Galaxy Quest: The Unexpected Success

TLDRLearn the story behind the making of Galaxy Quest, a movie that surpassed the legacy of Star Trek and became a cult classic. Find out how the script idea originated, the challenges faced during casting, and the innovative filming techniques used. Discover the camaraderie and dedication of the cast and crew that resulted in a beloved and memorable film.

Key insights

💖The idea for Galaxy Quest came from writer David Howard after watching a documentary about NASA astronauts.

👌The original script titled 'Captain Starshine' was eventually rewritten by Robert Gordon.

😂The casting process faced challenges, with Tim Allen securing the lead role and Alan Rickman persuading the producers to cast him despite being seen as a serious actor.

🏀Filming took place in Los Angeles and Utah, with innovative techniques used for the commandex set and aspect ratio changes.

🚀Galaxy Quest was praised for its humor, homage to Star Trek, and ability to appeal to both fans and non-fans of the sci-fi genre.

Q&A

Where did the idea for Galaxy Quest come from?

The idea came to writer David Howard after watching a documentary about NASA astronauts.

Who was the original writer and what changes were made?

David Howard wrote the original script titled 'Captain Starshine,' but it was later rewritten by Robert Gordon.

Who was the lead actor in Galaxy Quest?

Tim Allen secured the lead role of Jason Nesmith, also known as Captain Peter Quincy Taggart.

Did Alan Rickman initially face resistance for his casting?

Yes, Alan Rickman was initially seen as a serious actor and not a good fit for a comedy. However, he convinced the producers with his audition and commitment.

Where was Galaxy Quest filmed?

Filming took place in Los Angeles and at Goblin Valley State Park in Utah.

Timestamped Summary

00:00In the 1990s, Star Trek had transformed into a multimedia franchise. Galaxy Quest emerged as a movie that paid tribute to Star Trek while surpassing it.

07:52The casting process faced challenges, with Tim Allen securing the lead role despite initial skepticism. Alan Rickman proved his comedic talent and was cast as Dr. Lazarus.

11:12Filming was done in Los Angeles and Utah, with the use of innovative techniques and effects. The aspect ratio changed throughout the film for creative storytelling.

11:41Tim Allen's emotional scene impressed the cast and crew and had a lasting impact. Alan Rickman initially misunderstood Allen's humor but grew to appreciate it.

09:31Stan Winston Studios and animatronics were used to create the alien characters in Galaxy Quest, with prosthetic makeup and puppetry techniques.