Why the People of Star Trek and Star Wars Never Met: Galactic Realities and Franchise Incompatibilities

Have you ever wondered why the characters from Star Trek and Star Wars never meet in the vast expanse of the galaxy far, far away? Let's explore why these iconic series from different universes have remained separate, despite the possibility of their coexistence in the Milky Way.

Star Wars: Not in the Milky Way?

One of the main reasons people ask this question is the setting of Star Wars. Contrary to popular belief, Star Wars is not set in the Milky Way galaxy. In every movie, a title crawl appears, stating, "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away." This phrase has sparked debates about the actual galactic setting.

According to a theory by some fans, probes from the Star Wars universe might have investigated our area of the galaxy. However, these claims are speculative and have not been officially confirmed by the creators. It remains a mystery whether our star system has been detected by any of the probes in the Star Wars universe.

Time Period and Warp Technology

If one considers the timeframe of the Star Wars universe to be "a long time ago," it is likely that Earth, as it exists today, would not have the technology to travel at warp speeds. Furthermore, the time period in which Star Wars is set might be incompatible with the technological advancements in the Star Trek universe. As a result, it's improbable for the two series to intersect in terms of time and technology.

In the Star Trek universe, warp technology is commonplace, allowing for faster-than-light travel. In contrast, the Star Wars universe relies on hyperdrive technology. These technological differences make a direct crossover unlikely.

Fantastical Elements: Force and Midichlorians

The basis of the Star Wars universe is the Force, an energy field tapped into by Force users. This fantastical element is unique and does not have an equivalent in other fictional worlds, such as Star Trek. The Force is a complex energy and spiritual force that affects all living things in the galaxy.

Another key element of the Star Wars universe is midichlorians. These microscopic, living entities are present in the DNA of all living beings and are necessary for Force sensitivity. A character from another universe with no midichlorians would be unable to use the Force. Similarly, a character from the Star Wars universe without midichlorians would be dead or never have existed in the first place.

These fantastical elements create a significant barrier between the two universes. If a character from the Star Trek universe were to enter the Star Wars universe, they would be devoid of midichlorians and thus unable to use the Force. This incompatibility means that characters from one universe could not coexist in the other's reality.

Speculative Crossbreezes and Legends

There have been some fascinating but highly speculative stories in the Star Wars Legends (now part of Star Wars: The Reborn) where characters from Star Wars have encountered Earth. For example, there's a tale where the Millennium Falcon crash-landed on Earth, leading to some famous characters being transformed into other legendary figures.

These stories are interesting but, given the physical makeup of the Star Wars universe, they are impossible. The presence of midichlorians is essential for Force sensitivity, and the Force itself is a unique component of the Star Wars universe.

So, while these fictional series could potentially coexist in the vast expanse of the Milky Way, the fantastical elements and technological differences between them create a clear barrier that prevents any meaningful crossover or interaction between the two universes.