Summary

• Alan Rickman's performance in Galaxy Quest as Alexander Dane is so iconic that it should never be recast.
• The idea of a Galaxy Quest sequel or series is exciting, but finding the right actor to replace Rickman is crucial.
• To honor Rickman's portrayal, the character of Dr. Lazarus should be played by a new character in the universe, not recast.

Alan Rickman appears in the hit science fiction comedy One of the most important Star Trek parodies ever, Galaxy Quest follows the cast of the titular fictional sci-fi TV show, who are dragged into an actual space adventure by mistake and must put aside their petty squabbles to survive.

Some of my favorite actors, Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwell, and Rickman star in the comedy classic. Though the film was well received upon release, it's somehow gained even more popularity over the years and has become one of the rare cult hits that were never derided to begin with. There have been multiple attempts to create a Galaxy Quest 2 always seems to be swirling in people's minds. However, the first movie came out all the way back in 1999, presenting some recasting challenges for potential reboots.

Alan Rickman Is The Only Alexander Dane In The Galaxy Quest Universe

Rickman Is A Hilarious Parody Of Spock

Alan Rickman co-stars as Alexander Dane in Galaxy Quest, and if I have any kind of say, he'd better be the only Alexander Dane in the movie's universe. Alexander is an actor who plays Dr. Lazarus on the fictional Galaxy Quest show. Dr. Lazarus is the ship's science officer and a member of the Mak'tar, a hyperintelligent alien species with an octopus-like hood on his head. It's a clear send-up of Star Trek's Spock, and a hilarious one at that, thanks to Rickman's incredible performance in the movie.

Dr. Lazarus's iconic catchphrase in "Galaxy Quest" the show is, "By Grabthar's hammer, by the Suns of Warvan, you shall be avenged!", much to his disproval.

I love every one of Alan Rickman's movie performances, and he's always felt so statuesque. So to see him mocking that stereotypical snobbish, self-important type of actor that, secretly in my heart, I feared he could have been, just lifted something heavy off my chest. Alexander goes from thinking he's above the material to realizing just how seriously some "fans" take it and coming out with a newfound respect. There are very few actors who can pull off a character like this, and I'm not totally sure who they are.

They need to be someone legitimately classically trained, with a filmography of great dramatic performances. It's also important they have participated in blockbuster or franchise projects for the added irony. That's not a simple Venn diagram. If the performance goes wrong, which it easily could, I envision a half-baked SNL-style parody of Leonard Nimoy as Spock, or worse, a parody of Rickman doing Nimoy, all of which would just be crass and cringe-worthy.

How To Do A Galaxy Quest Sequel Or TV Show While Honoring Rickman

Dr. Lazarus Should Be Played By A New Character In-Universe

So, if everyone is so keen on a Galaxy Quest sequel, who should play Alexander Dane? Well, no one. The story should insert a new character. They can play the same role. You can even make up an in-universe excuse. Alexander Dane ed away, and now they've recast Dr. Lazarus. The showrunners could even use the real-world angst of recasting the character as a storyline for the new series or movie.

The new Dr. Lazarus can treat his role like it's the most important performance of all time.

If Alexander Dane was a pompous, too-good-for-this British actor, let's think of another eye-rolling kind of actor. My suggestion? Someone who mocks the method actor approach so popular now. The new Dr. Lazarus can treat his role like it's the most important performance of all time. I say cast Jeremy Strong in the part. Strong's commitment to his acting is well-known, but I bet he would be game to tease himself in a Galaxy Quest sequel.