Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has quietly suggested that Carol Marcus has begun work on Project Genesis, a major storyline from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. In season 4’s “The Griffin Incident”, Kirk says Carol has been approved for her “dream project”, a line interpreted as setting up the scientific programme that later drives the film’s central conflict.

The episode also confirms that Kirk and Carol’s son David has been born, while explaining the strain Kirk’s Starfleet career places on their relationship. In The Wrath of Khan, Project Genesis can turn lifeless worlds into habitable planets but can also be used destructively; Khan steals its device while seeking revenge on Kirk. The reference continues Strange New Worlds’ pattern of building towards established Star Trek events through small character moments.