John Boyega shares his surprising thoughts on Star Wars vs Star Trek, explaining what the action-packed saga could learn from Star Trek’s dialogue-driven storytelling.

While both Star Wars and Star Trek share a common theme of space travel and a “Star” in their titles, each franchise possesses a distinct charm. What are these differences, and what gives each its unique draw?

Boyega’s Take on Star Wars and Star Trek

John Boyega, known for his role as Finn starting in The Force Awakens, has consistently shown his allegiance to the Star Wars saga in the ongoing sci-fi debate between the two franchises. Despite his strong affection for George Lucas’ creation, Boyega acknowledges that the franchise could benefit from adopting at least one element from its long-standing competitor, and his take has sparked curiosity and discussion.

At Dragon Con 2025 (thanks, Popverse), John Boyega openly expressed his appreciation for both worlds, a common sentiment among many. “I’m an old school Star Wars fan, and if you’re a Trekkie and you’ve met me at the booths, you would find that I would mention that I don’t like Star Trek,” he said. But the actor revealed that he prefers Star Trek’s approach of confronting issues directly over Star Wars’ tendency to resolve conflicts with action and lightsabers. Boyega contrasted the two series, noting that Star Wars is more action-driven, with conflicts unfolding rapidly, while Star Trek allows characters and stories to breathe through dialogue and reflection. Yet he made it clear where his loyalties lie:

“In Star Trek, they give you time to have discussions. I think there’s something Star Wars can learn from that actually,” Boyega said. “In terms of me appearing in [Star Trek], I’ve got to stay on team. I’m a lightsaber guy.”

Boyega’s remarks are a reminder that admiration for Star Trek doesn’t require abandoning Star Wars’ epic space battles and adventure.

Star Wars vs Star Trek: A Brief Context

The comparison between Star Wars and Star Trek is nothing new. Both franchises have massive followings, but their storytelling approaches differ significantly:

• Star Wars: Mythic, action-oriented, and focused on heroism and adventure.
• Star Trek: Dialogue-heavy, philosophical, and often centered on exploring moral and social themes.

Fans have long debated which approach is superior, though many agree that both franchises offer unique experiences.

On Reddit, several users weighed in on Boyega’s comments. One user named
NuPNua said, “Sounds to me like he’s never watched DS9. They certainly had to deal with a war going on in the background and a more thought-out one by the writers than SW ever had.”

Star Trek Actors Weigh In

Interestingly, Star Trek veterans have also shared their views on the rivalry:

• William Shatner (Captain Kirk) has defended Star Trek as deeper and more philosophical, often critiquing Star Wars as spectacle-focused. He said, “Star Wars was special effects. It was ILM at its best. First of all, Star Wars is derivative of Star Trek, by what 10, 15, 20 years, something like that?”
• Patrick Stewart (Jean-Luc Picard) takes a more diplomatic approach, acknowledging that both franchises have distinct strengths. He said, “I have been asked on multiple occasions about a rivalry between Star Wars and Star Trek, but I have to say I feel like it is really apples and oranges. You can like either or both, or none of them.”
• George Takei (Hikaru Sulu) emphasizes inclusivity, stating, “Each is wonderful in its own special way.”

Boyega’s comments fit neatly into this spectrum: he appreciates the philosophical side of Star Trek but remains firmly in the Star Wars camp. 

Interestingly, J.J. Abrams, who directed two Star Wars films, used his reboot of Star Trek to focus more on action than storytelling. The results were mixed.

What Boyega’s Perspective Tells Us

Boyega highlights a subtle but important difference in storytelling. While Star Wars thrives on immediate action, Star Trek allows for contemplation and debate — something that could enrich Star Wars’ narrative if integrated thoughtfully. His perspective also bridges fandoms, offering recognition that fans of both series can coexist and even learn from one another.

Boyega’s comments on Star Wars vs Star Trek are surprising because he openly praises the rival franchise while being a Star Wars actor. What makes it unexpected is how he balances admiration with loyalty. Fans might assume he’d defend Star Wars without acknowledging Star Trek’s strengths, so his nuanced take disrupts the usual rivalry narrative and sparks conversation about how storytelling in Star Wars could evolve.

John Boyega’s surprising take reminds us that each franchise has its own unique strengths. Perhaps the real lesson is that fans don’t need to choose one over the other — there’s value in both universes.

What do you think? Should Star Wars borrow a page from Star Trek’s playbook, or do you prefer it as the fast-paced, action-packed saga it is?