Key Takeaways:
– George Lucas concedes that Star Trek's popularity paved the way for Star Wars' success.
– Despite apparent fandom rivalry, Rod Roddenberry and George Lucas share mutual respect.
– Both franchises have significantly marked their spots in Hollywood's history.
Despite an abundant public debate regarding Star Wars versus Star Trek, it turns out, the two franchises are far from rivals. According to Star Wars creator George Lucas, the Star Trek universe paved the way for the Star Wars saga's success.
The Star Trek Influence on Star Wars
The brainchild of Gene Roddenberry, Star Trek, grew from its 1970s debut into a worldwide pop culture event. Star Trek's universe, populated by diverse aliens like Andorians and Romulans, inspired a new generation of sci-fi lovers. Offering fans a steady dose of 13 movies and 12 shows along with a cascade of comics and fanfictions, Star Trek definitely left a deep imprint on sci-fi culture.
Star Wars did not necessarily borrow inspiration from Star Trek directly, but Lucas admitted in a 2011 documentary, Trek Nation, that it relied on Star Trek's framework for its success. The skepticism of studios regarding Star Wars was dispelled by Trekkies, the devoted Star Trek fandom who lovingly understood and appreciated sci-fi. Their acceptance helped Star Wars gain a stable standing in the movie industry.
The Respectful Bond Between Star Trek and Star Wars Creators
It's worth highlighting that the creators' offsprings don't partake in the rivalry often amplified by the fans. Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, son of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, confessed his admiration for Lucas during the Trek Nation interviews. This respect stems from the common emotional bond both franchises share, rooted deeply in a father-son relationship. Star Wars explores this dynamic through the lens of Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, while Rod's admiration for Star Trek comes from his bond with his late father.
The Star Wars and Star Trek Domination
Both Star Wars and Star Trek hold influential and separate positions in Hollywood's glitzy domain, and rightfully so. They have carved out distinct niches in the industry and popular culture at large. These two monumental franchises, each a titan in its own right, make it almost impossible to pick one as superior.
In summary, the world of Star Wars might not have achieved its colossal success if it weren't for the earlier established Star Trek fanbase. As the adage goes, standing on the shoulders of giants often leads to greatness. In this case, Star Trek was the giant upon whose shoulders Star Wars was able to rise. The mutual respect between creators, coupled with a similar theme of father-son relationships, further binds the two franchises together. Opinionated fans might fuel the flames of a rivalry, but in reality, Star Trek and Star Wars are two sides of the same sci-fi coin. And isn't our love for the extraordinary, far-off galaxies what makes us fans in the first place?
