Star Trek Ventures into Tatooine Territory: Uncovering 10 Star Wars References

Article Overview

In the Lower Decks season 4, episode 9 titled "The Inner Fight," there are several visual nods to Star Wars, including cleverly hidden Easter eggs found on the planets Sherbal V and New Axton. This particular episode takes a unique approach by incorporating elements from the iconic Star Wars franchise, such as the Imperial Shield Gate, security officers dressed in black uniforms, and even a moon shuttle that bears a striking resemblance to designs seen in the Star Wars universe.

New Axton, the marketplace of which resembles the Black Spire Outpost on Tatooine, along with Mudd's Bar, reminiscent of the Mos Eisley Cantina, showcases the show's homage to Star Wars.

While Star Trek: Lower Decks is known for its loving references to the Star Trek franchise, episode 9 of season 4, titled "The Inner Fight," includes several nods to Star Wars. These references, mainly visual Easter eggs, can be found on the planets Sherbal V and New Axton, allowing fans of both franchises to spot them. However, they have minimal impact on the plot aside from adding aesthetic detail. The planets Sherbal V and New Axton, with their rugged and lived-in environments, evoke the feeling of Star Wars' Tatooine and Endor. The worn-out ships and armored bounty hunters contrast with the neat and vibrant Starfleet uniforms worn by the Cerritos crew, prompting a gatekeeper to point out the stark difference to Captain Carol Freeman (Dawnn Lewis).

10. New Axton's Planetary Gateway is Scarif's Shield Gate

The penultimate episodes of Star Trek: Lower Decks seasons defy expectations. In season 1, episode 9 titled "Crisis Point," Ensign Beckett Mariner's (Tawny Newsome) holodeck program immerses viewers in a cinematic Star Trek experience, complete with references to the Star Trek movies. Meanwhile, season 2's episode "wej Duj" offers a tantalizing glimpse into the lesser-known realms of Vulcan and Klingon ships, introducing two beloved new characters, Vulcan T'Lyn (Gabrielle Ruiz) and Ma'ah (Jon Curry). In season 3's "Trusted Sources," Federation News Network reporter Victoria Nuzé (Alison Becker) brings an outsider's perspective through her engaging interviews. And now, in season 4, Star Trek: Lower Decks takes a bold leap into an entirely different galaxy, filled with unexpected surprises from far, far away.

From Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

The USS Cerritos ventures to New Axton to gather information about their assigned target, former Starfleet cadet Nick Locarno (Robert Duncan McNeill). Access to New Axton is safeguarded by a circular gateway resembling the Imperial Planetary Shield Gate above Scarif in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Notably, the vessels navigating through this region bear a closer resemblance to the ships seen in Star Wars rather than those typically encountered in Star Trek, indicating that Freeman's arrival at New Axton marks her initial step into a broader universe.

9. New Axton's Security Are Imperial Officers

From Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back, and Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

In the vicinity of New Axton, the USS Cerritos draws nearer, and Captain Carol Freeman's attention is abruptly diverted by an English-accented security officer clad in black attire. This officer, reminiscent of the Imperial officers from Star Wars, who wield authority to maintain order in the galaxy on behalf of the Empire, fails to understand Freeman's unannounced arrival in their atmosphere. Behind the guard, the windows resemble those found on the bridge of a Star Destroyer, and the officer's distinctive hat and demeanor parallel the imposing uniforms of the aforementioned officers. In order to assert control, this particular officer politely advises Freeman to maneuver the Cerritos to a nearby moon for parking purposes.

8. The Moon Shuttle Is A Landspeeder, But Bigger

From Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

Upon docking the Cerritos at the designated moon, Captain Freeman, joined by Lt. Shaxs (Fred Tatasciore) and Lt. Samanthan Rutherford (Eugene Cordero), must utilize a moon shuttle to reach the surface of New Axton. Reminiscent of Luke Skywalker's (Mark Hamill) landspeeder, this shuttle boasts a remarkable size difference, serving as an efficient mode of public transportation rather than a mere personal vehicle.

7. New Axton is Tatooine & The USS Cerritos Crew Visits Mos Eisley

From Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

6. New Axton Marketplace as Black Spire Outpost on Batuu

The design of New Axton in "The Inner Fight" is a clear homage to Tatooine, the desert planet and origin world of the Skywalker legacy in Star Wars. The city of New Axton resembles Mos Eisley with its domed buildings and angled obelisks clustered together in a wide, pale desert. Just like Tatooine's reputation as a "wretched hive of scum and villainy," Freeman describes New Axton as "a notorious dive for all sorts of unsavory rogues." The twin suns shining in the sky above add to the overall resemblance and reference to the iconic Star Wars setting.

From Star Wars Galaxy's Edge

New Axton features a marketplace adorned with dangling lights, interconnected cables that crisscross between towering walls and embedded control panels, and weathered awnings suspended over trapezoidal vendor stalls. Resembling a Star Wars-style setting, this location lacks a direct resemblance to any of the films, yet it undeniably brings to mind the captivating Black Spire Outpost on Batuu. This outpost, a meticulously detailed part of the immersive Galaxy's Edge experience at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, serves as a notable point of reference for the atmosphere found in New Axton.

5. Mudd's Bar is the Mos Eisley Cantina

From Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

Mudd's Bar, named after Harcourt Fenton Mudd (Roger C. Carmel) who first appeared in Star Trek: The Original Series season 1, episode 3 "Mudd's Women," serves as the backdrop for the away team's quest for information. This vacant establishment bears a striking resemblance to the renowned Mos Eisley Cantina. Initially, Freeman, Shaxs, and Rutherford face rejection from a glimmering, silver bouncer who holds no warmth towards Starfleet personnel, mirroring the cantina's bartender's disdain for droids. Nevertheless, once granted entry, the striking resemblance to the popular cantina becomes unmistakable as a diverse assortment of individuals occupy its seats.

4. Shelter on Sherbal V is Yoda's Home on Dagobah

From Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

In search of confrontation, Lt. Beckett Mariner deliberately isolates herself from her away team on Sherbal V. She unexpectedly encounters Klingon captain Ma'ah, who was introduced in episode 9 "wej Duj" of Lower Decks season 2. Their altercation is disrupted by a sudden downpour of glass, forcing them to seek shelter in a corner of the forest that remarkably resembles Dagobah, the swampy dwelling place of Jedi Master Yoda (Frank Oz).

3. Billups as a Bounty Hunter is Leia as Boushh

From Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

Throughout Captain Freeman's mission, she faces constant obstacles from a mysterious bounty hunter. This relentless foe conceals their identity behind a formidable full-face mask and impenetrable armor. Their speech is distorted by a robotic synthesizer, adding to their menacing presence. Despite these challenges, the bounty hunter cunningly secures a prime parking spot and acquires crucial information about Locarno. Astute observers may draw parallels between this character's design and the iconic Boushh. Interestingly enough, the enigmatic face beneath the mask is none other than Lt. Commander Andy Billups. Hidden beneath the helmet, Billups was part of the scheme from the beginning.

2. Sherbal V's Monitoring Station is Endor's Shield Generator Bunker

From Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

Mariner and Ma'ah, along with Lieutenants Brad Boimler, T'Lyn, and D'Vana Tendi, soon discover the monitoring station connected to the weather satellite that the Cerritos lieutenants were assigned to fix. This station contains the necessary equipment to send a distress signal and request rescue. Interestingly, its design bears a striking resemblance to the schematic of the Imperial shield generator bunker on Endor.

1. Romulan Echoes Admiral Ackbar

From Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

Lt. Mariner's plan to unite the abductees through a motivating Starfleet speech on cooperation and unity appears to be effective. The majority of individuals are onboard with the idea of collaborating to escape. However, suddenly and unexpectedly, Mariner is beamed out, and a Romulan announces, "This is a trap!" It is not uncommon for Romulans to suspect conspiracies at every turn, but the cadence of their declaration bears a striking resemblance to Admiral Ackbar's famous line in a similar context.

Despite past divisions among fan bases, Star Trek and Star Wars mutually inspire one another. The triumph of Star Trek: The Original Series ignited a public interest in pulp science fiction that benefited Star Wars. Likewise, the success of Star Wars at the box office reduced the risk factor for the studio when releasing Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Even in their contemporary periods, Andor veers away from Jedi Knights, resembling Bajor's resistance in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, while Star Trek: Prodigy serves as Trek's response to Star Wars: The Clone Wars. As a series that celebrates the unacknowledged heroes, it is only fitting for Star Trek: Lower Decks to pay homage to Star Wars.

Star Trek: Lower Decks streams Thursdays on Paramount+.

Editor's P/S

As a Star Trek fan, I am thrilled to see the show venturing into new territory by incorporating elements from the Star Wars universe. The clever nods to Star Wars, such as the Imperial Shield Gate, security officers dressed in black uniforms, and the moon shuttle, add an exciting crossover element that fans of both franchises will appreciate.

The references to Star Wars are well-thought-out and executed, and they do not detract from the overall story of the episode. Instead, they serve as fun Easter eggs for eagle-eyed viewers to spot.

Overall, I believe that the incorporation of Star Wars elements into Star Trek: Lower Decks is a bold and successful move that showcases the show's willingness to explore new ideas and pay homage to other beloved sci-fi franchises. I am excited to see what other creative surprises the show has in store for us in future episodes.