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Reagen Sulewski: I think there's also been a tremendous increase in "Geek Pride", for lack of a better word, which has allowed people to embrace things like Trek and Battlestar Galactica without feeling like they're giving up something socially. Just think back to the last time Trek was relevant and what you thought about the franchise and what you thought of the people that liked it. Odds on it wasn't positive. The sea change in the culture has let it be time for Trek to work again as a franchise, in the right hands.

Sean Collier: I have to disagree with Reagen and say that the success here has nothing to do with fanboys. By relaunching, handing it to Abrams, and marketing the (forgive the pun) down-to-earth aspects of the film heavily, they've managed to convince mainstream audiences that they're allowed to like Star Trek now. I've actually talked to a number of people who actively dislike Star Trek, but appreciate how different this one feels and plan to attend. It is indeed a Star Trek for everyone - but more importantly, it really seems like it WANTS to be.

Reagen Sulewski: You've slightly misunderstood me, since your "counter" argument is close to what I'm saying. People are embracing their inner-fanboy, even if they're not the type to have owned Spock ears.

Les Winan: Quality, quality, quality. That and taking a property everyone is familiar with and adding a new look and great reviews.

Sean Collier: Our arguments are similar enough that we're getting a bit circuitous, but the distinction here is that I think audiences who don't like Star Trek and all things fanboy-ish still like this movie. You can enjoy it while still considering yourself too cool for Star Trek.

Pete Kilmer: I did a little bit of research on who saw the movie and who liked it. Next to my store is an Outback Steakhouse, with the "to-go" section right next to my door. So I know all the "take out" girls and guys who work that section and I know the owner of the place as well. A good chunk of them are under 30 and as far from fanboys as possible. And the ones I've talked to loved the movie. I'm just amazed at the word-of-mouth I'm hearing from people outside the fanboy/geek world....

Chris who? Sylar what?

Kim Hollis: How much of a factor was the cast in Star Trek's box office performance?

Josh Spiegel: I'm not sure if the cast's presence can be fully quantified one way or the other for the performance of the film. The two leads were played by two actors who have been in Hollywood for a few years, but the more recognizable one is on NBC's Heroes, which isn't the huge hit it used to be. If anything, the choice to keep the more well-known names and faces (Simon Pegg, Eric Bana, John Cho) as supporting characters is a wise one. I remember back when the rumor was that Matt Damon would be cast as Kirk; no offense to Damon, but if ever that rumor had any validity...yikes. Having a somewhat unknown cast with no stars probably boosted this film more than if Damon had been there, or other big names.

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