‘Stargate’ Production Hell Continues As Revival Absent From MGM Development Slate
Spencer Baculi
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In a revelation that could only be construed as a Goa’uld plot to keep humanity down, MGM’s recently announced development slate appears to indicate that a revival of the Stargate franchise is nowhere on the horizon.
Dr. Daniel Jackson (James Spader) and Col. Jack O’Neil (Kurt Russell) are brought before the court of Ra (Jaye Davidson) in Stargate (1994), MGM
RELATED: Amazon Likely To Reboot Stargate As Brad Wright’s Pilot “Destined To Gather Dust”
This grueling development was first noted by GateWorld fansite managing editor Darren Sumner immediately upon the studio’s January 10th reveal of the upcoming project line-up.
Ra (Jaye Davidson) unveils himself in Stargate (1994), MGM
Therein, MGM+ head Michael Wright unveiled a number of new series, including the similarly sci-fi themed Earth Abides and Ark, but made absolutely zero mention of the beloved sci-fi franchise.
“It’s a new beginning for our service, as we introduce MGM+ and its distinctive brand promise to viewers on January 15,” promoted Wright of Amazon’s upcoming rebrand of Epix. “MGM+ will deliver on its iconic and beloved studio legacy, with cinematic, sophisticated, and transportive storytelling that audiences love. We are growing our rich library of content, comprised of original television series and blockbuster films that celebrate the MGM brand.”
A Stargate is discovered in the deserts of Egypt in Stargate (1994), MGM
This lack of a Stargate announcement comes as a particular blow to fans given that Amazon highlighted the series by name in their 2021 press release announcing their acquisition of MGM.
Dr. Daniel Jackson (James Spader) prepares to make his first trip through the Stargate in Stargate (1994) MGM
“MGM has a vast catalog with more than 4,000 films—12 Angry Men, Basic Instinct, Creed, James Bond, Legally Blonde, Moonstruck, Poltergeist, Raging Bull, Robocop, Rocky, Silence of the Lambs, Stargate, Thelma & Louise, Tomb Raider, The Magnificent Seven, The Pink Panther, The Thomas Crown Affair, and many other icons—as well as 17,000 TV shows—including Fargo, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Vikings—that have collectively won more than 180 Academy Awards and 100 Emmys,” said Senior Vice President of Prime Video and Amazon Studios Mike Hopkins.
“The real financial value behind this deal is the treasure trove of IP in the deep catalog that we plan to reimagine and develop together with MGM’s talented team,” he added. “It’s very exciting and provides so many opportunities for high-quality storytelling.”
Col. Jack O’Neil (Kurt Russell) fires a Ma’Tok staff in Stargate (1994), MGM
Though a revival penned by franchise co-creator Brad Wright had been rumored to be in the works since 2020, last year the writer sadly revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had laid waste to those plans.
Asked by a Twitter user for “any news about the possible new Stargate series,” Wright admitted, “You won’t hear news from me. MGM did hire me to write a pilot for a new show but that was just before covid hit. Timing couldn’t have been much worse. All the players have changed in the interim so it’s likely destined to gather dust.”
“Would’ve been fun, though,” he concluded.
Brad Wright via Twitter
For the foreseeable future, it seems the Stargate franchise will remain trapped in the vast expanses of space-time.
Col. Jack O’Neill (Richard Dean Anderson) and Major Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping) demonstrate the superiority of an FN P90 compared to a Ma’Tok staff in Stargate SG-1 Season 5 Episode 18 “The Warrior” (2002), MGM
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