Brad Wright Talks with CinemaSpy About 'Stargate Universe' 
New info, plus the new trailer
By Robert Falconer | Monday, July 27, 2009
While at the MGM party on the rooftop of San Diego's Salomar hotel last Thursday night — where a Stargate was projected on the bottom of the pool and the SGU symbol was projected on the side of a building across the street — 'Stargate' major domo Brad Wright revealed to CinemaSpy that the third series in the 'Stargate' franchise, Stargate Universe, had an episodic budget fully $1M beyond what had been available when shooting Stargate Atlantis.
That's $1 million. It's a staggering sum to add over and above the previous show's budget. But it demonstrates the faith that MGM has in Wright, writer/producer Rob Cooper, and indeed, the 'Stargate' franchise itself.
And frankly, it shows. At the exclusive gathering, the studio ran the new trailer for the series, and it was readily apparent that all of that money is on the screen, for the sequences look truly magnificent. Wright admitted to us that the set design and visual effects definitely exceed what they were doing with Atlantis, and bring the 'Stargate' franchise more in line with other state-of-the-art properties out there today.
"This goes way beyond what we were able to do on Atlantis," he told us.
Wright also conceded that while Battlestar Galactica's grittier tone definitely informed Universe to an extent, Universe will retain at least a modicum of the irreverence that has made the 'Stargate' franchise fun and accessible to viewers.
"Galactica took itself so seriously," he said. "Our series tries to retain more of the fun that's become associated with this sort of genre."
To give you an example of the ramped up intensity and grit, Robert Carlyle discussed that in one episode of Universe, entitled "Time", the crew find themselves on an unknown world where they discover alien balls. The balls are some form of temporal recording/playback device, and what they witness is themselves all dying.
Hats off to these guys for keeping it fresh and ramping it up. From what we saw, we think you're gonna like it.
To watch the new Stargate Universe trailer — and you really must if you haven't yet seen it — click on the Trailer tab above.
In The Spotlight
While at the MGM party on the rooftop of San Diego's Salomar hotel last Thursday night — where a Stargate was projected on the bottom of the pool and the SGU symbol was projected on the side of a building across the street — 'Stargate' major domo Brad Wright revealed to CinemaSpy that the third series in the 'Stargate' franchise, Stargate Universe, had an episodic budget fully $1M beyond what had been available when shooting Stargate Atlantis.
That's $1 million. It's a staggering sum to add over and above the previous show's budget. But it demonstrates the faith that MGM has in Wright, writer/producer Rob Cooper, and indeed, the 'Stargate' franchise itself.
Have Your Say: Commentary, debate and opinion
(46 Comments)
Todd
Posted by SGUbomber on February 11th, 9:23pm
FINALLY !!!! A show worthy of menstruating soccer moms everywhere. Tune in to see the entire teenage-angst cast of SGU get genital herpes!!! The excitement of arthritis camera man hands !!! Good riddance SGA, because now we have a show that will really appeal to the mentally insane. Brad Wright needs to do the right thing here and suicide his fat ass.
ohsobitter
Posted by ketchupcandy on October 17th, 12:39am
SGU=BSG. And since I refused to watch BSG as I generally prefer a minimum of overblown Drama (capital 'D') in my life I will cheerfully take a pass at this crap too. I WILL be turning the channel and the PVR will not be set. (Yes I watched the damn premier.)
As for "Why the hate?" They killed SGA so they could attract a "younger, hipper audience". All they did was alienate a loyal audience for an inferior knockoff.
I am also bitter that the SGA movie we were promised is being shuffled off to limbo land as the producers try valiantly to convince the Stargate fans who (like myself) have watched and enjoyed SG1 and SGA for fifteen years to embrace this sh*t.
As for "Why the hate?" They killed SGA so they could attract a "younger, hipper audience". All they did was alienate a loyal audience for an inferior knockoff.
I am also bitter that the SGA movie we were promised is being shuffled off to limbo land as the producers try valiantly to convince the Stargate fans who (like myself) have watched and enjoyed SG1 and SGA for fifteen years to embrace this sh*t.
SGU is horrible
Posted by Gable on October 9th, 11:34pm
This show is absolutely terrible. We had to settle for such a quick series finale of SGA for this. I cant say that I actually care about any of the SGU characters. Frankly I wish the air had run out and they would have sent in a real team. This would have been at best a TV movie. To much money not enough originality or vision. The cast is pathetic and there is nothing interesting about any of them. Drop this show and at least make the SGA movie. Or just bring it back. If its not broken dont fix it.
Ick!
Posted by Darla on October 4th, 10:48am
SG1 and SCA succeeded because they created characters we cared about, and because those characters worked as a team, cared for each other, and had (mostly!) integrity and compassion. This was a sense of security that adults in our society are desperately seeking and these are values that parents strongly want to pass on to their children. You may gain the male teenage demographic but you've alienated everyone else.
Ick! Ick! Ick! My time and money will be spent elsewhere. Same for my adult daughter, the die-hard fan who brought me into the SG realm.
"Babygate" sums it up.
Ick! Ick! Ick! My time and money will be spent elsewhere. Same for my adult daughter, the die-hard fan who brought me into the SG realm.
"Babygate" sums it up.
never believe a word from Brad Wright
Posted by Wibald on September 4th, 12:39pm
I don't think I've ever been this angry about a show.
That fact that BW can't get his story straight on why SGA was canceled makes it clear that he's sold out his fans. Robert may believe him but I sure don't and it doesn't look like many other SG fans do either.
I have no plans of watching SGU, not even for free, and hope no one else does either.
BW, you killed a great show and we are pissed!
That fact that BW can't get his story straight on why SGA was canceled makes it clear that he's sold out his fans. Robert may believe him but I sure don't and it doesn't look like many other SG fans do either.
I have no plans of watching SGU, not even for free, and hope no one else does either.
BW, you killed a great show and we are pissed!
I WANT ATLANTIS
Posted by Nick on August 30th, 5:20am
Wow, I WANT STARGATE ATLANTIS BACK, THAT SHOW OWNED...honestly this looks like crap...And I love the stargate series...I mean comeon...you canceled Atlantis why??..Heck if it was money i'd throw in $20 any day for Atlantis....I want this crap gone.
How the heck do you get a hold of Brad Wright..we got to do something guys!
How the heck do you get a hold of Brad Wright..we got to do something guys!
Brad Wright says....
Posted by Cheese_on_Toast on August 28th, 11:24am
This show is going to be "very, very different" from whats gone before:
http://www.cinemaspy.com/article.php?id=3078
I understand that things need to be kept fresh if the Stargate franchise is to be kept fresh, but if you make things "very, very different," you risk omitting the things that made something popular in the first place. Personally, I only need a certain level of realism in a space show. I don't mind rubber-faced aliens and ships that make a noise in the vacuum of space because I recognise that this is escapism. I fear that SGU will be tooo different from SG-1 and SGA and once they start on that path, there is no going back. They tried it with Enterprise and it basically killed the Star Trek franchise in the 'old' timeline. I give SGA two seasons, three at most. I don't think you can sustain a a space show for long without rubber-faced aliens.
http://www.cinemaspy.com/article.php?id=3078
I understand that things need to be kept fresh if the Stargate franchise is to be kept fresh, but if you make things "very, very different," you risk omitting the things that made something popular in the first place. Personally, I only need a certain level of realism in a space show. I don't mind rubber-faced aliens and ships that make a noise in the vacuum of space because I recognise that this is escapism. I fear that SGU will be tooo different from SG-1 and SGA and once they start on that path, there is no going back. They tried it with Enterprise and it basically killed the Star Trek franchise in the 'old' timeline. I give SGA two seasons, three at most. I don't think you can sustain a a space show for long without rubber-faced aliens.
orly? 2
Posted by Kirinin on August 27th, 5:05pm
...no, I really WON'T. My curiosity for this show does not burn.
If the fandom did a complete 180 and said, "no really, it DOES look bad, but that's just bad advertising, it's really the most incredible thing evar!" then I might consider starting to watch.
But the mere presence of a Stargate in a show doesn't guarantee my interest. Otherwise I would have watched the (seemingly equally awful) cartoon.
I liked SG-1. I liked SGA better (at least at first). But I'm not so obsessed with the Stargate stamp that I'll buy into anything that has one.
They're betting that's not the case, I suppose.
If the fandom did a complete 180 and said, "no really, it DOES look bad, but that's just bad advertising, it's really the most incredible thing evar!" then I might consider starting to watch.
But the mere presence of a Stargate in a show doesn't guarantee my interest. Otherwise I would have watched the (seemingly equally awful) cartoon.
I liked SG-1. I liked SGA better (at least at first). But I'm not so obsessed with the Stargate stamp that I'll buy into anything that has one.
They're betting that's not the case, I suppose.
Yes, but...
Posted by Nik on August 24th, 1:26pm
Listen I agree with all of you about the fact that it's completely B.S. that Atlantis isn't around anymore but you're lying if you say you won't at least start to watch SGU.
Universre Will Die quick
Posted by BAC on August 20th, 11:23pm
Because the fans have been wronged, and will not watch it, by the 12th or 13th episode its cancellation will be announced!
Die SGU Die!!!
Die SGU Die!!!
Gate & the Economy
Posted by Cab on August 20th, 11:20pm
Re-release an already seen gate show, it wont sell!
Make a new Movie of SG1 and Atlantis and every fan will buy IT!!!
Make a new Movie of SG1 and Atlantis and every fan will buy IT!!!
No SGU here
Posted by BAC on August 20th, 11:14pm
Trailers suck, Atlantis was cancelled for it, you loose me and most gate fans over this, now that you have srubbed the movies I quit! Never watch SGU, want us back? Bring back Atlantis to TV as a full series!!!!!!!!!
Disappointed in the trend
Posted by Michelle Korber on August 19th, 8:59pm
It was bad enough how MGM and SyFy (It makes me embarrassed just writing that silly rebranding)handled the cancellation of SGA with vague promises of a movie, don't worry, we'll go on! It was even worse how they presented SGU to the fans as though, ooh, shiny! New Series! would make up for the loss of a show we enjoyed. And now they turn around and cancel the SGA film on the assumption (unless you have solid market research to provide?) that there's no interest? That's just ... nonsense. There is interest, provided you make a well-scripted, well-plotted story that is respectful of the characters.
The only lack of interest I see here is MGM, SyFy's, and perhaps even on the part of the Producers, who have certainly not shown any particular empathy to fans who are troubled by the lies and broken promises. It's damaging SyFy's limited credibility with the fans. As for the producers? I have no idea how to feel about them. Some show of support for SGA, or empathy for the fans would have gone a long way.
The only lack of interest I see here is MGM, SyFy's, and perhaps even on the part of the Producers, who have certainly not shown any particular empathy to fans who are troubled by the lies and broken promises. It's damaging SyFy's limited credibility with the fans. As for the producers? I have no idea how to feel about them. Some show of support for SGA, or empathy for the fans would have gone a long way.
Why why why?
Posted by Crystal on August 11th, 4:11pm
Only recently found out about SGA fate, being doing catch up on the events, as do not usually do fandom. The amount of bitching an distain is quite amazing an I am glad that I never did fandom an after this I what ever again, but I do want to voice an opinion an that is I'm disgusted that Atlantis has been axed for Universe, checked out an its a pale shadow of SGA, have all the box sets for both shows will not be buying this one. The mone thrown at this should have been used for Atlantis, it wasnt nuff said so goodbye
SGU SUCKS
Posted by Tig on August 7th, 4:55pm
Well I think people here, have said pretty much how I feel about this mess, so I'll just say SGU SUCKS an wont be watching.
No Universe for Me
Posted by graffiti_kiss on August 7th, 12:56am
I have no desire to watch "Universe". It was a big fat lie that they didn't cancel "Atlantis" to make way for "Universe" and I refuse to waste any of my life on this show. I'll just watch reruns of "Atlantis" on my iPod and be very happy with that. To quote Rodney McKay "Well screw that!"
OKRly?
Posted by Kirinin on August 4th, 11:45pm
Unlike a lot of people who commented, I enjoyed Battlestar - but that doesn't mean I need a carbon copy of it.
It's also hard to believe that the writers will be able to maintain believable character development. In later SGA eps, the characters seemed noticably schizophrenic, falling backwards in characterization whenever it suited the plot - or for no seeming reason at all. If TPTB can't keep track of how *four* characters feel about one another, what on earth are they going to do with this many?
The ref to ST:TOS caused a full-blown eye roll, and the fact that the only shots of our token Asian chick were half-nude? Really doesn't inspire confidence. Let's not even mention the fact that all of your minority characters are *literally* marginalized in your main advert.
The vistas at the beginning were gorgeous, making this look more like a movie than a show, which was clearly the idea; and the special fx people obviously earned their money. But when I think about the shows I loved, there are as many low-budget as high. It's about the characters, people, and until you get that you won't have me or anyone but the 15-18 year old boys as your audience.
I hope you guys make it, for the sake of the actors you roped into this one. And please... if I wanted explosions alone, there are plenty of places to go other than sci-fi.
*weeps for the future*,
-K
It's also hard to believe that the writers will be able to maintain believable character development. In later SGA eps, the characters seemed noticably schizophrenic, falling backwards in characterization whenever it suited the plot - or for no seeming reason at all. If TPTB can't keep track of how *four* characters feel about one another, what on earth are they going to do with this many?
The ref to ST:TOS caused a full-blown eye roll, and the fact that the only shots of our token Asian chick were half-nude? Really doesn't inspire confidence. Let's not even mention the fact that all of your minority characters are *literally* marginalized in your main advert.
The vistas at the beginning were gorgeous, making this look more like a movie than a show, which was clearly the idea; and the special fx people obviously earned their money. But when I think about the shows I loved, there are as many low-budget as high. It's about the characters, people, and until you get that you won't have me or anyone but the 15-18 year old boys as your audience.
I hope you guys make it, for the sake of the actors you roped into this one. And please... if I wanted explosions alone, there are plenty of places to go other than sci-fi.
*weeps for the future*,
-K
At last the truth says it all
Posted by Viv on August 1st, 2:00pm
Well so thats the real reason no SGA or movie, this just gets better an better doesnt it. Another reason, like I needed another 1 not to watch babygate hehe.
The begining of the end!
Posted by Chucknican on July 31st, 11:02am
Well the budget is just silly money, so now we know why SGA was axed! An why NO movie, its a shame the Brad Wrong didnt have the guts to be honest up front, but there you go, well swings and roundabouts an all this bad karma IS gonna hit him like a ton bricks an one day he will realise you cant treat people like this, espacially the ones that pay the cable bills an buy the DVDS etc..! But that said added to all this the whole new sexy vibe bit as well that IS the end of Stargate when you need to start showing "the so called strong intelligent females" as nothing more than cheap bimbos draped all over Robert Carlyle, yeah its SO obvious who the writers are aiming this show at, heres a thought maybe they should grow up a bit, hopefully even the male demographic will be insulted that TPTB think this is what they need to make a sci fi show enjoyable. Frankly its insulting to both the sexes IMHO, thank god I'm now not in the required demographic anyway being 44 an female!
http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20213067_2...ml#pagecomments
http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20213067_2...ml#pagecomments
Charlies Angels?
Posted by StClare on July 31st, 3:35am
It was the creators decision to cancel Atlantis though wasnt it - creative decision=TPTB
Having read more than I wanted to that came out of Mr B Wrights mouth. This is just another reason not to give this show the time of day.
Money was one of the reasons BW gave for cancelling Atlantis, yet they managed to find 20 million more. thats a lot of loose change someone found.
Movies was another reason for the cancellation of Atlantis. yet now they are saying there is not enough money for it. Well maybe thats because they put it into Unitrash? methinks so.
No crossovers, yet we have sg1 poping up up all over the place, but no Atlantis cast - emm strange how they can always manage to shoe horn in Sg1 but Atlantis, No way in hell!
Not your average stargate actor? what an insult the actors have always been individual Joe F is nothing like David H in acting style.
BW believes this is a thankyou to stargate fans?? is he cracked? SG1 fans have got a little thankyou with token sg1 spots but i see there film is on the backburner also. Atlantis fans not a bloody thing, if the guy from on high wanted to thank the fans who supported this show, brought the merchandise and attended the conventions he could have handed the rains of Atlantis to someone who cared about it and let them run with it. while he went of and wasted money on his shiney new toy. Thus keeping everyone happy. Those who want something new and those who were happy with what they had.
After just seeing another photo shot of RC and babes in CA pose I have to wonder what the hell happened to Stargate?
Why was there no Atlantis cast at comic con? smacks of trying to ignore atlantis and push this thing to the front.
Sad that they had something so good and could of, if handled better had the best of both worlds, idiots.
Having read more than I wanted to that came out of Mr B Wrights mouth. This is just another reason not to give this show the time of day.
Money was one of the reasons BW gave for cancelling Atlantis, yet they managed to find 20 million more. thats a lot of loose change someone found.
Movies was another reason for the cancellation of Atlantis. yet now they are saying there is not enough money for it. Well maybe thats because they put it into Unitrash? methinks so.
No crossovers, yet we have sg1 poping up up all over the place, but no Atlantis cast - emm strange how they can always manage to shoe horn in Sg1 but Atlantis, No way in hell!
Not your average stargate actor? what an insult the actors have always been individual Joe F is nothing like David H in acting style.
BW believes this is a thankyou to stargate fans?? is he cracked? SG1 fans have got a little thankyou with token sg1 spots but i see there film is on the backburner also. Atlantis fans not a bloody thing, if the guy from on high wanted to thank the fans who supported this show, brought the merchandise and attended the conventions he could have handed the rains of Atlantis to someone who cared about it and let them run with it. while he went of and wasted money on his shiney new toy. Thus keeping everyone happy. Those who want something new and those who were happy with what they had.
After just seeing another photo shot of RC and babes in CA pose I have to wonder what the hell happened to Stargate?
Why was there no Atlantis cast at comic con? smacks of trying to ignore atlantis and push this thing to the front.
Sad that they had something so good and could of, if handled better had the best of both worlds, idiots.
Really.
Posted by P! on July 30th, 11:10am
This reminds of ST:Voyager in more ways than one. When Brannon Braga came on to "fix" Voyager, you could tell he didn't really give a shite because it wasn't *his* baby...so he half assed it until the end, ruining the few things that were decent (because he didn't create them)...and then made the excuse that it was unsalvagable/too expensive/whatever his excuse for that day of the week.
Then he got his own show, Enterprise with a big budget and his own "vision".
And proved to everyone that the mistakes he made with Voyager were tenfold (aside: although everyone should have known better since his TNG "highlight" was an Afterschool Special/"don't do drugs, kids!" episode) and he couldn't pass the blame on to someone else.
I can't help but predict the same here.
Then he got his own show, Enterprise with a big budget and his own "vision".
And proved to everyone that the mistakes he made with Voyager were tenfold (aside: although everyone should have known better since his TNG "highlight" was an Afterschool Special/"don't do drugs, kids!" episode) and he couldn't pass the blame on to someone else.
I can't help but predict the same here.
'Scuse me....
Posted by Jya on July 30th, 10:04am
Sheppard
McKay
Ronon
Teyla
They couldn't get decent stories for four characters and they're trying with nine? I wrote this show off as bullfinches back when they canceled Atlantis, but hearing about the new budget, the minority abuse, the token lesbians and seeing nine characters waiting to be screwed over instead of four just makes me want to hurl.
If I even needed yet another reason to not get cable tv, I've got it.
McKay
Ronon
Teyla
They couldn't get decent stories for four characters and they're trying with nine? I wrote this show off as bullfinches back when they canceled Atlantis, but hearing about the new budget, the minority abuse, the token lesbians and seeing nine characters waiting to be screwed over instead of four just makes me want to hurl.
If I even needed yet another reason to not get cable tv, I've got it.
stargate economy
Posted by holly on July 30th, 9:36am
SG-1 fan from the beginning, here. Gave SGA a shot and liked the 1st season very much, great potential for something really special, iconic. Unfortunately, like the last 3-4 seasons of SG-1, SGA deteriorated into sloppy, forgettable dreck. I suspect that only the appeal of the actors employed kept them alive for so long.
No amount of money can make up for poorly written, derivative material.
As long as TPTB are on the "bandwagon mindset", nothing very original will bleed through. And sadly this is from a genre that should be recognizable by the use of imagination. Oh, lookee here, another show known by its initials!
In what I hope is not foreshadowing, I notice that all of the non-white characters are already on the fringes, where they can fade discretely into the background, just as they did on SGA.
No amount of money can make up for poorly written, derivative material.
As long as TPTB are on the "bandwagon mindset", nothing very original will bleed through. And sadly this is from a genre that should be recognizable by the use of imagination. Oh, lookee here, another show known by its initials!
In what I hope is not foreshadowing, I notice that all of the non-white characters are already on the fringes, where they can fade discretely into the background, just as they did on SGA.
White nerds, huh?
Posted by lavvyan on July 30th, 3:21am
I find it interesting that the guys all have their shirts up to their necks, but the women go all out to show their cleavage. Guess there won't be any question who the demographic for this one is supposed to be.
I was actually going to give SGU a chance, but the way the promotion is being handled, not to mention the way SGA was shot down (if the industry runs on deficit financing, why keep the expensive sets up and NOT make a movie you KNOW is going to sell?), feels like being repeatedly kicked in the face. Promises keep being made only to be conveniently forgotten as Wright, Cooper and Co. praise SGU as the best thing since tava beans with sauce.
But, dear PTB, why should I bother to watch something that so clearly isn't aimed at me? There are dozens of TV series out there, some of which even welcome female viewers without patronising them. So I guess I'll just take my money and buy another DVD box of Dexter while waiting to see if your alienating a good part of your fanbase will make for shiny ratings.
Good luck with that.
I was actually going to give SGU a chance, but the way the promotion is being handled, not to mention the way SGA was shot down (if the industry runs on deficit financing, why keep the expensive sets up and NOT make a movie you KNOW is going to sell?), feels like being repeatedly kicked in the face. Promises keep being made only to be conveniently forgotten as Wright, Cooper and Co. praise SGU as the best thing since tava beans with sauce.
But, dear PTB, why should I bother to watch something that so clearly isn't aimed at me? There are dozens of TV series out there, some of which even welcome female viewers without patronising them. So I guess I'll just take my money and buy another DVD box of Dexter while waiting to see if your alienating a good part of your fanbase will make for shiny ratings.
Good luck with that.
Concerned
Posted by Al Vinci on July 30th, 2:18am
I have grave doubts about this one, too. It is the lightheartedness that has made Stargate successful. The idea of a series with an edgier tone is inconsistent with that. They tried it with Enterprise and it didn't work and BSG couldn't sustain an audience. What's more, the (frankly excessive) positive critical and popular response to 'Star Trek' indicates that the trend in audience tastes is away from doom-laden shows towards something lighter, humerous and family friendly (thanks Mr. Obama). It also think that the Stargate franchise has been lacking originality for some time. As much as I liked SGA and wanted it to continue, I became irritated by the lack of character development (if I heard McKay step back with a look of horror on his face and say, "Oh no," one more time, I was going to throw something at my television) and the show's derivative ideas (the Wraith borrowed elements from the Borg and the Goa'uld). SGU does sound from the trailer rather similar to Voyager in concept. The above notwithstanding, I will give SGU a chance and see where it goes. To write a show off without having seen it is a cowardly critics way of avoiding the risk of having to admit they were wrong.
No surprises here
Posted by Kris on July 30th, 1:03am
I was angry with the network back when Skiffy neglected and abandoned The Invisible Man. TPTB have since then only proven that they are completely out of touch with reality. Wright and Cooper have to roll with what they're given, and I don't blame them one iota for that. Still, we all know why Atlantis was canceled - short TPTB attention spans and all - and the mistaken notion that people over 35-40 aren't sexy enough to attract viewers. *eyeroll* Whatever. If Atlantis was still on the air, and SGU was being made in addition? I'd be willing to give the show a chance. But I've been burned one too many times by the morons in charge... I just can't get excited about a new show in my favorite genre any more. I just know I'm going to have my heart broken anyway. I wish the SGU peeps much luck, as there are quite a few very PO'ed fans out there, and rightfully so.
-----}-@
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Just to Clarify Everyone...
Posted by Robert (Admin) on July 29th, 9:11pm
It's not Wright and Cooper who make the call on whether these things get made or not, it's MGM.
Please be advised that the sets for 'Atlantis' are still standing, in anticipation of 'Atlantis' movies. Wright and Cooper want to do them, but a decision has not yet been made by MGM.
The cost to keep the 'Atlantis' sets standing is very high...so clearly MGM still considers 'Atlantis' viable as a movie franchise...at least for the moment. It's highly likely that the cost of getting 'SGU' off the ground is taking priority, and that once it proves successful (assuming it does), the ROI on 'SGU' will free up money for an 'Atlantis' movie or two.
Remember, the whole industry runs on deficit financing. So don't have kittens just yet.
Please be advised that the sets for 'Atlantis' are still standing, in anticipation of 'Atlantis' movies. Wright and Cooper want to do them, but a decision has not yet been made by MGM.
The cost to keep the 'Atlantis' sets standing is very high...so clearly MGM still considers 'Atlantis' viable as a movie franchise...at least for the moment. It's highly likely that the cost of getting 'SGU' off the ground is taking priority, and that once it proves successful (assuming it does), the ROI on 'SGU' will free up money for an 'Atlantis' movie or two.
Remember, the whole industry runs on deficit financing. So don't have kittens just yet.
I am not sure about this
Posted by Melissa on July 29th, 8:07pm
I am a huge fan of SG1 and SGA (my husband and I have them both on DVD, but I am not looking forward to SGU. I liked both SG1 and SGA because they are family friendly. I don't know if I see that with SGU. It is to bad. I have been a fan for a long time, I hope it doesn't end with SGU.
Do Not Want
Posted by storyteller on July 29th, 7:19pm
This only further solidifies my deep, expletive-intensive loathing of Brad Wright. I hope SG:90210 crashes in a ball of low-rated flames.
Not Interested
Posted by No THANKS on July 29th, 5:39pm
My kids N I were fans of StarGate, especially Atlantis with Joe Flanigan. We have every season of both series on DVD. We wont be watching SG Universe. We WOULD have watched N purchased additional seasons of SGA or SGA movies.
I thought BSG was boring and depressing. The OH NOESS we are "LOST IN SPACE" and can't get home is one of the oldest SF cliches. Sorry, Brad, you were wrong. My family wont watch whatever you've thrown together just because you named it StarGate. There are plenty of other SF series out there. We'll be watching and BUYING "Supernatural", "Eureka", and "Merlin" instead.
I thought BSG was boring and depressing. The OH NOESS we are "LOST IN SPACE" and can't get home is one of the oldest SF cliches. Sorry, Brad, you were wrong. My family wont watch whatever you've thrown together just because you named it StarGate. There are plenty of other SF series out there. We'll be watching and BUYING "Supernatural", "Eureka", and "Merlin" instead.
Oh, please
Posted by Karen on July 29th, 4:44pm
I didn't like voyager, and I don't expect to watch this either. They canceled Atlantis for this? I feel cheated.
oh my bad
Posted by Karon on July 29th, 3:54pm
OH I'm sorry.. she is not Asian hahahaha the Asian girl IS on the side!!!
Good job PR department!
Good job PR department!
Weird
Posted by Karon on July 29th, 3:47pm
It's a BSG/ST Voyager ripoff, for BSG fans.
Can't anybody come up with something new for scifi fans? And what's with the Asian girl in the middle, shouldn't she be on the side like the other minorities?
...I suppose to MGM and 'syfy' white males are the only demographic that counts...
*saaarcasm*
I'm tired of the same stuff.
Can't anybody come up with something new for scifi fans? And what's with the Asian girl in the middle, shouldn't she be on the side like the other minorities?
...I suppose to MGM and 'syfy' white males are the only demographic that counts...
*saaarcasm*
I'm tired of the same stuff.
Die hard SG-1 and SGA Fan.
Posted by Linda on July 29th, 2:51pm
I am a big big fan of SG-1 and SGA have both series on DVD. I am not sure about this new SGU does not sound good to me. I did not like the way they just cut off SGA. The last episode was very well done but I was sure looking forward to a movie or two like they did with SG-1.
Linda
Linda
This explains a lot...
Posted by Pat on July 29th, 2:34pm
... such as why the promised SGA movie apparently won't be made.
$1 million per ep? 20 eps per season. $20 millions per season. And they canceled SGA because it was "too expensive"?
Man, I would laugh if it wasn't so sad. :-(
$1 million per ep? 20 eps per season. $20 millions per season. And they canceled SGA because it was "too expensive"?
Man, I would laugh if it wasn't so sad. :-(
Disappointed
Posted by Gerry on July 29th, 11:38am
I'm a die-hard stargate fan having actually purchased all of the DVD's for SG-1 and SGA. But I can not support SGU. First, I think it is a blatant rip-off of BSG and has removed everything that is "stargate" from the show. Lkg at the trailer, actually, I keep thinking its the trialer for a 2-hour movie and a TV series. Glad to see we have the "computer nerd/geek" motif being used - boy how many SciFi shows have that! And what's with the picture posted above? Why do they all look like they are sticking at their chests? I guess to make all their boobs bigger in order to attract horny teenagers to watch the show. :)
I honestly hope this SGU crashes and burns. At the very least, I hope it doesnt last as long as SGU; that way, I can laugh in the TPB's face and say "Ha".
Hmm, I wonder when my "promised" SGA movie is coming out.
I honestly hope this SGU crashes and burns. At the very least, I hope it doesnt last as long as SGU; that way, I can laugh in the TPB's face and say "Ha".
Hmm, I wonder when my "promised" SGA movie is coming out.
Jerks
Posted by Mischief on July 29th, 11:14am
Wright, Cooper & Co. are unbelievable. They said they canceled SGA because SGU would be less expensive to film. NOT. They said there would be SGA movies to DVD. NOT. They said we fans would be fine once we got our newest Stargate "fix." NO. And to top it off, they shunted characters of color off to the side in SGA. Take a look at that photo for SGU. The characters of color are literally off to sides. Why would anyone enable these people to continue a franchise that treats the fans like idiots and the actors like disposable diapers? Wright and Cooper will never get another penny from me.
seriously
Posted by sypix lora on July 29th, 10:46am
You know, I was a fan of both BSG and SGA, but I have to say, this trailer doesn't do much to persuade me that I'll want to watch this show. It looks like a lot of desperate pandering to the network's idea of a desirable demographic (gratuitous inclusion of shot of the Asian woman cast member being sex-ay, way to draw on the ol' racist stereotyping) laid over the same old Stargate staff jokes (Star Wars references by the geek, GEE, I'VE NEVER SEEN THAT BEFORE.) Money does not a great tv show make.
And also, "SyFy" is the stupidest attempt at rebranding that I've ever encountered. Two thumbs up, MGM!
And also, "SyFy" is the stupidest attempt at rebranding that I've ever encountered. Two thumbs up, MGM!
Bad move, but I'll still watch it!
Posted by Janice on July 29th, 5:36am
I just don't understand why they can't keep Stargate Atlantis going. The show was doing pretty well ratings wise and had a loyal fan-base. When you add in DVD sales it's hard to see MGM not turning a profit.
I'm sure I'll watch Stargate Universe, but it really does seem like they've dumped a truly unique and original show for one which just copies the usual 40 year old Star Trek format.
I'm sure I'll watch Stargate Universe, but it really does seem like they've dumped a truly unique and original show for one which just copies the usual 40 year old Star Trek format.
MAD AS HELL!!!!!
Posted by SGU Hater on July 29th, 5:13am
OMG AND THEY CANCELED ATLANTIS to replace with this, Well for this one fan GOODBYE! BC is a waste of space how he can think he can treat fans like this is amazing really amazing. Well this show is it for:
Existing Stargate fans= NO
Family friendly = NO
Woman fans= NO
Older fans= NO
BSG only fans = YES
Caneling SGA to go to movies " yeah right"
MGM UNBELIEVEABLE YOU LET THEM GET AWAY WITH THIS.
Existing Stargate fans= NO
Family friendly = NO
Woman fans= NO
Older fans= NO
BSG only fans = YES
Caneling SGA to go to movies " yeah right"
MGM UNBELIEVEABLE YOU LET THEM GET AWAY WITH THIS.
Cost
Posted by Robert on July 29th, 2:25am
I didn't read the interview to which you refer, but Brad Wright was VERY specific with us that this series has an additional $1M beyond the previous series budget, per episode.
Things change all the time, and it's possible that the studio may have had a change of heart due to fluctuations in the dollar difference, the economic climate, BC tax credit status, etc, etc...but that's just speculation. I really don't know.
Things change all the time, and it's possible that the studio may have had a change of heart due to fluctuations in the dollar difference, the economic climate, BC tax credit status, etc, etc...but that's just speculation. I really don't know.
SGU cost
Posted by cimmer on July 29th, 1:24am
Umm not to be picky or anything but I read an interview with Wright and Cooper saying one of the reasons they canceled Atlantis was because it was too expensive and SGU was supposed to be cheaper? Of course that was in answer to annoyed fans of SGA and SG1. Oh well, whatever, same writers different set.
Mad as Heck
Posted by Serena on July 29th, 12:53am
Boy am I pissed now! This makes me madder than anything I've heard about Universe so far!
So they dump Atlantis and can't be bothered to invest in it for one last season and then bring us this in it's place! Ok so it'll be flashy, but I'm not going to watch. I really HATE these guys!!!!!!!!!
So they dump Atlantis and can't be bothered to invest in it for one last season and then bring us this in it's place! Ok so it'll be flashy, but I'm not going to watch. I really HATE these guys!!!!!!!!!
Looks Cool but...
Posted by Matt on July 28th, 4:39pm
I am a die-hard Stargate fan. However, this series seems like a rip-off of Star Trek: Voyager. Ya' know, busted ship thrown across the known universe, trying to get home... Anyone else get this?
Of course, I will still watch until/unless it gets really silly.
Matt
Of course, I will still watch until/unless it gets really silly.
Matt
Sounds great
Posted by Shanny Boy on July 28th, 8:51am
nice article - this show is gonna be great!
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In the reality in which I live I expect a certain standard in television and Brad Wright truly needs to step back and examine his abilities. The show is totally crap and if there were any other Sci Fi series premiering Stargate Universe would simply disappear into the Black hole that it belongs to be in. I also find it interesting that a lot of loyal stargate fans have been literally embarassed, and betrayed by the "writers."
I have seen the show and quite frankly I would prefer to watch an ugly 90 year old grandmother bending over touching her toes in a G string.
Whilst she provactively shows me her dirty false teeth.
No wonder the American Economy continues to spiral into a black hole.