Beloved Stargate franchise makes triumphant TV return

Beloved Stargate franchise makes triumphant TV return

Amazon orders new series from a producer who got his start working on the legendary sci-fi franchise two decades ago

The Stargate franchise is preparing to dial up a new adventure. Amazon has officially greenlit a brand new Stargate television series that will stream on Prime Video, bringing the beloved science fiction property back to screens after years away. The announcement marks an emotional homecoming for the project’s creative leader, who launched his television career within the Stargate universe.

Martin Gero will serve as writer, executive producer and showrunner for the new series. His connection to Stargate runs deep, stretching back more than two decades to when he worked as a story editor on Stargate: Atlantis. That early experience shaped his entire approach to television production, and now he gets the chance to guide the franchise into its next chapter.


From protégé to leader

Gero spent five years immersed in the Stargate world, working across all three series that were in production at the time. He credits that experience with teaching him everything he knows about crafting television, describing the franchise as something written into his DNA. His enthusiasm for returning to this universe is palpable as he acknowledges both longtime fans who have kept the franchise alive through conventions and rewatches, and newcomers who will discover it for the first time.

The new series comes from Amazon MGM Studios following the company’s acquisition of MGM, which produced the original Stargate properties. While specific plot details remain under wraps for now, the project brings together an impressive lineup of talent with deep connections to the franchise’s history.


Legends joining the mission

Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich, who co-wrote the original 1994 Stargate film that launched everything, will serve as executive producers on the new series. Emmerich also directed that initial movie, which introduced audiences to the concept of ancient alien technology allowing travel through a network of portals across the galaxy.

Additional executive producers include Joby Harold and Tory Tunnell from Safehouse Pictures. The production team also features Brad Wright and Joe Mallozzi as consulting producers, both of whom served as longtime creative leaders within the Stargate television universe and understand what made those shows resonate with millions of viewers.

Honoring the legacy while looking forward

Amazon MGM Studios executives are emphasizing their commitment to respecting what came before while pushing the franchise in new directions. Nick Pepper, who heads US SVOD TV development for the studio, described Stargate as an enduring and iconic franchise that has captivated audiences for decades through its exploration of humanity’s place in the cosmos. The goal is creating a new chapter that honors the rich legacy while delivering ambitious and emotionally resonant storytelling for modern audiences.

A franchise with staying power

The Stargate journey began with that 1994 theatrical release starring James Spader and Kurt Russell. The film’s success led to Stargate SG-1, which became a phenomenon in its own right, running for an impressive 10 seasons. That series featured Richard Dean Anderson, Michael Shanks, Amanda Tapping and Christopher Judge in the lead roles, building a devoted fanbase that remains active today.

The franchise continued expanding with Stargate Atlantis, which aired for five seasons between 2004 and 2009. Beyond the main television series, the property has spawned two direct-to-video movies and three additional TV shows. The most recent entry was Stargate Origins in 2018, though that web series marked the end of new Stargate content until now.

Amazon first revealed interest in developing new Stargate projects back in 2022 after completing its MGM acquisition. The years since have been spent carefully developing the right approach to bring the franchise back in a way that would satisfy existing fans while attracting new viewers unfamiliar with the previous shows.

The man behind the new gate

Beyond his Stargate roots, Gero has built an impressive television resume. He created the NBC series Blindspot, which starred Jaimie Alexander and ran for five seasons. He also served as showrunner on NBC’s recent Quantum Leap reboot and has produced shows including The CW’s Kung Fu revival and the limited series Keep Breathing. This breadth of experience positions him well to tackle the challenges of relaunching such a beloved property.

The new Stargate series represents a significant bet by Amazon on the enduring appeal of classic science fiction franchises. As streaming services compete for subscriber attention, properties with built-in fanbases and proven concepts offer attractive opportunities to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

Source: Joe Otterson, Variety

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