The image features a montage of two iconic spaceships from two different science fiction universes. In the foreground, we see the USS Enterprise, most notably from the "Star Trek" franchise, a series known for its exploration of philosophical concepts, humanity, and futuristic technology. The Enterprise is depicted in motion, with what appears to be a streak of light signifying its high speed.
In the background, partially obscured by the Enterprise, is another legendary spaceship, the Millennium Falcon from the "Star Wars" universe. The "Star Wars" franchise, distinguished by its epic space opera narrative, has become a cultural phenomenon with a massive fan following. The Millennium Falcon is shown as if it too is in motion, trailing behind the Enterprise.
Above the image, text is overlaid in a bold, contrasting font that reads "Faster Sulu, Before Disney acquires us!" This message serves as the punchline of the joke, with "Sulu" being a reference to a character from "Star Trek" who is often seen at the helm controlling the navigation and speed of the Enterprise. It suggests urgency, as if they are in a race or escape situation.
The humor in this image is multifaceted. First, it plays off the well-known rivalry between fans of "Star Trek" and "Star Wars." The image humorously suggests that the USS Enterprise is trying to outrun the Millennium Falcon to avoid a certain fate.
The specific mention of Disney in the punchline adds another layer to the joke. Disney has been known for its numerous high-profile acquisitions in the entertainment industry, including that of Lucasfilm, the company behind "Star Wars," as well as other major entities. The text implies a humorous scenario where "Star Trek" is trying to flee before potentially being acquired by Disney, invoking the extensive reach of the media conglomerate's influence on beloved franchises.
Lastly, the joke is funny due to its absurdity. The image thwarts real-world corporate dynamics into a whimsical and light-hearted context. It playfully exaggerates the idea of franchises as entities that can, much like characters, take action to avoid corporate outcomes. The ridiculousness of spaceships trying to outrun a company's acquisition is amusing because it anthropomorphizes the franchises and imagines them as active participants in their own fate. Faster Sulu Before Disney acquires us