I actually don't think "planet of hats" is a problem in episodic TV. The only real alternative is to eschew cultural worldbuilding entirely, and just have the characters as funny-looking humans with the exact same range of personal idiosyncrasies. Which then leads to the question of why you're using aliens at all.
From Rob Lazinsky, our first look at the logo. Since the delta was the A in Picard, we're getting Sectian Thirty One!
So with filming finished, I wonder if we'll see it this year? If Paramount wants to put one of these out every couple years, odds are they're gonna want one for 2026, being it's the 60th Anniversary.
Which means we could see it by the fall.... Star Trek Day. Which would really work out for the 60th, if they stick with the two year plan.
There isn't going to be a theatrical run, limited or otherwise. And I wouldn't expect SNW any earlier than February.
P+ isn't going to do a theatrical run for a film designed specifically for the Streaming platform. They have a plan for more Trek feature films (who knows how far that'll get), BUT no, they won't 'muddy the waters' with a limited theatrical release. This Section 31 film is designed to bring more eyes (and subs) to the P+ streaming platform.
They might do an EXTREMELY limited run in NY and/or LA just for publicity's sake. A full theatrical run? No.