Galaxy Quest is a 1999 American science fiction comedy film directed by Dean Parisot and written by David Howard and Robert Gordon.
The film serves as both a parody and homage to the science fiction genre, particularly the Star Trek franchise and its fandom. It stars Tim Allen as Jason Nesmith, Sigourney Weaver as Gwen DeMarco, Alan Rickman as Alexander Dane, Tony Shalhoub as Fred Kwan, and Sam Rockwell as Guy Fleegman.
The plot centers around the cast of a fictional cult television series called Galaxy Quest, who are now struggling to maintain their fame through fan conventions and promotional appearances. When a group of aliens, the Thermians, mistakenly believe that the show’s episodes are historical documents, they transport the cast into space to help them fight against a real interstellar threat posed by the villain Sarris. The actors must navigate their roles as heroes in a real-life situation while overcoming their personal insecurities and rivalries.
Galaxy Quest was produced on a budget of approximately $45 million and was released on December 25, 1999. The film was a commercial success, grossing around $90.7 million worldwide. It received positive reviews from critics, who praised its clever writing, humor, and performances, particularly that of Alan Rickman. The film won the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation and the Nebula Award for Best Script, and it was nominated for several Saturn Awards, including Best Science Fiction Film.
Over the years, Galaxy Quest has achieved cult status, particularly among Star Trek fans, for its affectionate parody of the franchise and its exploration of themes related to fandom and the entertainment industry. The film has been included in various lists of the best comedies and has been recognized for its influence on science fiction and comedy films. Its memorable quotes and characters have resonated with audiences, making it a beloved classic in the genre