Actor Mark Hamill is best known for his portrayal of Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars franchise. The space opera franchise has remained a competitor of the sci-fi series Star Trek in the public eye, with both franchises often facing comparisons. However, Hamill admitted to being a fan of the original series created by Gene Roddenberry.
During an interview, Hamill discussed the popularity of the original series and his admiration for it. As a result, when his close friend Brent Spiner revealed a new series, which eventually became Star Trek: The Next Generation, was in development, the actor was skeptical about its chances of succeeding. Here is why Mark Hamill thought Star Trek: The Next Generation would be a failure.
Mark Hamill thought Star Trek: The Next Generation would fail before Brent Spiner proved him wrong
Actor Mark Hamill rose to prominence with his role as Luke Skywalker, starting with 1977’s Star Wars, directed by George Lucas. The film marked a new dawn for the sci-fi and space opera genre, arriving almost a decade after Star Trek: The Original Series similarly revolutionized the genre on TV.
During an interview with Men’s Journal, Hamill talked about the influence of TOS. The actor revealed that he was skeptical when a friend of his, eventual Data actor Brent Spiner, revealed he had auditioned for a part in a successor series with a new set of cast and characters.
That friend was Brent Spiner, who not only got the part and had a wonderful career playing Data but proved me wrong as far as the ability to take the series and make it their own.
Hamill made the above statement, explaining that he was initially convinced the new series would fail given how popular the first version was.
Furthermore, Hamill expressed that creating a new series without fan-favorites such as Spock and James T. Kirk would be impossible. However, Hamill was pleasantly surprised and happy that he was proven wrong by his friend, with The Next Generation achieving equal if not more reverence than The Original Series.
Mark Hamill refuted the comparisons between Star Wars and Star Trek
During the same interview, Hamill was also asked about the frequent comparisons between Star Trek and Star Wars. Both franchises revolutionized the sci-fi genre, have “star” in their title, and pushed the boundaries of storytelling because of their visionary creators.
I have been asked on multiple occasions about a rivalry between Star Wars and Star Trek, but I have to say I feel like it is really apples and oranges.
Hamill made the above statement, explaining that the comparisons between the two franchises did not seem fair to him.
The actor stated that Star Trek was more classic sci-fi compared to Star Wars, with Lucas heavily borrowing from fantasy and mythology for his epic space opera saga. Therefore, Hamill felt that both franchises were different and it was possible for fans to like one of the two, both, or neither as they each offered something unique to consumers.
The Star Wars movies are streaming on Disney+, while Star Trek content is available on Paramount+.
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