discusses Her Acceptance of Seven of Nine's 'Sexy' Catsuit on Voyager (At Least Initially)

With the year coming to a close and no new Star Trek series returning until the 2026 schedule, fans are taking the opportunity to revisit past shows and hear from the actors themselves. At the recent ST: CHI Trek To Chicago event, Jeri Ryan shared her thoughts on portraying Seven of Nine, particularly her memorable catsuit on Star Trek: Voyager.

Although Voyager had many shocking moments that fans still discuss, Seven of Nines revealing costume has gained particular attention over time. Ryan explained how she felt about being cast as a character designed with a strong sexual visual element, stating that she was comfortable with the choice (via TrekMovie.com):

I was involved in all the costume fittings, all of the discussions. I knew what this was. And I was okay with the costume. I knew it was sexy. I knew what they were going for. I was okay with that because of the way the character was written. And bear in mind, this was the 90s, guys. Because the way the character was written, she was the complete antithesis of this. She was not that [catsuit].

Ryan emphasized that Seven of Nines personality sharply contrasted with what viewers might expect from a woman in a tight-fitting suit at the time. Her storyline focused not on romance, but on her traumatic experience of being assimilated by the Borg as a child and how she adjusted to her individuality after being freed from the hive mind.

Even with the costume, the character became one of the most celebrated in the Star Trek universe, later appearing in Star Trek: Picard without the catsuit. Paramount even approached Ryan to reprise the role in a follow-up series, but she declined, feeling the project didnt align with what fans wanted. Her original insight into the character, however, shows her clear understanding of fan expectations.

Looking ahead, it appears that Star Trek: Legacy may be on hold, as Paramount and Skydance focus on other projects. Current plans include Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, set in the 32nd century, and a separate movie unconnected to existing series or films. While Jeri Ryan is not currently involved, fans hope to see nods to Seven of Nine, possibly via hologram appearances, especially since the Doctor serves as an instructor in Starfleet Academy.

For those eager to revisit Seven of Nines adventures, Star Trek: Voyager and Picard are available on Paramount+. Subscription options include the Essential plan at $7.99 per month or the ad-free Premium plan at $12.99 per month, with annual plans also available.

Watching Seven of Nine in these series remains a reminder of why she remains one of science fictions most beloved characters, particularly in episodes highlighting her interactions with Naomi Wildman.

Author: Sophia Brooks