Yeoh will play a ship's captain in a recurring role, but reportedly not the show's female lead - who is lieutenant on a starship called the Discovery, reported Deadline.
The "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" actress will actually play a character named Han Bo and will be the leader of another ship named the Shenzhou. She will have a significant role in the show's first season.
The new show will be set at least a decade before the original series, which followed the exploits of Captain Kirk.