The SCI FI Channel may be considering a name change that will reflect their slow move away from the genre but that hasn’t stopped them from acquiring the U.S. television rights to premiere both of the Stargate SG-1 made-for-DVD movies that were released by MGM in 2008.
The two made-for-DVD films “Stargate: Ark of Truth” and the recently released “Stargate: Continuum” will be featured as Sunday-night movie special events in spring 2009 according Thomas Vitale, SCI FI Channel’s current senior VP of programming and original movies. Both films featured the cast of “Stagate SG1” with Richard Dean Anderson returning to reprise his role as Jack O’Neill in “Continuum.” Vitale also indicated that the MGM deal includes the channel’s right to air the new spinoff series “Stargate: Universe” in summer 2009.
So, while it may appear that SCI FI is not so hot on, well – sci-fi, they are still in love with the Stargate franchise.
The current Stargate series, “Atlantis” is in its fifth and final season on the cable network. “Stargate: Atlantis” and its entire cast will be moving over to DVD made films just like its predecessor “SG1.” It has already wrapped shooting on its 100th and final episode. However, Vitale promises that there will still be a Stargate airing on SCI FI.
“We’ll continue to have an original Stargate presence throughout the year,†Vitale said.
Amanda Tapping recently stated in an interview with Multichannel News that plans are underway to begin filming a third “SG1” movie.
“I’m really looking forward to the SG-1 movie ‘cause we had so much fun making the two that we made,†Tapping said.
Vitale added “we’re very interested in partnering with MGM to do additional SG-1 movies as well, and we’re talking about it.â€
Tapping is set to debut her latest SF project “Sanctuary” on the SCI FI Channel beginning Friday, October 3. The series started out as an online series and quickly grew a substantial fan base that caught the attention of NBC Universal, who acquired it for airing on their owned SCI FI Channel.
“So, while it may appear that SCI FI is not so hot on, well – sci-fi, they are still in love with the Stargate franchise.”
Yeah, that’s why they canceled “Stargate Atlantis”. Because they just LOVE the Stargate franchise.
Yes, there’s still anger here.
I have greived through the losing of SG-1 and now must go throught the grieving of Stargate Atlantis. I have and 8 year old and she has known all of sg-1 characters since she was about 12 months old, and absolutely call Thor her little friend. My four old however, chooses to watch Stargate Atlantis. So depends who is staying with Mimi is what we watch. I was sad to see both lovely programs go-they were clean and we could share them on family nights. With the economy as it is I am afraid that we will be sharing more and more time with family at home.
My best to all the characters, and especially Amanda Tapping…I greet her with blessings. Although it did take my little grandaughter to get used to the long dark har..but she is still beautiful to us. Thank all of you for SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis.
Blessings on all of you-I truly miss Michael Jackson and Tel’c too-give them all our love from Tucson Arizona!!!!!!