<P> Star Wars was introduced as a feature film, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, in 1977 . A novelization titled Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker, based on the original script of the film, was published about a year earlier . Upon the release of the first film, Star Wars quickly grew into a popular media franchise . </P> <P> Star Trek has its origin in television . The franchise was conceived in the style of the television Western Wagon Train and the adventure stories of Horatio Hornblower, but evolved into an idealistic, utopian prospect of future human society . Inspired by Gulliver's Travels, Star Trek's main focus is of space exploration and a galactic society consisting of multiple planets and species, where conflict occasionally occurs . Star Trek occurs in the relatively distant future, specifically the 22nd through 24th centuries, with occasional time travel . The Earth of the Star Trek universe shares most of its history with the real world . </P> <P> Star Wars has its origin in film, despite the novel based on the film's original script having been published a year before the film itself . Star Wars mainly belongs to the space opera subgenre of science fiction that was inspired by works such as Beowulf, King Arthur and other mythologies, world religions and ancient and medieval history . It depicts a galactic society in constant conflict . Though there are periods of peace, these are only documented in novels, comics, video games, non-feature films and other spin - off media . Star Wars is set "a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away," although many characters are human, occasionally use Earth metaphors and exhibit human character traits . </P> <P> Although both Star Trek and Star Wars populate various forms of media, not all types have been produced that are mutual to both franchises . Star Wars has not produced any live - action television series while Star Trek has produced five live - action television series, with a sixth series planned to begin airing in 2017 . </P>

Who has a bigger fan base star wars or star trek