In a remarkable display of geek unity, the executive producers and showrunners of the “Star Trek” TV universe and the “Doctor Who” Whoniverse, Alex Kurtzman and Russell T Davies, will appear together in a panel at San Diego Comic-Con. This event, scheduled for Saturday, July 27, marks the beginning of the first “Intergalactic Friendship Day” on July 30. This initiative by the two franchises aims to foster greater connection and fellowship between their fandoms, aligning with the International Friendship Day established in 2011 to bring people together globally.
Under the theme “Friendship is Universal,” “Star Trek” and “Doctor Who” will headline a gallery experience in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego during Comic-Con. This gallery will showcase original costumes and props from both franchises, offering photo opportunities and friendship bracelet giveaways to attendees.
“Doctor Who” and “Star Trek” have followed similar paths through pop culture. “Doctor Who” debuted in 1963, while “Star Trek” launched in 1966. Both have continued to evolve with new actors and fresh takes on their expansive fictional universes. The latest iteration of “Doctor Who,” featuring Ncuti Gatwa as the 15th Doctor, is currently streaming on Disney+. In 2023, the BBC’s iPlayer introduced the Whoniverse, allowing UK viewers access to over 800 shows connected to “Doctor Who.”
Meanwhile, “Star Trek” is experiencing its most significant expansion in its 58-year history, with several titles running on Paramount+. These include “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” “Star Trek: Lower Decks,” and the upcoming series “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” and TV movie “Star Trek: Section 31.”
The announcement of the joint panel event has generated considerable excitement among fans. The panel, titled “Intergalactic Friendship Panel: Star Trek x Doctor Who,” will take place on Saturday, July 27, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM in Room 6A at San Diego Comic-Con. Alex Kurtzman and Russell T Davies will engage in an exclusive creator-to-creator conversation about the art of storytelling in alternative universes and celebrate the power of friendship. The panel will be moderated by Keisha Hatchett, staff editor of TVLine. Attendees will receive a special “Doctor Who X Star Trek” poster designed by artist Dusty Abell.
The “Friendship is Universal” Gallery Experience will run from Thursday, July 26, to Sunday, July 28, at 226 and 230 5th Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter. This gallery will feature original costumes and props from both franchises, highlighting themes of friendship and shared values. Fans can also enjoy photo opportunities and special friendship bracelet giveaways. The gallery will be open from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Thursday through Saturday and from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday. Admission is free, and no SDCC badge is required.
The collaboration between “Star Trek” and “Doctor Who” is a testament to the enduring popularity and cultural impact of both franchises. By bringing together their respective fandoms, the event aims to celebrate the shared values of friendship, hope, and community that both series embody.
The announcement has also sparked speculation about potential future collaborations between the two franchises. While an on-screen crossover has not been confirmed, the joint panel event and gallery experience suggest that the possibility is not entirely out of the question. Fans of both series are eagerly anticipating the insights and discussions that will emerge from the panel, as well as the unique opportunities to engage with the rich histories of “Star Trek” and “Doctor Who” at the gallery.
As the inaugural Intergalactic Friendship Day approaches, the excitement continues to build. The event promises to be a memorable celebration of two of the most beloved sci-fi franchises in television history. By fostering a sense of unity and connection between their fandoms, “Star Trek” and “Doctor Who” are set to create an unforgettable experience for fans at San Diego Comic-Con.
Source: Variety, Bleeding Cool
