September 9, 2022: The Stargate Update is that there is no update which, indirectly, may be an update.

The guys at The Popcast dropped the following Stargate-related video today.

So I thought I’d address it.

Now I want to preface this blog entry by making it clear that the topic of discussion is Stargate, and Stargate alone.  Although the new Lord of Rings series is referenced in the video, I am in no position to comment on it given that I haven’t watched the show.

Also, before we get started, I want to give a shout out to the Popcast channel that does a fantastic job of covering science fiction in general, but also produces Stargate-focused videos that are as entertaining as they are insightful.  Give them a follow and subscribe at The Popcast.

Alright.  A little background first –

Stargate aired its final television episode in May of 2011 with Stargate: Universe’s “Gauntlet”.  At the time of its production, we were operating under the likelihood that we would receive an order for a third and final season – but that ended up going away like the Stargate: Extinction Atlantis movie and that 11th season of SG-1 for Apple before it.  The franchise had produced three movies and 17 seasons of television (over 300+ episodes!) over its 14+ year run, making it one of MGM’s most valuable I.P.’s.  And, even though the consecutive production run had ended, we all knew it was only a matter of time before Stargate came back, in one form or other.  I assumed sooner than later.  That was over eleven years ago.  So let’s go with later.

One thing that  has become very clear in that time is the resilience and enduring spirit of the existing fanbase.  Over a decade since its last episode aired, Stargate continues to regularly trend on social media (as most recently as last week, in fact).  The fandom is still very much out there, still very much eagerly – somewhat wearily after all this time – awaiting the franchise’s return.  I can’t help but point out what a wonderful thing this is – to have an existing worldwide fanbase ready and willing to not only watch your new show, but support it online, ready to make tremendous noise in the lead-up to launch.

But – eleven years.  I suppose it’s not that surprising it’s taken this long.  And I’m sure the existing fandom had something to do with it given a creative misstep could risk alienating and losing them, turning passionate vocal supporters into equally passionate and vocal detractors.  But I’ve always held that problem is easily addressed by offering viewers the best of both worlds – for new fans who know nothing about Stargate, a fresh start series that is simple to jump aboard and watch without being privy to past shows; for the existing fanbase, an in-canon series that offers the prospect of Easter eggs and guest spots from familiar faces.  Guys, they’re the same show!  And who knows.  Maybe there’s even the option of going the new Star Trek route and offering multiple Stargate shows.  Something for everyone.

I was heartened, back in 2018, to hear that SG-1. Atlantis and Universe co-creator Brad Wright was in discussions with MGM about a franchise relaunch.  I wasn’t privy to the details of the development, but I do know that a deal was finally closed and Brad did write a pilot script.  The script was written for a specific potential home, went through a couple of drafts – and then, as so often happens in Hollywood, personnel changed and things went radio silent.  Understand that, in this business, radio silence is never a good sign.

Eventually, the MGM sale to Amazon was finalized and Brad’s script, I assumed, made its way there.  Months ago.  And still, radio silence.

All three shows are now available on Amazon Prime as of September, and that’s a very good sign.  An even better sign would be for Amazon to reach out to Brad and either move forward on his pilot or scrap it and ask him to come up with something else.  As I mentioned, the pilot I read was written for a specific potential home – but now, Amazon is the NEW potential home.  If they’re not feeling the existing script, I’m sure Brad would have no problem hearing them out and going back to the drawing board for a new take.  Which is what I hope will happen.  Eventually.

Of course, there is the possibility that Amazon decides to go another way.  Yes, Brad Wright was instrumental in turning the Stargate into MGM’s most successful television franchise and having him at the helm would ensure a series that would appeal to new viewers while delighting longtime fans.  Like I said, the best of both worlds.  But executives don’t always proceed along a logical path.  All too often, the flashiness of a hot commodity (the YouTuber with 10 million followers!  The writer who wrote that blockbuster!) is simply too hard to resist.  Other times, it’s a desire to ensure a show’s tone and themes are attuned to the prevailing zeitgeist, thereby crafting a series that merely echoes the ideas of every other show rather than standing apart.  It rarely ends well and I’m hoping Hollywood comes to that realization.  Again, hopefully sooner than later.   In the meantime…

I’m not privy to any of the internal decision-making,  but I am disappointed its taken this long for Brad to hear word.  Still, it could just be a matter of the studio’s go-slow approach.  Maybe logical heads will ultimately prevail.  Nothing is for certain.  Except for one thing of course.  Whatever form the new Stargate show takes, whoever is behind it, fandom will let their voices be heard LOUD and LONG.

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