'Star Wars' spinoff writer tweeted 'Star Trek' fan Neil deGrasse Tyson for help on the movie

William Wei, Business Insider

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson is a self-proclaimed Trekkie.

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has earned a reputation not just as one of America's leading scientists, but also as a fan and critic of science fiction. He critiqued the science behind "Gravity" and praised the accuracy of "Interstellar." 

So it's not a surprise Chris Weitz, one of the writers of the "Star Wars" spin-off "Star Wars: Rogue One" tweeted at Tyson to ask for some help with the astronomy of the film.

Here is what Weitz asked:

"I never got into 'Star Wars.' Maybe because they made no attempt to portray real physics. At all." Tyson told Business Insider back in 2013.

With 3.7 million followers, Neil deGrasse Tyson is very active on Twitter, but has yet to respond to Weitz's request - in public at least.

Maybe Weitz didn't know about Tyson's strong feelings about "Star Wars," or maybe these spin-offs will look more scientifically accurate than most of the franchise. 

All we know is that the director's chair is empty for at least one of the spin-offs, in case Tyson wants to give it a shot.

"Star Wars: Rogue One" will be out in theaters in 2016.