This movie is based off of The Original Series episode - “Where No Man Has Gone Before” the second pilot episode. That all Im going to say because its obvious who the blonde woman is and why the villain is seen where a Star fleet uniform and why he wants revenge
According to what I’ve read, the blonde lady is Dr. Carol Marcus.
I’ve heard the Gary Mitchell theory, but I don’t know if it would work. If anything, they might have just taken some inspiration for the new character from Gary Mitchell, but decided to make him a different character so they don’t have to retell the same story.
What is interesting is that Delta Vega is featured in the first film of the new series. Whether that was just an easter egg for the long-time fans, or part of a set-up for the second film, I think we’ll have to wait to find out.
Captain Garth was a mentally deranged starship captain sent to Elba II and who vowed revenge on the Federation. The new character could be a composite of Garth, Kahn, and Mitchell.