There is a particular mystique that surrounds the world of science fiction television, from
the endless possibilities of intergalactic exploration, the opportunity to flesh out
complex narratives, and the time available to showcase nuanced character development.
Throughout this landscape of cosmic possibilities, there are very few series that have managed
to create such an extensive and fervent fan base as the Stargate franchise.
Originating with the pivotal Stargate SG-1, and later expanding to include the equally
captivating Stargate Atlantis, the mythos within these series has generated a level
of fascination and intrigue that continues beyond their time on the airways.
However, Stargate Universe (SGU), the most recent iteration, saw an surprisingly shortened
run, leaving an array of unanswered questions and unexplored story arcs.
With recent expressions of openness from key cast members to revisit the series, coupled
with the business environment shift heralded by Amazon's acquisition of MGM, the possibility
of an SGU revival remains a tantalizing prospect worth examining.
In this video I’d like to examine the recent comments made by two actors from SGU and their
interest in seeing the continuation of the most recent Stargate Series.
Stargate Universe, which aired for only two seasons from 2009-2011, was a slight deviation
from the traditional Stargate formula, introducing new characters, a fresh plot, and a darker
tone.
This third series in the franchise primarily focused on the crew of the Destiny, an ancient
spaceship traversing the uncharted cosmos, far from the reach of Earth.
At the end of the series, to conserve the diminishing resources of the Destiny, the
crew was cryogenically frozen, leaving only one character, the prodigy Eli Wallace, awake
to care for his dormant companions and resolve the ship's pending crisis.
The cryptic and heartbreaking finale has since sparked a flurry of speculation and curiosity
among fans, who are still left yearning for a satisfying conclusion to the story.
Recently, core cast members Robert Carlyle and Brian J. Smith, who brought to life the
characters Dr. Nicholas Rush and Lt. Matthew Scott, respectively, discussed the prospect
of a return to the Destiny in an interview with Sidewalks Entertainment.
Their shared enthusiasm about potentially picking up where they left off presents an
appealing image of a story that still yearns to be told.
According to Smith, the narrative thread of the Destiny and its frozen inhabitants is
well suited for a belated continuation saying "We’re still cryogenically frozen on the
Destiny, on that space ship somewhere out there in the cosmos!
It’s kind of teed up for someone to do a movie or something where we can finish off
that story.
It’d be really fascinating to revisit it after all these years."
Carlyle echoed this sentiment, saying “They’re still up there in the sky, floating around
on that ship.
Whether someone takes it to bring them down to Earth again, who knows.”
While the two actors remain open to return to the franchise, Carlyle seemed less optimistic
than Smith that a potential continuation would, in fact, happen.
However, he did go on to say that he has learned to ‘never say never’.
This mutual interest and passion for the series from its main cast not only reinforces the
potential for a satisfying revival but also creates a sense of excitement and anticipation.
These sentiments are also shared by the original creators and writers of the Stargate franchise,
Jonathan Glassner and Dean Devlin, who recently revealed their interest in a potential continuation.
Glassner confessed, quote, "I would love to revisit Stargate.
I don't know if MGM wants me or Amazon wants me to, but I would love to.
Right now, my heart, soul, and brain are completely occupied with 'The Ark.'
Down the line, I'd be happy to if they want me to because they're mine."
Dean Devlin then reciprocated, referring to Stargate as one of his "children" and expressed
a heartfelt affection for the world they helped create.
Brad Wright, co-creator and executive producer who has guided the franchise over 17 seasons,
had been working on a fourth live-action television series that would have continued the existing
Stargate legendarium.
However, the project, which was ready for pitching to broadcasters or streaming services,
was halted due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
After Amazon's acquisition of MGM in spring 2021, fans were hopeful that Wright's script
might be greenlit.
However, Wright's recent comments suggest that he hasn't been involved in negotiations
with the new studio owners.
He stated, "All the players have changed in the interim, so it's likely destined to gather
dust."
Despite this, he is optimistic that MGM and Amazon will eventually create a new Stargate
series, though the form it might take remains uncertain.
The possibilities for the franchise's future range from reviving Wright's script, seeking
new creative directions with different creatives, or having Wright propose a different concept.
Despite years of silence from MGM on the future of Stargate, Wright, along with the Stargate
fandom, are hopeful that the franchise will be revisited whether it be with a third season
of SGU or perhaps an entirely new series.
Ultimately, the continued passion for the franchise from its creators, producers and
actors, coupled with the exciting prospect of benefitting from the resources made available
by Amazon, presents a unique opportunity to rekindle the magic of Stargate.
However, the journey to a possible continuation of SGU is fraught with numerous logistical
and creative challenges.
From a business perspective, the recent acquisition of MGM by Amazon represents a significant
shift in the ownership and decision-making control of the franchise.
While Amazon has recently demonstrated a strong inclination towards investing in the development
of original content, there is no clarity about their intentions concerning the Stargate franchise.
Recently it's been reported that there have been conversations within Amazon with rumors
swirling about a potential reboot.
However those discussions have likely been tabled due to the 2023 writer’s strike.
From a creative standpoint, any potential continuation must strike a delicate balance
between honoring the previously established story in the original series and innovating
to keep the storyline fresh and engaging.
Despite these challenges, the prospect of a revival holds immense potential.
Considering the recent critical success of Picard Season 3 which saw the reunion of several
star trek legacy characters along with the much anticipated animated Babylon 5 movie
which seeks to pick up where the original story left off, the possibilities for a successful
SGU continuation remain promising.
With original cast members and key creatives expressing interest, there is reason for optimism
that a potential revival could respect the original series' tone and spirit while charting
a new unique path.
Given the quality of writing and depth of character development that the Stargate franchise
has consistently demonstrated, the return of Stargate Universe would likely add a new
chapter to this saga that further solidifies its legacy in the realm of science fiction
television.
But I’m curious to know what you think of the possibility of a continuation of Stargate
Universe.
Would you prefer to see a third season of this short lived series or an entirely new
show set within the Stargate mythos?
Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below.
I hope you enjoyed this video.
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news and lore.
Thank you all so much for your support and as always have a very nerdy day.