Russell T. Davies Weighs In On A Potentially Amazing Sci-Fi Crossover

Russell T. Davies Weighs In On A Potentially Amazing Sci-Fi Crossover

Highlights

  • Doctor Who thrives on its unique ability for the protagonist to regenerate, providing fresh takes on the character over the years.
  • A potential crossover with Star Trek is on the horizon, with the showrunners expressing enthusiasm for the idea.
  • Though a collaboration between the two franchises is not yet solidified, fans’ continued support may help make it happen in the future.

As a gamer and long-time fan of both Doctor Who and Star Trek, I can hardly contain my excitement at the potential for these two iconic franchises to finally cross paths! Growing up with Doctor Who episodes playing on repeat in my childhood home and spending countless hours debating which crewmember was better equipped to outwit the Daleks or the Borg, it’s a dream come true to hear that the showrunners of both series are open to collaboration.


For over half a century, Doctor Who has been a leading figure in television’s science fiction realm. Now, this legendary franchise appears ready to venture into uncharted territories by possibly collaborating with a contemporary series of equal merit.

The iconic series “Doctor Who” made its initial appearance in the UK during the 1960s and has maintained popularity longer than many similar programs, largely thanks to a unique narrative twist: the lead character, known as the Doctor, undergoes regeneration upon death, transforming into a new form and sometimes adopting different perspectives. This continuous reinvention not only extends the show’s lifespan but also offers diverse portrayals of The Doctor over time, ranging from a menacing interdimensional troublemaker to a charming trickster with a kind heart. In today’s media environment, “Doctor Who” stands out significantly among its competitors in the genre, particularly on television.

Among the rare series comparable to “Doctor Who” is “Star Trek,” another 1960s production from the U.S. that has persisted through multiple lead actors, with each Starfleet crew member usually meeting an untimely end, unlike the Doctor who continues his adventures. Despite their different origins, these franchises might collaborate in the future. Notably, the current and past showrunners of “Doctor Who,” Russell T. Davies, and Alex Kurtzman, overseeing “Star Trek,” recently interacted during a TVLine-organized discussion at San Diego Comic-Con. They shared warm sentiments, and when the possibility of a crossover was mentioned, Davies expressed his enthusiasm and emphasized that it would depend on the fans to make it happen.

As a long-time fan of both universes, I can’t help but feel excited at the prospect of a crossover episode. With years of immersion and countless hours spent in both worlds, I have developed a deep appreciation for their unique characters and storylines. The thought of seeing these beloved figures interact and blend their adventures is truly tantalizing.

In his remarks, Kurtzman emphasized the shared characteristics between these two franchises, stating they are essentially cut from the same cloth. He explained, “We have common values. We have similar views of the world. Our aim is to craft stories that shed light on humanity. Each version of The Doctor and each installment of Star Trek have strived to do this for every audience they cater to. It’s that profound link.” This relationship can be observed in numerous elements across both series, including the comparable nature of the Borg from Star Trek and the Cybermen from Doctor Who.

Currently, the mobile games of two popular sci-fi franchises – Star Trek: Lower Decks Mobile and Doctor Who: Lost in Time, are overlapping in a unique way. They’ve both launched an event where they tell the same interdimensional story, but from different viewpoints. The Doctor finds himself on the U.S.S. Cerritos from Star Trek: Lower Decks, while characters Lieutenant Brad Boimler and Ensign Beckett Mariner are thrust into the world of Doctor Who. This cross-franchise idea is quite engaging, and it seems a bit underutilized in mobile games. But, there will be other equally intriguing storylines to explore in the future, and this collaboration will undoubtedly prove beneficial in the long run as well.

It’s regrettable that collaboration isn’t stronger right now, given the buzz that Disney may soon end the airing of Doctor Who after two seasons because of low viewership numbers. This moment appears to be a high point for transatlantic enthusiasm for both shows, and it might take some time before such an opportune alignment occurs again.

Doctor Who is available to stream on Disney+ outside the UK.

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2024-08-13 23:24