10 Star Trek Fan Theories That Became Fact
1. Genetic Mutations Gave Us Smooth Klingons
One of the oldest theories out there explained in the Star Trek universe why the Klingons looked so different between the Original Series and the Motion Picture. While behind the scenes, this was a simple case of making them look meaner for the big screen, something that their ships went through as well, on-screen there was little explanation as to why there was such a change.
The difference was pointed out in the Deep Space Nine episode Trials and Tribble-ations, where Worf states clearly that Klingons do not speak of it with off-worlders. It wouldn't be until Enterprise's fourth season that a fan theory on the matter would be confirmed.
While fan theories blamed a genetic mutation on the change of appearance, it was very close to the fact. Experiments with augmented DNA spread rapidly throughout the Empire, flattening the foreheads of every warrior for at least a couple of generations. While the new, smoother Klingons were far less intimidating, there were still Klingons at heart. They simply had to rely more on their cunning and prowess in battle to inspire fear, rather than baring their teeth!