Show Details
Stargate Universe was conceived as "a completely separate, third entity" in the live-action Stargate franchise – as opposed to Stargate Atlantis, which was created as a spin-off from the first series Stargate SG-1. Stargate Atlantis producer Joseph Mallozzi stated that Universe aims to "delight veteran fans, but also appeal to newcomers who may not necessarily know the difference between an Alteran and an Asuran", and that it is "in many ways a much more cerebral and mature addition to the franchise. While firmly entrenched in pre-established Stargate mythology, Stargate Universe definitely strikes out in an exciting new direction." The new show will be more serialized than its predecessors.
Like the first two series in the franchise, Stargate Universe will take place during the present time, not in the distant future. The show will be set on an Ancient ship, the Destiny, that was part of an Ancient experiment to seed the galaxies with Stargates millions of years ago but that was prematurely ended by the Ancients' ascension. A second ship would follow up and explore, using the ninth and final gate chevron (whose purpose was previously unknown) to get to the first ship. A team of soldiers and scientists from Earth step through the Stargate to find the Destiny (which has a Stargate onboard) after their base is attacked. Unable to return to Earth, they must fend for themselves aboard the ship as it takes them to the far reaches of the universe.
The show will involve more space-based action than SG-1 or Atlantis, although Earth "will play a part in SGU – but in a very unique way". "Survival and sacrifice" were the two main themes that were discussed at the preliminary script stages of the show. According to Brad Wright, the show will focus mostly on the people aboard the ship and will be "getting away from ancient-seeded-humans. Hopefully exploring the truly alien, and avoiding the rubber faced English-speaking one." Unlike with SG-1 and Atlantis, there will be no single dominant villain race, although humor will remain part of the franchise.
Cast:
Everett Young – Described as "40s handsome, capable, former SG team leader" holding the rank of Colonel who is "like the Jack O'Neill of ten years ago", yet with sharper edges. At the beginning of Stargate Universe, he has been married for two years and is the temporary commander of a secret off-world base.
Tamara Jon – An SGC field medic in her early twenties with off-world experience. She has a modest background, yet is "beautiful, tough, smart, capable." At the beginning of the series, she is overwhelmed by the lack of medical knowledge, experience, medicine and supplies aboard the ship.
Walker – A "stunning and sexy" daughter of a US Senator around her twenties, whose character is tested "after her father's tragic death and the dire circumstances of being trapped on a spaceship". Her father had "the political oversight to this Stargate project trying to dial the ninth chevron".
Eli Hitchcock – A "total slacker" in his early twenties and an "utter genius" in mathematics, computers and other fields. He is a social outcast with an "acerbic sense of humor", and lacks confidence in his intelligence. The character breakdown compares him to "Matt Damon's character from Good Will Hunting with a little Jack Black thrown in".
Scott – A skilled and well-trained Junior SGC member in his early twenties holding the rank of Lieutenant. He is "mentally unprepared for the urgency of the situation" aboard the ship.
Ron "Psycho" Stasiak – A "big, strong, silent" marine aged 20 with a mysterious past who lacks control over his temper in non-combat situations. The character breakdown compares him to Eric Bana's character "Hoot" in Black Hawk Down.
Dr. David Rush, played by Robert Carlyle – First mentioned in Mallozzi's blog in mid-November 2008 as "he's going to be a handful", he is going to be "the ship's brilliant Machiavellian scientist". After casting reports in mid-December 2008 had described Carlyle's character as the next Stargate leader, Mallozzi rectified that he "is not the leader of the unplanned expedition. That honor falls to Colonel Everett Young. For now. But things could have a way of changing on board a ship manned by a disparate group with very different agendas...". Brad Wright confirmed Carlyle as a series regular (instead of recurring) in early January 2009.
Senator Walker – In casting calls described as the "proud loving father" of Chloe Walker and a "distinguished Senator" in his 50s or 60s "who is the political oversight to this Stargate project trying to dial the ninth chevron". He is slated to appear in a two-episode arc.
Camille Wray – An IOA accountant in her 30s to 50s who is now the highest ranking IOA member left stranded on the ship. She is a "possible recurring" character who has "a false sense of importance and superiority to the other military and civilian population along with a stubborn way of asserting it"
