'Star Trek: Discovery' release date news, updates: actors to portray the roles of Klingons revealed

CBS All Access named three new cast members for "Star Trek: Discovery."

The network tapped "Snow White and the Huntsman" actor Chris Obi, "Penny Dreadful" alum Shazad Latif, and "The Perfect Fit" actress Mary Chieffo to become the members of the fan-favorite alien race Klingons.

According to a report from Variety, Obi will play the role of T'Kuvma, a Klingon leader who aims to unite the divided Klingon houses. Latif, on the other hand, will portray the role of T'Kuvma's protégé and Klingons commanding officer named Kol, while Chieffo will play the role of battle deck commander named L'Rell.

The three new cast members will join "Rent" alum Anthony Rapp and "The Strain" star Doug Jones in the upcoming TV series created by Bryan Fuller and Alex Kurtzman. Rapp will play the role of Science Officer named Stamets who specializes in the science of astromycology. Meanwhile, Jones will portray the role of Lieutenant Saru.

Michelle Yeoh will also appear in the upcoming series as USS Shenzhou captain named Georgiou.

Rapp's role will serve as the first wholly original gay character in the entire "Star Trek" franchise after Sulu was portrayed to be a gay man by John Cho in "Star Trek" in beyond in honor of original actor George Takei.

In an interview with Cinema Blend, Takei revealed how he felt about incorporating a new gay character in the upcoming "Star Trek: Discovery." The actor said, "I wasn't persuasive and they made Sulu gay. They said it was a tribute to me, so I appreciate that part. But now Gene is really going to be honored by 'Star Trek: Discovery' by having that original character, played by a wonderfully talented actor. I think it is the way it should've been done."

CBS is expected to release the premiere episode of "Star Trek: Discovery" in May 2017.