The Intergalactic Alliance That (Almost) Was: A Look at the Doctor Who x Star Trek Crossover Panel at SDCC 2024
San Diego Comic-Con has become synonymous with big reveals, epic trailers, and the promise of new cinematic universes. This year, the convention delivered on the promise of unexpected crossovers, with unlikely pairings like Transformers and Knight Rider catching the eye. However, one crossover that was tantalizingly suggested yet explicitly remained in the realm of fan dreams was the meeting of the TARDIS and the USS Cerritos in the form of a Doctor Who and Star Trek team-up.
The "Intergalactic Friendship Panel," featuring Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies and Star Trek architect Alex Kurtzman, sent ripples of excitement through the fandom upon its announcement. This excitement was further fueled by the recent Doctor Who season premiere, where the Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, nonchalantly acknowledged the existence of Star Trek within his universe, suggesting a potential future meetup.
Davies, however, was quick to temper the feverish anticipation. "We’re not announcing anything, but if fans can make it happen, with our two empires and their lawyers, then we’ll do it!" he teased during the panel.
Despite the lack of a formal on-screen collaboration, a crossover was announced for the Doctor Who: Lost in Time and the Star Trek: Lower Decks mobile games. This in-game event, titled The Badgey Directive, offered a glimpse of what a collaborative story between the two franchises could look like.
The panel largely focused on the mutual admiration between Davies and Kurtzman, each acknowledging the influence the other’s franchise has had on them and their work. A particularly interesting question arose: if a crossover was out of reach for now, which episodes of each other’s series would Kurtzman and Davies like to write?
Kurtzman played coy, jokingly citing budget constraints ("We couldn’t afford you!" Davies quipped) while Davies jumped at the opportunity. "Borg, Borg, Borg! I love the Borg!" he exclaimed, showcasing his love for the iconic cyborg species.
Kurtzman offered a realistic counterpoint, highlighting that the Borg are essentially retired in the Star Trek universe, particularly after the events of Star Trek: Picard, where they played a significant role throughout seasons two and three. However, Davies remained undeterred,"There’s always a way,’ he declared. "The Daleks keep coming back!"
This playful exchange between the two showrunners highlights the shared love and respect for their respective franchises, while also poking fun at the intricacies of achieving a cross-universe collaboration on such a grand scale.
The absence of a concrete crossover announcement certainly left fans wanting more, however, the panel skillfully served as a testament to the enduring popularity and influence of both franchises. It also reminded fans that, while the meeting of the Doctor and the USS Cerritos crew may be a long shot, it is not entirely impossible.
Perhaps, as Davies pointed out, the next season of Doctor Who may see a return of the Cybermen, a fitting homage to the Borg and a reminder that even in the absence of a formal crossover, the universe can find a way to bring beloved characters and stories together.
The "Intergalactic Friendship Panel" was a clear signal that the desire for a Doctor Who and Star Trek crossover is strong within the fandom. While the future of this crossover remains uncertain, the shared appreciation for both franchises and the creative energy it sparked provide hope that one day, we might see the Doctor and the crew of Starfleet standing side-by-side, facing a common enemy in the vastness of space.
Key takeaways from the Doctor Who x Star Trek panel at SDCC 2024:
- While a formal crossover is not happening immediately, both franchises inspire and influence each other.
- The in-game event "The Badgey Directive" for Doctor Who: Lost in Time and Star Trek: Lower Decks offers a glimpse of a potential collaboration.
- The possibility of a future crossover remains open, though it will require significant coordination and negotiation between the two franchises’ legal teams.
- The panel highlights the shared affection the showrunners have for their respective universes and the desire to explore possible cross-over storylines.
- The panel’s playful dialogue suggests that both franchises are open to considering the possibility of a crossover in the future.
The Doctor Who x Star Trek crossover may not have materialized at SDCC, but it left a lasting impression, igniting the imaginations of fans and fueling the desire for a future where the TARDIS and the USS Cerritos might share the screen.
