<P> Linda DeScenna, production designer of the film, was interested in the project because it would not have the same aesthetics than other 1990s science fiction films, and "it didn't have to be real, hi - tech and vacuformed". The design of the Thermian station was influenced by the works of artist Roger Dean, particularly his cover art for the Yes live album Yessongs (1973). </P> <P> The makers of the film wanted only "science fiction virgins" who had never worked in this genre to audition for Gwen DeMarco's role . Famous for science fiction roles such as Ellen Ripley in the Alien films and Dana Barrett in the Ghostbusters films, Weaver auditioned nonetheless because she wanted to work with both Allen and Rickman, and because she "fell in love with the script", calling it "that great sort of Wizard of Oz story of these people feeling so incomplete in the beginning, and then during the course of this adventure, they come out almost like the heroes they pretended to be in the first place"; she was surprised when discovering she actually got the role . </P> <P> Tony Shalhoub originally auditioned for Guy Fleegman, but Sam Rockwell won the role, and Shalhoub was cast as Fred Kwan instead . Justin Long said he was nervous auditioning as an unknown actor at the time, competing against Kieran Culkin, Eddie Kaye Thomas and Tom Everett Scott for the role of Brandon . Paul Rudd auditioned for a role, while David Alan Grier was the second choice for Tommy Webber . The film was Justin Long's acting debut, and Rainn Wilson's film debut (his only previous credit was the soap opera One Life to Live). </P> <P> According to casting director Debra Zane, finding an actress to play the role of Laliari was very hard, as they had "a difficult time finding a woman who could be Thermian in the same way as actors Enrico Colantoni, Rainn Wilson and Jed Rees". Ultimately, when she auditioned Missi Pyle, she was so impressed that she sent the audition tape directly to Parisot, with a note stating "If this is not Laliari, I will resign from the CSA ." Steven Spielberg later asked for Laliari's role to be expanded after being impressed by her performance as well . Jennifer Coolidge was the second choice for the role . </P>

Galaxy quest voted 7th best star trek movie