3 times Star Trek made their own off-brand version of popular aliens

Star Trek often sets the standard for aliens but sometimes they “borrow” ideas.

Star Trek usually sets the standards for alien creations. So much so that other properties borrow and are influenced by what they created. But that doesn’t mean that star Trek hasn’t had its own foray into creating off-brand versions of popular aliens.

Maybe they did it intentionally as if inspired by these wonderful works of science fiction. Maybe it was just a coincidence. Regardless, it happened and we’re talking about it.

Honorable Mention: The Xenomorphs

The Gorn were pretty generic-looking aliens even for their time. They felt like a ’50s B-movie come to life. They weren’t great. So that alone would warrant a spot on the list but they’re getting an honorable mention nod only because they were originally first, and only later became a nod to another franchise. In Strange New Worlds, the Gorn were turned into more like the Alien franchise’s Xenomorphs. So while the Gorn came first, they were given depth courtesy of another franchise decades later.

3 Star Trek aliens they definitely “borrowed” from other franchises

Hirogen – Predators

Where do we begin here? They love to Hunt, just like the Predators. They share the same color scheme and odd patterns, just like the Predators. They’re both super badass looking, just like the Predators. They both wear types of masks to help aid them in their hunting. They were clearly inspired by the best hunters in the galaxy, even if they were a bit smaller and far more conversational.

Species 8472 – Independence Day Aliens

Compare the Harvesters form ID4 to species 8472 and you’ll see stark similarities. They both have long square chins, they both have long heads, and they both have a skull that protrudes out to their side, like a hammerhead shark almost. Just on the back of their heads and not on the front. They may be different from there on, but man, those heads are almost one-to-one.

Breen – The Ubese

Now, this one’s name may not register with you right away but you know who the Ubese are. They’re the alien race that Princess Leia dressed up as in Return of the Jedi to try and save Han Solo. Their helmets are a near identical match for the Breen., the alien race in Star Trek who are rumored to be more than just one race of people.