Shatner Strikes Back: Declares Star Trek the True ‘Father’ of Star Wars on May the 4th!

Despite the fact that Star Wars Day isn’t recognized as a national holiday, it sometimes seems like it should be due to the numerous Hollywood stars who acknowledge and celebrate it. Notably, one of the greatest science fiction actors ever, William Shatner, can’t help but remind his legions of geeky fans that Star Trek is still the king of sci-fi during this cultural commemoration. (And let’s not forget the clever joke that started it all!)

Many Star Trek enthusiasts also appreciate Star Wars, and while arguments about which franchise is superior have cooled down over time, it’s still entertaining to witness friendly banter between the two fanbases. Shatner, known for his witty jabs, often engages in playful teasing, and he humorously claimed paternity over Star Wars fans:

Instead of delving deeply into the definition, Captain Kirk (or “Shat Daddy”) intentionally left it vague, as discussing other topics after invoking the name “Shat Daddy” can often feel insignificant.

In my opinion, he’s hinting at how Gene Roddenberry’s initial Star Trek series might have impacted George Lucas when he was developing Star Wars. Lucas mentioned in an interview for the documentary Trek Nation (via GeekTyrant) that his space opera was built upon the foundation of Trek, and that his fondness for this sci-fi show played a role in creating characters like Han Solo, Princess Leia, and others.

Although I wouldn’t go so far as to claim that the upcoming “Trek” series on Paramount+ will directly impact the upcoming “Star Wars” shows on Disney+, it’s easy to understand William Shatner’s perspective. If George Lucas was a fan of the original “Star Trek” series and acknowledged its influence on the trilogy, then it makes sense that he might have been inspired by it in some way. Instead of denying this connection as fiercely as Luke Skywalker, I prefer to embrace the possibility and learn more about my new “daddy,” so to speak.

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It’s undeniable that Star Wars rules the box office, while Star Trek has faced challenges in revealing its upcoming cinematic plans. However, there are some points worth considering. For instance, given Starfleet’s approach of diplomacy and striving for the greater good, it seems reasonable to argue that they would have managed the Empire more effectively than the Rebel Alliance did.

In addition, which franchise experienced one of its prominent actors venturing into space, while another only acknowledged the astronautical feat of the former? Undeniably, with his space travel experience, William Shatner stands as a pioneer among science fiction enthusiasts.

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In all honesty, it’s perfectly fine to have a soft spot for either “Star Wars” or “Star Trek,” or even both, without reservation. Both series are undeniably thriving in their respective timelines and have significantly contributed to making geek culture a widely accepted aspect of modern personality. However, I can’t say for certain if Captain Kirk is my father; that would require a DNA test, just in case he ever decides to make such an unexpected claim!

Almost everything connected to the Star Wars universe can be streamed using a Disney+ subscription, whereas characters from Star Trek dominate on Paramount+.

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2025-05-05 03:09