Exclusive: Third Stargate series in development

Prepare to step through the gate all over again! A third television series in the hit Stargate franchise is now in development, GateWorld has learned.

A production source informs GateWorld that the new series is in the concept phase, and is being actively worked on by the Vancouver creatives behind Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis. No concept for the show has yet been revealed.

The third TV series is also not likely to be rushed into production for a 2007 premiere in order to replace SG-1, which takes its final bow with 10 new episodes this spring. Instead, a premiere in 2008 or later is more likely at this point. (Note that, at this time in the fall of 2003, Stargate Atlantis was well into casting, script-writing, and set-building to make a July premiere date.)

Following the success of the 1994 film "Stargate," Stargate SG-1 debuted in 1997, and spun off Stargate Atlantis in 2004. The two shows return to SCI FI Channel in the U.S. with new episodes in April. The spring run of 10 episodes each will mark the series finale of SG-1, and the third season finale of Atlantis.

Stargate Atlantis returns for its fourth season later in 2007.

Meanwhile, SG-1 will continue with two movies, presumably direct-to-DVD, currently aiming for a fall 2007 release.

"What I'll take away with me that I was able, for ten years, to work on a show that was really, genuinely, a joyful place for people to come," Amanda Tapping told Gateworld at a recent convention. "Our show had a very cool vibe. I don't know what it was. There was something magical about Stargate and the combination of people."

The slightly melancholy but hopeful mood set the tone for the weekend during the "Amanda Tapping: A Weekend with her Fans – The Return" convention, held in the Renaissance Hotel in London, England.

During her sessions on stage, Tapping spoke about the good times -- including Chris Judge surprising her during the taping of a very emotional and sad scene by jumping out wearing a pair of break away pants ... which he did break away to reveal a sight that still sends a shudder down her spine. She also talked about hope for her future, including an upcoming project that is still seeking funding, and her hopes to produce and direct projects in the future.

She sees her time as Sam Carter as a gift. "I've had a steady gig, which has allowed me to have a family, to stay in the same city, where I was kind of nomadic before," she said. "I don't think if I hadn't played the same character in the series for so long I would have had that luxury."

Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis spoilers were in short supply, however Tapping did reveal that she will be doing an undetermined number of Atlantis episodes for the show's fourth season (story). "I'm contractually obligated to the franchise for a year. I knew that when I signed at the beginning of Season Ten, that it was a possibility that if SG-1 went down that I might be doing some Atlantis," she said.

"I don't know how the fans will feel about that, and I understand the trepidation of crossing over a major character from one show to another. Don't slam the door on it just yet! We'll see how it plays out."

How well it plays out is something that fans will be able to see for themselves when Atlantis returns for its fourth season, expected to be this summer in the United States.

To hear more from Amanda Tapping -- including her recollection of an outtake from "200" that no fan will ever see -- watch for GateWorld's all-new interview in the weeks ahead!

Stargate SG-1 undoubtedly has a future after SCI FI channel cancelled the long-running series last month -- but what kind of future is it? A feature film? An eleventh season with another broadcaster? IGN reports this week that, according to unnamed cast members, the studio is currently planning to create a series of SG-1 TV movies.

It is likely that the movies would be broadcast on SCI FI Channel in the United States, but there are no murmurs of a potential broadcaster yet.

Though we do think the story has merit, chalk this one up to unconfirmed for now. And, of course, with production on Season Ten still underway in Vancouver, B.C. and 10 episodes left to air next spring, anything can happen.

Watch GateWorld for the latest developments, and visit SaveStargateSG1.com to find out how to support the show's future!

What's the future of Stargate SG-1? Fans have been wondering and rumors have been flying for weeks since the long-running SCI FI Channel series was cancelled in August. Now, at least the first part of that answer is here.

MGM has given a green light for the show's creators to produce two direct-to-DVD movies based on SG-1. Executive producer Brad Wright let TV Guide in on the news this week.

"It's the climax of the Ori story line," Wright said of the first film. The movie will tie up the loose ends from the show's tenth season, which is expected to conclude its U.S. television run in June. The film will be written and directed by current SG-1 executive producer and show-runner Robert C. Cooper.

The SG-1 cast is not signed for the movies yet, but are said to be "very eager" to continue.

Wright will pen the second film, which will involve time travel.

The producers have previously expressed a desire to set up a third Stargate television series with a film -- but it isn't confirmed yet whether or not this second movie will do just that.

The studio is targetting a fall 2007 release for both projects -- just a few months after Stargate SG-1 ends its historic, 10-year run on cable television.

It's entirely possible that the movies will also be aired on television -- something SCI FI commonly does with direct-to-DVD movies.

"They're not big-budget [films] by any definition, but for us it's pretty good," Wright told TV Guide. "As we've proven over the years, just give us little more money and we can make pretty good television, or DVDs."

"There's a sense of an era for us ending," he said, "but at the same time, we're all positive because of the prospect of continuing forward with movies and the introduction next year of Stargate Worlds, a massive multiplayer online game."

Season Ten of Stargate SG-1 resumes with all-new episodes in March on SCI FI Channel.