Star Trek Designer Reflects on Battlestar Galactica, The Orville, and More

Designer Doug Drexler has had an incredible career in Hollywood, with a significant impact on various science fiction franchises like Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, and The Orville. His expertise in makeup and visual effects was pivotal in reimagining Battlestar Galactica and helping to create The Orville, both of which featured familiar faces from the Star Trek world.

Reflecting on his time working on Battlestar Galactica, Drexler emphasized that it was much more than just a fresh coat of paint. The visual effects brought a new life to the space scenes, with a different camera style that made it feel more like a human perspective rather than the traditional “Eye of God” approach in Star Trek.

When asked about standout moments from his work on Battlestar Galactica, Drexler highlighted a scene from the TV movie Razor where the Pegasus is under attack by Cylons at the Scorpion shipyard. The collaboration and creativity that went into creating that sequence still impress him to this day.

Transitioning to The Orville, Drexler discussed Seth MacFarlane’s passion for Star Trek and how it influenced the creation of the show. He also touched on the creative differences between Star Trek shows like Discovery and Strange New Worlds, highlighting the importance of staying true to the essence of the franchise.

Overall, Doug Drexler’s legacy in the world of science fiction is undeniable, and his work continues to inspire fans and creators alike. For more information on Drexler, you can check out the Kickstarter page for the documentary about his career.