Michael Shanks, in his role as Dr Daniel Jackson
According to Sci-Fi Wire, Michael Shanks (Dr Daniel Jackson, “Stargate: SG-1″) has been approached about a cameo role in the pilot for “Stargate: Universe”. Shanks has been ins discussions with producer Brad Wright with a view to reprising his role as Dr Daniel Jackson in the latest spin-off of the hit sci-fi franchise. Shanks has been quoted as saying:
“I talked to [executive producer] Brad Wright a couple of weeks ago, and he asked me if I’d be interested in doing a cameo in the Universe pilot, and I of course said I would be. And there’s a great deal of talk about [it]. … They’ve got a script going and everything like that.”
Shanks has also siad he is enjoying the irregular returns to his best known role, as it means he can return to the Stargate fold without feeling tied to it as an everyday job.
“It’s great. After 10 years and getting not picked up or canceled or whatever you want to call it, it feels almost a little bit odd, because you’re so used to the process. But going away from it, it’s great to be able to explore other opportunities. When you’re doing a show for nine months a year, you always want to shake it up and do other things, but you don’t have the time. Now, it’s the best of both worlds. We can get on with it and have other experiences and still revisit the franchise and the great family environment that we have with the cast and crew. ‘The further adventures of …’ is a nice treat.”
“Stargate: Universe” is slated to start shooting in February, with a view to a release in summer 2009. Both the “Stargate: SG-1″ and “Stargate: Atlantis” movies are also scheduled to shoot later this year.
Four more cast members for “Stargate: Universe” have been announced by Sci-Fi. Justin Louis, David Blue, Brian J Smith and Jamil Walker Smith will be joining Robert Carlyle on the latest “Stargate” franchise project. Justin Louis, best known for his role in “Hidden Hills”, will play Colonel Everett Young, Blue takes on the role of Eli Wallace, a slacker genius, Smith portrays Lieutenant Matthew Scott, a green military member of the team, and Walker Smith is to play Sr. Sergeant Robert Smith, a tough Marine with a temper to match.
Catch the entire announcement at http://scifiwire.com/2009/01/stargate-universe-crew-is-cast-led-by-hidden-hills-justin-louis.php
Jason Momoa (Ronon in “Stargate: Atlantis”) has become a father fpr the second time! His wife, actress Lisa Bonet, gave birth to their first son, Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa, in mid-December. He is younger brother to their daughter Lola Iolani. Bonet is also mother to 20 year old Zoe Kravitz from her first marriage.
Congratulations Jason & Lisa!
This year sees a slew of classic 80s movies getting the remake, or as Hollywood likes to phrase it, re-imagining, treatment. “Footloose”, “The Karate Kid” and “Dirty Dancing” are in various stages of development. These have now been joined by the sci-fi/fantasy classic “Highlander”, and the news appears to have outraged Highlander fans, with the IMDB message boards showing mostly negative commentary.
The remake, apparently possibly in the form of a prequel, according to a recent interview with Summit Entertainment representatives on the Hollywood Reporter website, has been the subject of lengthy and complicated negotiations. It appears to be the opinion of most “Highlander” fans that the film should be one of those “untouchable” classics that really can’t be bettered. Personally, I am in agreement!
On Saturday January 3rd, the BBC announced which actor would play the 11th Doctor in “Doctor Who”. With the news that Robert Carlyle, a frontrunner, had been snapped up by “Stargate: Universe”, it left the field wide open. The hotly tipped favourite was Patterson Joseph, who, if cast, would have been the first black Doctor. Billie Piper was also said to be in the running for the first female Doctor.
In a 45 minute special, the BBC looked back over David Tennant’s tenure in the iconic role, teasing viewers with hints as to who the new Doctor would be. It was soon determined to be a man, and also the youngest Doctor ever. After a nailbiting 35 minutes, relative unknown Matt Smith, best known for playing a small role in the Billie Piper dramas “The Ruby In The Smoke” and “The Shadow In The North”, was announced as the new Doctor. At 26, he is three years younger than Peter Davison was when he was announced as the new Doctor in 1981.
There is divided opinion amongst fans, with some saying he’s too inexperienced, others that he doesn’t have the right “look”, but how successful he is remains to be seen. The same objections were heard when Chris Eccleston and David Tennant were cast, and certainly it could be argued that Tennant has become one of the most popular and iconic portrayals of the Doctor ever.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the showbiz agency UTA has settled their lawsuit against Joe Flanigan (John Sheppard in “Stargate: Atlantis”). UTA had been suing Flanigan for $99,225 US in lost commissions, after he had allegedly failed to pay them for season 4 of Atlantis. UTA had represented Flanigan since 1998, in a deal that saw Flanigan pay them 10% commission on projects, which included Atlantis. So far, Flanigan has not commented but UTA said that both parties “”have resolved their litigation on confidential terms and wish each other the best in the future.” Joe Flanigan is now represented by Innovative Artists, John Carrabino Management and CESD.
According to an article on the Sci-Fi Network website, Robert Carlyle, best known for his roles in the movies “Trainspotting” and “The Full Monty”, has been named by The Hollywood Reporter as having been cast in the role of Dr David Rush in “Stargate: Universe”. The Hollywood Reporter article quotes:
“Robert Carlyle brings a depth, intelligence and complexity to his roles, which will fit perfectly with the fresh, new reinvention of this franchise,” Sci Fi original-programming chief Mark Stern said.
Read the full article at The Hollywood Reporter website.
This is bound to cause a stir among Stargate fans, as, once again, the Stargate team casts against the grain in not giving a typical lead actor the lead role on what is undoubtedly a landmark show for both the Sci-Fi network and the Stargate franchise. Carlyle has a reputation for being cast in edgy, offbeat roles, so it will be interesting to see what the Scotsman can bring to the part of Dr David Rush. Will he, for once be allowed t keep his native Scots twang? Only time will tell…
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According to Gateworld, the first episode of the new series, “Stargate: Universe” is to be called the rather enigmatic “Air”, and is set to be an unprecedented three hours long! There are still few details as to the actual plotline of the pilot, but as news comes out, it will be available here.
So pre-production is ticking along on “Stargate: Universe”, the newest addition to the Stargate franchise family. According to Joe Mallozzi’s blog, half the season is pretty much written now, but still no news as to whether any of the leads have been cast.
The online grapevine has been worryingly silent on casting rumours, despite there being plenty of wishlists out there, so comment on who you would like to see in the lead roles!