Andy Weir Settles the Star Wars vs. Star Trek Debate with a Surprising Answer

The debate between ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Star Trek’ is a long-standing fixture in geek culture. Fans have passionately argued for decades over lightsabers versus phasers, the Force versus the Federation, and which universe truly embodies the essence of science fiction.

Andy Weir, the acclaimed author of ‘The Martian’ and ‘Project Hail Mary,’ seems like the ideal figure to settle this ongoing rivalry. His works are rich in hard science and space exploration, making him one of the most recognized voices in modern sci-fi storytelling.

When BookBrowse posed the classic question of ‘Star Wars’ or ‘Star Trek,’ Weir cleverly sidestepped the debate. His response? “Doctor Who.”

While this answer might surprise casual fans, it aligns perfectly with Weir’s known admiration for the iconic British series. He has previously shared his love for ‘Doctor Who,’ even mentioning on the video podcast “A Night In” that he has a TARDIS prop in his office and has watched every surviving episode of the series.

Weir has also confessed to writing ‘Doctor Who’ fan fiction, which makes his BookBrowse answer feel more like a genuine expression of fandom rather than a mere joke. For an author whose brand is built on scientific precision, his attraction to a series known for its playful manipulation of time and space is an intriguing contrast.

This ‘Doctor Who’ response carries additional weight considering Weir’s recent interactions with ‘Star Trek.’ Earlier this year, he sparked controversy on the Critical Drinker podcast when he disclosed that Paramount had turned down a ‘Star Trek’ series pitch he presented to executive producer Alex Kurtzman.

During that discussion, Weir didn’t shy away from expressing his views on the current state of the franchise, criticizing most of the Kurtzman-produced shows while praising ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ and ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.’ His comments quickly circulated through entertainment news outlets, leading Weir to issue an open letter of apology to Kurtzman, clarifying that his remarks had been misconstrued as “salacious sound bytes.”

Given this context, Weir’s choice to dodge the ‘Star Wars’ versus ‘Star Trek’ question with a playful third option seems like a diplomatic maneuver. It allows him to showcase his true fandom without reigniting a debate he has already found himself embroiled in this year.

Regardless of his personal preferences, Weir’s contributions to science fiction continue to resonate with audiences. ‘Project Hail Mary,’ which is being adapted into a film by Amazon MGM Studios featuring Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, has emerged as another significant success following the acclaim of ‘The Martian.’

Weir has mentioned that he took a more active role in the adaptation of ‘Project Hail Mary’ compared to his previous work, describing himself as a full producer this time rather than just an observer. This deeper involvement indicates that his creative instincts extend beyond the written word, shaped by years of engagement with the sci-fi properties he cherishes, including ‘Doctor Who.’

For fans hoping Weir might someday write for the Whoniverse, his long-standing enthusiasm and even fan fiction suggest that the possibility isn’t entirely off the table. Until then, his BookBrowse response serves as a reminder that even the most prominent figures in the genre can’t always be easily categorized into a binary choice.

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