Summary
Alan Rickman appears in the hit science fiction comedyGalaxy Questand his performance is so singular that it should never be recast. I’m all for remakes, sequels, and expansions of beloved IP. If people want moreGalaxy Quest, that’s great, but there are so many directions it can go that don’t include retreading Alan Rickman’s character.One of the most importantStar Trekparodies ever,Galaxy Questfollows the cast of the titular fictional sci-fi TV show, who are dragged into an actual space adventure by mistake and must put aside their petty squabbles to survive.
Some of my favorite actors, Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwell, and Rickman star in the comedy classic. Though the film was well received upon release, it’s somehow gained even more popularity over the years and has become one of the rare cult hits that were never derided to begin with. There have been multiple attempts to create aGalaxy Questseriesand the idea ofGalaxy Quest 2always seems to be swirling in people’s minds. However, the first movie came out all the way back in 1999, presenting some recasting challenges for potential reboots.
10 Harsh Realities Of Rewatching Galaxy Quest, 25 Years Later
Galaxy Quest was a hit parody movie inspired by Star Trek in 1999, and while it remains a classic, it’s a different experience watching it today.
Alan Rickman Is The Only Alexander Dane In The Galaxy Quest Universe
Rickman Is A Hilarious Parody Of Spock
Alan Rickman co-stars as Alexander Dane inGalaxy Quest, and if I have any kind of say, he’d better be the only Alexander Dane in the movie’s universe.Alexander is an actor who plays Dr. Lazarus on the fictionalGalaxy Questshow. Dr. Lazarus is the ship’s science officer and a member of the Mak’tar, a hyperintelligent alien species with an octopus-like hood on his head. It’s a clear send-up ofStar Trek’s Spock, and a hilarious one at that, thanks toRickman’s incredible performance in the movie.
Dr. Lazarus’s iconic catchphrase in “Galaxy Quest” the show is, “By Grabthar’s hammer, by the Suns of Warvan, you shall be avenged!”, much to his disproval.
I love every one ofAlan Rickman’s movie performances, and he’s always felt so statuesque. So to see him mocking that stereotypical snobbish, self-important type of actor that, secretly in my heart, I feared he could have been, just lifted something heavy off my chest. Alexander goes from thinking he’s above the material to realizing just how seriously some “fans” take it and coming out with a newfound respect. There are very few actors who can pull off a character like this, and I’m not totally sure who they are.
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They need to be someone legitimately classically trained, with a filmography of great dramatic performances. It’s also important they have participated in blockbuster or franchise projects for the added irony. That’s not a simple Venn diagram. If the performance goes wrong, which it easily could, I envision a half-bakedSNL-styleparody of Leonard Nimoy as Spock, or worse, a parody of Rickman doing Nimoy, all of which would just be crass and cringe-worthy.
How To Do A Galaxy Quest Sequel Or TV Show While Honoring Rickman
Dr. Lazarus Should Be Played By A New Character In-Universe
So, if everyone is so keen on aGalaxy Questsequel, who should play Alexander Dane? Well, no one. The story should insert a new character. They can play the same role. you’re able to evenmake up an in-universe excuse. Alexander Dane passed away, and now they’ve recast Dr. Lazarus. The showrunners could even use the real-world angst of recasting the character as a storyline for the new series or movie.
The new Dr. Lazarus can treat his role like it’s the most important performance of all time.
If Alexander Dane was a pompous, too-good-for-this British actor, let’s think of another eye-rolling kind of actor. My suggestion? Someone who mocks the method actor approach so popular now. The new Dr. Lazarus can treat his role like it’s the most important performance of all time. I say cast Jeremy Strong in the part.Strong’s commitment to his acting is well-known, but I bet he would be game to tease himself in aGalaxy Questsequel.
Galaxy Quest
Cast
An homage to classic science fiction and its fandom, Galaxy Quest follows a group of actors from a fictional cult classic sci-fi series who are unwittingly embroiled in a real space conflict when aliens who believe the series is real abduct them and ask for their help defeating a tyrant threatening their people. Starring Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub, Daryl Mitchell, and Sam Rockwell, the film features many references and parodies of classic sci-fi films and shows, mainly Star Trek.
