LOS ANGELES, (Reuters) – “May the Force be with you” vs. “Live Long and Prosper,” lightsabers vs. phasers, warp drive vs. hyperdrive. The fan debate over which story, technology, space ships and characters are superior started a long time ago.
To casual moviegoers, there is not much difference between “Star Trek,” the sci-fi franchise that launched on television in 1966, and “Star Wars,” which debuted on movie screens in 1977.
Yet to hard-core fans the differences are as significant as those between tribbles and droids.
“Star Trek” fans think “Trek” is better because it portrays a complex, science-based technological future where diverse species unite for the betterment of all. “Star Wars,” many believe, is a simple adventure with ray-guns and walking carpets, the good guy wears white, the bad guy wears black, and there’s a magic “Force.”
“Star Wars” fans think “Star Wars” and “The Empire Strikes Back,” are “The Godfather” Part I and II of science fiction films – a perfect original followed by an equally great sequel. They can tell you exactly where they were when they first heard “No, I am your father,” as a seminal life event. “Trek,” for many, is boring techno-babble, everything gets talked to death over tea, Earl Grey, hot, whereas a Jedi with a lightsaber and a rascal with a ship that can make the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs will always save the day.
YouTube videos debating and lampooning the rivalry abound. Fan polls from the last few years indicate a fairly even split, and for many Hollywood stars the choice is far from unanimous. Josh Hutcherson of “The Hunger Games” picks “Star Wars,” as does “Captain America” star Chris Evans.
Reese Witherspoon, and Ryan Reynolds pick “Star Trek,” according to a 2012 IGN Entertainment video.
Even if the fan base cannot agree, the fathers of the respective franchises admired each other’s creations.
