Seth MacFarlane Still Wants To Do Star Trek Family Guy Parody Episode – Will Paramount Cooperate? December 16, 2009
by Anthony Pascale , Filed under: CBS/Paramount,Editorial,Feature Films (TMP-NEM),Humor , trackback
Seth MacFarlane’s animated FOX comedy Family Guy has long been rife with sci-fi references, which have culminated in doing full parody episodes remaking two Star Wars movies. And what movies does he want to do next? According to a new interview, MacFarlaine is still interested in taking on Star Trek, but will Paramount let him?
In 2007 Family Guy took on the original Star Wars movie in a full length parody called "Blue Harvest." Next week the Family Guy re-imagining of Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back as "Something Something Dark Side" is coming out on DVD and Blu-ray. The Family Guy team plan to finish off the original Star Wars trilogy, taking on Return of the Jedi in 2010.
Next week’s FG release
So what is next for the pop cultural referencing fanboy MacFarlane? In a new interview with the LA Times he gives a clue, her is the excerpt:
Future spoofs may venture into the other sci-fi and adventures franchises that themed MacFarlane’s childhood.
“Indiana Jones, Back to the Future, Star Trek,” he riffed, citing potential spoofs. “The difference is that Lucas gave us the rights. Lucas agreed to let us do this, and that’s a rare thing. Most legal departments are much more overprotective.”
Paramount – make this happen!
This is actually the second time MacFarlane has talked about doing a full Trek parody. Back in 2008 Seth MacFarlane told reporters what parody he wanted to do next, saying:
If Paramount would let us do ["Star Trek II:] ‘Wrath of Khan,’ that would be the coolest thing.” .
On behalf of TrekMovie and fans of Star Trek and Family Guy, I say to Paramount, let Seth do it! George Lucas has shown that you can embrace this kind of thing and it works. The Star Trek brand is again strong enough for people to laugh and still not see Trek has a ‘joke’. So come on Paramount, lighten up and let’s see the "Family Guy Presents: The Wrath of Stewie"
TrekMovie.com casts Family Guy Wrath of Stewie
Since we here at TrekMovie want to help out, we again post our suggestions for recasting the Family Guy cast into Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.
| FG character | TWOK character | ||
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Peter Griffin | Kirk |  |
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Brian Griffin | Spock |  |
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Glenn Quagmire | Dr. McCoy |  |
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Tricia Takanawa | Sulu |  |
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Loretta Brown | Uhura |  |
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Mayor Adam West | Scotty |  |
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Joe Swanson | Chekov |  |
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Stewie Griffin | Khan |  |
 |
Evil Monkey | Joachim |  |
 |
Meg Griffin | Ceti Alpha Eels |  |
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Lois Griffin | Carol Marcus |  |
 |
Chris Griffin | David Marcus |  |
 |
Connie DiMico | Saavik |  |
 |
Cleveland Brown | Capt. Terrell |  |
 |
Neil Goldman | Peter Preston |  |
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Comments
I would buy this in a second.
Already own Blue Harvest, and my copy of Something Something comes next week.
Lets do it baby.
I’d be all over this if they did it
I liked Blue Harvest, and I would love this!!!
OMG–That would make a freakin AWESOME episode. I love Family Guy and have loved Trek since I was this high
PARAMOUNT: PLEASE MAKE IT SO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This would be so awesome. So. Awesome.
Family Guy recently did a riff on the genesis cave, too!
They have star trek references (and TNG Cast!) all over the place. But none of the actual characters have shown up.
Look Futurama had the original cast, and they always poked fun at Trek. Time Family Guy got in on it!
Don’t get penisy, Paramount. Let ‘er rip! <— fart joke, thank you very much.
Gosh that would own, I love your selections haha hilarious. Lois Griffins Dad should play Dr. McCoy.
Ok I like the suggestions for what they should do but I think Scotty should be Joe manly to joke about scotties waight and Joes Handy Cap
Sorry, Stewie. James Woods would be a better Khan.
Let Stewie be Saavik, since he likes to cross-dress.
Re #10, Brilliant!
Love the Star Wars parody family guy did and would love to see Paramount let then take on Star Trek!!!! It will keep Star Trek in the minds of people while we await the next movie. George Lucas has obviously realised the benefit of allowing Family Guy, Robot Chicken to take on Star Wars, with a live action TV Show a couple of years away it keeps Star Wars on the DVD rack and in the minds of all Sci Fi fans and he’s giving the fans what they want!
I see the manatees are working overtime.
Do it allready Paramount!!!!!! You get a cut on royalties and maybe, just maybe those Star Trek action figures that are on hold right now might start selling to kids and us collectors might be able to reap the benefit of seeing more and more waves produced. George Lucas figured out this merchandising thing along time ago….ugh pun not intended, but there you have it! We need an animated series, and we need it now. To keep kids interested in Star Trek. We need an animated series similar to Clone Wars. Then we need video games! All that Clone Wars product that Hasbro is producing is some of the only toys I see that seem to be recession proof! So let’s get the ball rolling on giving the better sci-fi franchise a little longevity!
Do it!!! Heck, I’m not even a fan of Family Guy, but I can see this would be great.
Make. It. SO!!
DO IT NOW!
Since when do you need permission to do parody? Did Mad Magazine ever ask permission before making fun of Star Wars or Trek? Mad even reprinted their SW parodies in color to cash in on the special editions.
Even Filmation did a Trek spoof a couple years after they made TAS.
I don’t recall Paramount giving their blessing to the Futurama episode either.
I would like to see Family Guy do versions of every TOS and most TNG episodes, and of course all the better movies.
OK, let’s keep this ranking straight:
-South Park – hilarious, topical, smart, insightful
-Simpsons – amusing, timeless, formerly smart, now semi-clever
-All Seth McFarlane cartoons: jr high pee-pee jokes, strung together in complete non-sequitors. Every one of his cookie-cutter shows has the same cast structure. As South Park observed, the writers are clearly just a tank-full of manatees randomly pushing joke-containing balls into a basket.
@14 I concur. Damn plot manatees.
Not my thing and I would not watch it since I really dislike the show, but I guess I’m glad for the Star Trek fans who actually DO enjoy it. I don’t see why Paramount would oppose.
@19 Perhaps they did have permission? Since they had the original cast doing the voices and all. But I agree, I don’t think it is really necessary to get permission to parody something. South Park never does. Sometimes they get sued, but why should Fox care about that
This needs to happen – NOW!!!
Wrath of Stewie for the win
MAKE. IT. SO.
I thought Blue Harvest was awesome, and from what I’ve heard, Something Something Darkside is really good too. Star Trek would be just awesome!
I have Blue harvest and found it sucked. I’m willing to buy the newest SW spoof and give it a chance. A Trek spoof is a no-brainer! Paramount: “Brain and brain, what is brain?”
Instead of Connie Dimiko portraying Saavik… how about Brian’s ex Jillian? I think that one would be a better and more amusing fit.
And perhaps the Giant Chicken could be Kahn’s sidekick instead. up the antie!
#21 I disagree with you…and the others out there who have followed South Park’s observation. Even if the jokes are seemingly random….i find The Family Guy to be much funnier than South Park. imo.
OK…scene…Brian as Spock is behind the glass in engineering, he’s saved the ship, he’s dying. Peter is there as Krik on the opposite side. Brian puts his paw/hand on the glass in the Vulcan salute and gives the line “I have been and always shall be your friend”.
Peter tries to mirror his hand to Brian’s. He tries his fingers in different positions but can’t get it right, looks around and says something to the effect…”Ah crap. No, crap. No, that’s not it. OK, screw this! I never could get this right!” This would be a great joke because Shatner has always said he could never do the salute and always had to have his hand ready to pop up to camera or even on the glass for this scene.
Giggidy-giggidy!
Paramount do it.
What better way to appeal to the audience that you want to be interested in ST than hook up with The Family Guy? This is a no brainer.
I think Meg would make a good Saavik. I say do it!
We all know Meg is going to be a red shirt.
BTW only smart funny people get Family Guy ;)
Family Guy has become the best adult cartoon bar none.
Family Guy and American Dad owns!
I thought there was an exception for parodies in copyright laws? Did Futurama have to get permission to do it’s Star Trek riff?
I am in total support of MacFarlane’s effort. I watched “Blue Harvest” when it first aired two years ago, and I loved it! Paramount’s legal department should just let Seth do it! I would totally love to see a parody of Star Trek II, or even Star Trek VI. Both of those films would be great for a Family Guy parody. Hmmmm…. I wonder what Nicholas Meyer would say about this, since he directed both films. All I can say to Paramount: Let Seth do it! Let Seth do it! I would even love to see Family Guy do a parody of Indiana Jones too.
I think you can do parodies without permission, but I believe you need permission to do a reference of a particular episode or movie.
Totally would be down to watch this! Great casting choices btw. I really hope paramount lets them do it.
I think parodies are protected under US free speech laws. Weird Al Yankovic asks permission for his parodies out of professional courtesy. In fact, recently an artist granted him permission for a song, and then the artist’s record company rescinded it. Al then released the song anyway, as a free Internet download with no legal ramifications whatsoever.
Not sure if this fits the same definition.
Futurama didn’t have anything protected by copyright in its Star Trek reunion episode – the closest would be as I recall the emblem on the uniforms was missing likely due to copyright issues of that as a logo?
Paramount go for it!
Let’s keep it ranked here.
11….Perfect idea. James Wood be the better Khan again Peter’s Kirk.
21…Get over yourself. Family Guy is funny and since it is still going, plus the fact that Seth McFarlane has had success w/ American Dad and with The Cleveland Show picking up steam, its obvious other people thing it is funny.
29…I like your thinking! Woods being led into the Mutara Nebula w/a piece of candy.
My thoughts…I felt that the Trek episode that they did w/the Next Gen class was perfect. I wish it had more of them but when they were on, I laughed my ass off!
I say, bring it on.
Let’s keep it ranked here.
11….Perfect idea. James Wood be the better Khan again Peter’s Kirk.
Woods being led into the Mutara Nebula w/a piece of candy
21…Get over yourself. Family Guy is funny and since it is still going, plus the fact that Seth McFarlane has had success w/ American Dad and with The Cleveland Show picking up steam, its obvious other people thing it is funny.
29…I like your thinking!
My thoughts…I felt that the Trek episode that they did w/the Next Gen class was perfect. I wish it had more of them but when they were on, I laughed my ass off!
I say, bring it on.
Disregard the last message. My thoughts were scattered. haha
Paramount would most likely have to give permission before a rival company does a parody of one of its movies. They also own the characters and if “Family Guy” does a spoof of “Star Trek II : The Wrath Of Khan”, Paramount could sue Fox for plagirism and trademark infringement. If this were an amateur, non-profit venture, then Paramount would most likely allow it ala “Star Trek Phase II”. Plus, there are the royalties that Paramount would most likely (and quite rightfully) demand coming from dvd sales. It would come down to money. Paramount wouldn’t want a rival studio profiting off of it’s biggest franchise. And Fox probably would not want to split the revenues. “Family Guy” was able to get permission from George Lucas because they already have distribution rights for the 6 live action “Star Wars” films. So I wouldn’t count on this happening anytime soon. They have done episodes parodying scenes before, but were a small component of an otherwise unrelated storyline.
I might be having a Roger Ebert moment, but so what if Family Guy is random and juvenile?
At least it doesn’t take itself too seriously.
That’s why the jokes, while undeniably tasteless at times, rarely come off as mean spirited. In that regard, I actually find it far less vulgar than some of the more clever cartoons.
Joe needs to play McCoy
this would definitely boost Star Trek’s profile outside the fan-base. Paramount would be idiotic not to let McFarlane to do this.
oh hell no to family guy because swear words. i dont like show front my son!!! Family guy are dumb and dumber
I think paramount will do it..as long as seth makes an additional parody of the 2009 film. the studio is most likely interested as long as trek is stable and popular.
As already stated, Trek is no longer a joke so it would be safe to do this… plus endlessly entertaining :)
Let’s hope 20th Century Fox Television and Seth McFarlane should get permission from Paramount Pictures AND its former television production arm CBS Television Studios to do an episode of “Family Guy” that parodies “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan”. Yes, CBS owns “Star Trek” and all other TV properties that were once owned by Paramount. Let’s hope we can hear a line in that episode that “Star Trek” is owned by CBS.
I’m gonna say this and I can imagine most people would agree. Star Trek II, while one of the best sci-fi films of all time, needs its own parody. It would be interesting to see more than just Star Trek films being parodied on Family Guy. Maybe Indiana Jones, Battlestar Galactica, Back to the Future (with the pedophile being Doc Brown! Would be hilarious!), and other films would be great.
But then, I see the downside to it as well. This parody thing of films may seem to suggest that Family Guy is running out of ideas for episodes. It might also degrade the said films to a degree that people wouldn’t watch them anymore.
Anyway, would love to see a parody of Star Trek II (or VI). Star Trek is “cool” again and it would hilarious to see some joke about the film in the parody like “didn’t Nero screw us up? Then why are we fighting Khan?” Star Trek VI would be a good parody to do since anyone can make fun of Shakespeare. Maybe make fun of the numerous Shakespeare quotes made throughout The Undiscovered Country.
That’s what I think. I will repeat to the Paramount legal dept.: Let Family Guy parody Wrath of Khan! Let Seth do it!
A message to all fans:
Send a letter to the Paramount Legal Department and voice your support for a Star Trek film parody on Family Guy. Maybe that would work.
See,this is the problem with corporate mentality – YOU DON’T NEED PERMISSION TO DO PARODY!
That’s what FAIR USE is all about.
FOX has NO GUTS TO JUST DO IT!
I could see why they went to lucas about the STAR WARS Parody, since FOX has had a 33+ year business relationship with Lucas films
Excuse me while I feed the Manatee
Family Guy has already done a few scene parodies of Wrath of Khan. Patrick Stewart is a recurring charicter on American Dad. COME ON PEOPLE! In the words of New Kirk, “DO IT DO IT DO IT!”
I’d buy it in a heartbeat.
And, 48. =A= – December 17, 2009
“oh hell no to family guy because swear words. i dont like show front my son!!! Family guy are dumb and dumber”
Please. Get real. Your son hears worse language in the halls at school.
Paramount would be IDIOTS not to do this.
Glenn Quagmire would make a better SCOTTY. He looks like him. And Adam West would be good for BONES. I say switch the two!
why do i think the giant chicken would make a better ‘khan’ opposite peter’s admiral kirk?
Joe would make a better Pike, and then have stewie be chekov.
and i totally agree with #57…
Let Seth do it!
Lois should be the green girl lol
Didn’t Robot Chicken already do a paraody of the Wrath of Khan?
steeeeewwwiieeeee! uhm kaaaaaaaahn
lol
Let’s go Paramount!
Paramount would be fools if they did not let them do it.
1. IT FURTHER OPENS UP STAR TREK TO A WIDER AUDIENCE.
2. THEY WILL MAKE SOME GOOD ROYALTIES OFF OF IT.
3. ITS JUST GOOD FUN HUMOR.
Guys… Joachim would obviously be Rupert. Have you even watched Family Guy?
The cow played by Ricardo Montalban should be Khan!
@ #11 perfect
JAMES WOODS for KAAAAAAAHHHHHHHN
Stewie for Saavik
Robot chicken has done some spoofs of trek like wrath of kahn opera, and a spoof of star trek the experience n tos but they are only little skits of a minute or two at best–funny though -the cow cant be kahn cuz its the same person as the original plus hes dead–i think they should ask permission from paramount so they can use licensed imagery n music like they did with star wars-its funnier that way–ithink spoofing tmp and even trek 2009 would be hilarious-
Tricia Takinawa as Sulu? Really? Oh he’s Asian, she’s Asian, it’s all good….
Just do what Family Guy always does and Have George Takei saying “Heeeeeelllllllllooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo…..”
Paramount, lighten up.
Also, I see Quagmire as Spock and Pon Farr jokes.
There’s a difference between a full-length parody, the entire episode being Star Trek Something Something, verses a few seconds’ throwaway joke inside a regular Family Guy episode. Although there is an exception for parody in copyright law, a franchise such as Star Trek is also covered by trademark law, and Star Trek has numerous trademarks including the arrowhead logo and the basic design of the Enterprise, and an argument could be made that the overall appearance of its set design and costumes constitute a kind of trade dress. There’s also the issue of whether copyrighted music from Star Trek could be used in a parody when the music itself is not the subject of the joke but is used to enhance the recreation of Star Trek. (The Star Wars parodies, with permission, used John Williams’ Star Wars music.) Selling a DVD whose special appeal is based largely on the property being parodied would be cause for Paramount to object strongly if they’re not getting a piece of the action. Paramount has a history of refusing to allow the trademarks of Star Trek to appear in comedy films. Free Enterprise and Fanboys were both forced to avoid using those elements. The success of the film Galaxy Quest creates a good argument that parody of Star Trek doesn’t need to copy anything, but everybody still gets the jokes.
Another one…Kirk/Peter and Spock/Brian walk out in the Starfleet HQ hallway after Saavik fails the KM test in the simulator…
“Buy the way, thank you for this.” Peter pulls the book from under his arm.
“I know of your fondness for antiques,” Brain says.
Peter opens the book and reads a passage, “‘See Spot run. Run, Spot, run.’ Message, Spock?”
Get it? Brian/Spock is a dog! Funny how the mind works this late at night.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea! One change, Joe Swamson as Chekov? I don’t see it. I really like Quagmire as Bones but Joe is voiced by the awesomeness that is Patrick Warbuton. He needs to either be Scotty or the ultimate Red Shirt security guy.
I like parodies when it is not a exact remake of the movie, I think that is why Blue Harvest was not as funny as the short skits of parodies in family guy alone
I would soooooooooooooooooooooo buy that in a flash!!!
Meg as the Ceti Eels clinched it for me! Let them do it Paramount… Its the logical thing to do.
some good alternate suggestions for casting, i am sure the FG team would come up with the right choices
as for parodies, it is true you dont need to get permission for a parody, but you can still run into copyright in some cases. Clearly MacFarlane wants to go all the way and therefore feels, like with Star Wars, he would rather work inside the system.
I’d prefer Family Guy do the new Trek film.
I’m waiting for someone to parody that shot of Kirk riding past the under-construction Enteprise and “dreaming of what might be”. It’s a perfect fit for Randy in South Park.
No Lois should be Nurse Chapel!! (I don’t care if she’s not in the movie)
[...] Read More here [...]
Obviously Stewie is the no brain choice for a villain for ANY spoof, but just think how perfect Adam West’s voice would be saying ,”I’ll chase him round the moons of Nibia and round the Antares maelstrom and round perdition’s flames before I give him up… To the Batmobile!”
We need to start e-mailing Paramount or something. This needs to happen.
I’m still waiting for a south park star trek episode.
Dancing with smurfs was brilliant.
Oh and Adam West should be Kirk and try and do the Shatner impression in the voice of the 60′s batman, now that would be funny.
I am not a lawyer, but I believe that the issue regarding parodies is one of definition, meaning that there is a difference between parody and copyright infringment.
Let’s say that McFarlane went ahead and did it without Paramount’s permission; there’s nothing to stop Pararmount from sueing – and even getting an injunction stopping sales — on the basis that Paramount may be able to alledge that such an endevour is copyright infringement and does not fall under the protection afforded to a parody. Whether a Court eventually agreed or not is irrelevent in the beggining; in the meantime the project would be held up (possibly for years), and both sides would get negative publicity, incur the wrath of fans and incur legal fees. Then if the Court ruled that in fact it was copyright infringement, and not parody, McFarlane and company may have to pay up the wazoo.
It’s a risk to try and do a parody on something that is copywritten. Its better business to get permission. You may actually pay less than what you will have to pay in legal fees and an award given by a Judge.
I’m with 83
let adam west do kirk.
A family guy star trek spoof?
I’m already doing my homer simpson drool thinking about it.
mmmmm starrr trekk family guyyy arrrrgggghhhh
[...] for today, here’s word that Seth McFarlane would love to do an extended parody on Family Guy of Star Trek II: The Wrath of [...]
Evil Evil Monkey as Joachim, winner
Mayor West= Perfect as Scotty
It would be an epic parody, don’t be so stingy Paramount