Gate Geek – We have cast!

I don’t see this as much with other shows, but Stargate fans seem to get really attached to the guest stars who appear on the show; especially those who are playing “good guys.”

So imagine the happiness when producer Joe Mallozzi announced Season 5’s guest star cast.

Why, yes.  That is yet another Star Trek cast member making the move over to Stargate.  I bet Trek’s casting directors are pleased with themselves.

And yes, that does represent an all woman team!  Let’s hear it for the ladies!

In other fun cast news, David Hewlett reports that his much-beloved sister Kate starts shooting yet another episode this week as Rodney‘s much-beloved sister Jeannie.

David Hewlett takes over the geeks

Before you non-Stargate fans start mocking, you might want to take another look at what David Hewlett (Rodney McKay) is up to these days. I think he’s trying to become Joss Whedon, or something, and take over the geeks.

In a long-delayed update to his site, David confirms the following geek-inspired projects in the works:

  • Starcrossed – A comedy series pilot for SciFi that pokes fun at making sci-fi series
  • Design of the Dead – A new film that crosses zombies and home design shows (I know a few CJers who would like this one)
  • Heir of the Dog – A sequel to A Dog’s Breakfast. We’ll see how many more Vancouver-area sci-fi actors he can talk into appearing, this time.

Speaking of A Dog’s Breakfast, there are finally a few international release dates for that one. So check his latest blog to see if your country is there, yet.

For the Gate geeks, he reports that he’s quite happy with how Season 5 looks, so far. Although the battle of the multi-colored scripts rages on. (I forsee a scene in Starcrossed!)

Gate Geek – Chuck!

Stargate always seems to have one character who comes out of the background and becomes beloved. (Like the technician who eventually became known as Walter in the SGC.)

Atlantis’ gate technician has joined those ranks by finally getting a name, Chuck, which just so happens to be the actors’ own. He tells GateWorld all about it in this interview preview. Maybe he’ll get a last name in Season 5?

In other news, David Hewlett catches up on his My Favorite Line series in a muffled, post-baby version on YouTube.

Starcrossed On The Way!

The “sci-fi soap opera” Starcrossed, introduced by Stargate actor David Hewlett in his movie A Dog’s Breakfast, is being eyed by SciFi as a new comedy series.

David announced on his blog that SciFi is reviewing their proposal for a series of mini-webisodes that will help to determine whether or not there’s a market for Starcrossed to become an actual TV series that pokes fun at the process of making a sci-fi show.

I’m sure there is much to mock!

Gate Round-Up

Have I mentioned, lately, that the new season of Stargate Atlantis starts up this Friday on SciFi? I have? Just wanted to make sure.

In anticipation of this event, there is tons of Stargate news to be had. Please don’t let that deluge keep you from tuning in on Friday, though. I’d like a Season 5, please, and the first few episodes’ ratings apparently will make it or break it.

The highlights:
– GateWorld interviews Jewel Staite who really hopes the fans will give her a chance as she’s friends with Paul McGillion and didn’t think she was replacing him.
Rachel Luttrell is pretty happy with Teyla’s storyline in Season 4
– The men rejoice, Kari Wuhrer has been cast in an upcoming episode
Michael Shanks didn’t manage to completely avoid the cold while filming the upcoming Stargate movies. Plus playing with real F-15’s. It doesn’t suck to be an actor

Stargate actors are doing things outside the series, as well:
Richard Dean Anderson will be hosting the Dublin release of Halo 3. Okay.
David Hewlett‘s movie A Dog’s Breakfast managed to crack the Top 100 on Amazon. Plus now, there’s a soundtrack! Still no Hewlett 2.0, though.
– And there’s still time to bid on a duffle bag signed by the SG-1 cast to benefit an Atlantis crew member’s son. Too late to bid? You can still make donations.

Part TV, Part Game, All Internet

GateWorld has an interview with Damian Kindler about his time with the Stargate franchise and his new show. (Fans of Vala will want to check out the first half, although you do get into some spoiler territory.)

What might interest those who aren’t into Stargate is his discussion about the new internet show Sanctuary. (Scroll about half-way down to where you see the Sanctuary logo.) Apparently, it’s not just going to be a show that’s shown on the internet (as nice as that will be not to have to rely on network schedules). There will be an interactive component that’s part gaming, part pseudo-MMO. You can choose to interact or just enjoy the show.

Of particular pleasure is the fact that there will be no rights to obtain. You can burn it onto DVD and watch it in your home theater. You can load it on to your MP3 player and watch it during your commute (on the train, not driving). Wait for the official DVD version. Whatever your little tech-savvy heart desires!

Sounds like a bold experiment, along with an interesting storyline on top of it. (He describes it as X-Files meets The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.)

Yeah. I’m intrigued. So shoot me!

New Sci-Fi Comedy by David Hewlett

Yes. I’ve been a bit heavy on the David Hewlett news, lately. But he’s a busy guy!

In his upcoming movie A Dog’s Breakfast, Hewlett included a sub-plot about a fictional (and horrendously over-acted) sci-fi soap opera called Starcrossed. The clip on YouTube got such a reaction, that he has now been asked to develop a comedy for Sci-Fi Channel based on the behind-the-scenes antics of a sci-fi show.

We’ll let you know where to send the get well cards after he collapses from exhaustion.