Stargate Alum Reunite for Script Reading
 

Image source: The Companion

While Netflix and other streaming services have enabled a revisit to the worlds of “Stargate”, it's been some years since a new script for the much-loved sci-fi series has seen the light of day.

All that is about to change.

Earlier this month we shared that the online science fiction magazine, The Companion, hosted a livestream event to talk about the “Stargate” project they are developing with “Stargate” co-creator, Brad Wright: the production of a “Stargate” script in which each line of dialogue and stage direction is written by a Google-powered Artificial Intelligence program, with individual bots to be created to embody each character.

The hope - at the time - that “Stargate” alum would sit down for a table read of the computer generated script has been realized: with David Hewlett an early participant, Michael confirmed his involvement on September 16, and recently we’ve learned Amanda Tapping and Jewel Staite also signed up.

This special reunion of the actors behind Rodney McKay, Daniel Jackson, Samantha Carter and Jennifer Keller (respectively) will premiere next month. Brad Wright and actor Marc Evan Jackson (“The Good Place”), will host the event, which will include screening of the pre-recorded script table reading (which original artwork by illustator Amrit Birdi helps bring to life) as well as a live Q&A.

Check out the trailer below, then head over to The Companion website where you can purchase a membership to watch and participate in this exclusive event. ( (Options available include free trial periods.)

Welcome back, Daniel Jackson and co!

 
 
 
Monica Duff
And Daniel Makes Two!
 

A little under a week ago, the online science fiction magazine, The Companion, hosted a livestream event to talk about the “Stargate” project they are developing with Stargate co-creator, Brad Wright: the production of a “Stargate” script in which each line of dialogue and stage direction is written by a Google-powered Artificial Intelligence program, with individual bots to be created to embody each character.

Held on September 11, “Stargate” alum David Hewlett (Rodney McKay) joined the livestream discussion, along with Laurence Moroney, Lead Artificial Intelligence Advocate at Google. A key hope? To convince some of the former Stargate cast to reunite for a table reading of the computer-generated script.

Hopes have been realized, with Brad Wright sharing today - and Michael confirming in a quoted Tweet - that Michael Shanks will be participating in the project.

More news on this when it comes to hand!

 
 
 
Monica Duff
Are We Ever Getting More Stargate?
 

Richard Dean Anderson, Michael Shanks, Amanda Tapping and Christopher Judge in “Stargate SG-1.”

The folks at The Mary Sue want to know… and they’re not the only ones, right? Per their website:

“Fans of the “Stargate” franchise—which encompasses “SG-1”, “Atlantis”, “Universe”, direct-to-DVD films, books, comics, video games, and webserieshave been beating the drum for a new TV show since Universe went off the air in 2011.

Show creator Brad Wright has teased a possible project in development with MGM for some time, and MGM’s recent purchase by Amazon gave fans yet more hope. If Amazon is looking for beloved IP to turn into new series (and their commitment to shows like “Lord of the Rings” and “Good Omens” would indicate that they are), “Stargate” seems like a pretty sure bet.

All bias aside - ahem - we’d have to agree.

Check out the rest of the article - in which Brad Wright (“Stargate” co-creator and writer) shares some hopeful news that “MGM and I are working on something” - on The Mary Sue.

 
Monica Duff
Whatever Happened to Michael Shanks?
 

Michael Shanks as Dr. Daniel Jackson in “Stargate SG-1.”

Well, we have an idea - LOL! - but if you want to know what TV Overmind are thinking, head on over to their website where they discuss Michael’s role in “Stargate SG-1” and the work he’s been doing since the series wrapped.

 
Monica Duff
GalaxyCon SG-1 Q&A on YouTube
 

The good folks at GalaxyCon have shared the video from their virtual “Stargate SG-1” Q&A panel with Michael, Amanda Tapping and Ben Browder. Check out the video below, linked from their YouTube channel. (Thank you, GalaxyCon!)

 
 
 
Monica Duff
A Reminder from Michael
 

In case you missed yesterday’s news update, Michael has dropped a reminder for the Galaxy Con virtual event!

 
 
 
Monica Duff
GalaxyCon Virtual Con Appearance
 

In-person events may be on hold for the moment, but you can still catch Michael at a virtual con!

GalaxyCon have announced the Michael will be participating in their Stargate SG-1 virtual event with his “Stargate SG-1” co-stars, Amanda Tapping and Ben Browder, on Sunday, 27 June. The event includes a free live Q&A session (scheduled for 2PM ET) , autographs (various options available) and one-on-one video chats.

Check out the full details on the GalaxyCon website.

 
 
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Monica Duff
Happy Father's Day!
 

Lexa has “penned” a Father’s Day tribute to Michael on her Instagram page, sharing a number of photos - some old, some new, one or two a little amusing. So on that note… Happy Father’s Day to Michael, and all fathers and father figures!

 
Monica Duff
Help Sam Shanks raise funds for homeless youth
 

Michael has just shared on Twitter that his son, Sam, has created a fundraiser to support Covenant House Vancouver, via their Sleep Out event.

Per their website, Covenant House Vancouver “exists for those young people for whom there is often no one else - young people who either have willingly fled physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse or those who have been forced from their homes. We understand that life changes are challenging and do everything in our power to ensure that young people succeed at whatever plan they have chosen for themselves. As long as genuine effort is demonstrated, so is our commitment.”

If you’d like to contribute to Sam’s fundraiser and help him kick his fundraising goal completely our of the park, or even just help by spreading the word, check out his fundraiser page on the Covenant House website.

 
 
Michael Shanks’s tweet promoting his son’s fundraiser for Covenant House Vancouver.

Michael Shanks’s tweet promoting his son’s fundraiser for Covenant House Vancouver.

 
Monica Duff
Michael and Brad Wright Reunite
 

Michael Shanks and Brad Wright

Michael recently sat down for an exclusive interview via podcast with “Stargate SG-1” (“Atlantis” and “Universe”) co-creator, writer and executive producer, Brad Wright.

Per Brad's recent tweet, during his Conversations in Sci-Fi podcast (accessible via The Companion - https://www.thecompanion.app/ ), Michael and he talk about "the early days of Stargate SG-1 and lots of other stuff."

The free version of the podcast interview runs 35 minutes, however there is a 75-minute extended cut available to Companion members.

Until Midnight Friday 19th March, you can sign up to The Companion for 3 months by donating a sum of your choice to the charity Special Effect, which supplies bespoke controllers and consoles to gamers whose disabilities restrict their access.

Full details on the website here: https://www.thecompanion.app/.../stargate-brad-wright.../

 
Monica Duff