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This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title.
If an article link referred you here, you might want to go back and fix it to point directly to the intended page. Also, if you wanted to search for the term "Revival Attempts", click here.


This article has a separate continuity.
This article is in the Glen Larson revival separate continuity, which is related to the Original Series. Be sure that your contributions to this article reflect the characters and events specific to this continuity only.
This article discusses a non-canonical battlestar in a story concept that has never been broadcast or has been released to video or theaters. For information on battlestars that are officially noted in episodes of the Re-imagined Series or Original Series, see Battlestar.

A 1999 continuation revival attempt by Battlestar Galactica Original Series creator Glen A. Larson and Todd Moyer, producer of Wing Commander and a handful of other science fiction theatrical releases, involved a motion picture focusing on a battlestar Atlantis and its relationship to the lost colony of Earth.

The concept of a Battlestar Galactica movie revival began to grow again in 1999 in the wake of Richard Hatch's completion of his mock movie trailer to promote Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming. According to Larson, the motion picture rights for Battlestar Galactica had reverted to his company, and talks involving several film studios had been in progress, but had not yet solidified.

Later that year, Moyer and Larson announced that an independently produced Battlestar Galactica movie was in progress. The storyline would initially reintroduce Commander Cain and the crew of Pegasus, who discuss finding the lost Galactica and her Fleet, and the adventure of a battlestar named Atlantis, which carried the Thirteenth Tribe to colonize Earth.

Hatch and Larson were indicated to have met to consider working together on the same continuation, but further discussions never occurred. Larson and Moyer continued to clarify their "sole and exclusive" motion picture rights in other interviews and publications.

While Hatch succeeded in generating an impressive (if unofficial) mock trailer that added more fuel to the revival efforts, Larson's claim to the motion picture rights appeared confirmed during the sell of Universal Pictures to the Vivendi Group.

In August 1999, a comparatively simple trailer for the Larson revival appeared, stating a movie release period of Christmas, 2000.

Larson was credited as creative consultant to the Re-imagined Series and is also credited as the story creator.

Sources

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This article has a separate continuity.
This article is in the Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming separate continuity, which is related to the Original Series. Be sure that your contributions to this article reflect the characters and events specific to this continuity only.
Image from the "making of" the Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming trailer

The Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming project was a proof-of-concept, professionally-created mock movie trailer created, produced, directed, and starred by Original Series star and Galactica spin-off author Richard Hatch. Under his production company, Su-Shann, Hatch leveraged the talent of many TOS stars, including John Colicos, in an effort to convince Universal Studios, the owners to the rights of the Battlestar Galactica franchise, to greenlight a new series or motion picture.

The elaborate trailer features new concepts, impressive acting, and very exciting special effects. Hatch visited many science-fiction conventions to show the trailer and it proved to be a hit among fans that viewed it. While his project was not ultimately produced, it was one of several revival attempts during the 1990s that "served to fuel the desire for a Battlestar Galactica revival."[Book 1]

However, Hatch never succeeded in getting Universal's attention. The BSG project revival would be first given to Tom DeSanto and X-Men director Bryan Singer in coordination with Fox Studios and USA Television in 2001. After that project dissolved primarily due to the withdrawal of Fox Studios as well as Singer's commitment to a second X-Men movie, USA Networks chose Ronald D. Moore and David Eick to create a new project, which would be a near-complete rewrite of the series, with familiar names, characters, and places, but with none of the original actors as their original characters, and with a much darker overtone.

Despite initial doubts about the series, Richard Hatch was happy to join the new Battlestar Galactica TV series cast as the recurring character of terrorist-turned-politician Tom Zarek. Reflecting on the experience, Hatch stated: "I fell in love with the original show and I spent a lot of time and money fighting to bring it back, so it was a painful process for me to accept that the studio was going ahead with a re-imagining instead... But I had to come to terms in a very painful way that I didn’t own Battlestar, and I had to move past my own frustrations to appreciate the new show on its own merits."[Book 2]

Summary

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The four minute trailer begins with a shot of outer space, and a voiceover by Hatch:

"It was the seventh era of mankind. Twenty yahrens have passed since the last great war. A civilization was reborn, an enemy had grown, and now a new generation will have to face an old foe. I must prepare them for the second coming." The foot of a Cylon steps onto the screen. Then we get a close-up of the Cylon's face. He says, "By your command." Then we see a group of Cylons. They all look very similar to the originals. The one in the center says, "It is done, Imperious Leader." Apollo then appears and says, "I must prepare them for the second coming."

Next, there are some shots of vipers flying over the surface of a planet while evading some kind of anti-aircraft guns. In a medical room, Dr. Salik (played by George Murdock, the original actor) tends to Apollo who is lying down. Salik says to him, "It's been five yahrens since we last saw a Cylon. They no longer pose a threat." Apollo answers, "They have evolved." An upgraded version of a Cylon basestar appears, and then the Gemini freighter is destroyed (which also happens in Galactica 1980).

Viewers then see the face of Baltar who has a large scar on his cheek and is wearing a hood. He says "Greetings." Moments later, he continues: "There's been a Cylon civil war. A new and more lethal species of Cylon has emerged. Let me say that you're all in great peril. And only I can lead you to safety." Viewers see shots of Colonial Warriors battling Cylons, and an Imperious Leader with a new look.

Athena is played by Szilvia Naray who looks similar to Maren Jensen. She says, to a man standing near her, "My brother is leading us down a dangerous path." An entire planet explodes. Apollo runs from a fiery blaze.

There are shots of Colonial Warriors training, doing one-arm pushups. Colonial Vipers hang above them. Bojay says to Apollo, "Your son's gonna make a fine pilot." Apollo answers, "Yes, he is." There is a close-up shot of Troy (the grown-up Boxey), who is played by Mickelean McCormick. Apollo also says, "These cadets have no idea what they're in for." There are various shots of a space battle between Vipers and Raiders among ships of the Fleet.

There is a brief shot of Apollo standing next to Tigh, but no words are said. There is a shot of a Colonial city on a planet, so apparently the Colonials have settled. There are more shots of space battle scenes with Colonial Vipers and Cylon Raiders. There is a Super Cylon basestar, which is about six times larger than the regular Cylon basestar. The Vipers and Raiders look very close to the originals. A few upgraded Vipers appear. There is a shot of Colonial Vipers shooting out of Galactica's launch tubes.

Near the end, Baltar appears again and says, "Your friend Starbuck, he was alive last I saw him. I'm sure he's dead by now." Apollo challenges Count Iblis, who is played by Richard Lynch (the same actor who played Wolfe in "The Gun on Ice Planet Zero" and the time-traveling villain Xaviar in "Galactica Discovers Earth"). Apollo says, "How dare you? You care about no one but yourself in your quest for power! And mark my words, I will not stand by and watch the human race bow down and be defeated once again!" Moments later, Iblis says, "We have them right where we want them." Baltar says, "Your friend, Starbuck... he was alive when last I saw you. I'm sure he's dead by now."

Moments later in another segment, Apollo tells Athena, "Starbuck's alive. I know it." Athena answers, "If you leave, I will replace you." Apollo says, "Prepare the fleet for battle". A hologram of Adama is speaking to Apollo. He says, "We're in a life and death struggle for survival. We need heroes." (This is from "The Living Legend")

There is a new version of the Ship of Lights. Colonial vipers are launching toward a large phalanx of upgraded Cylon Raiders. One of the pilots says, "Starbuck, here we come." The Galactica destroys a Cylon basestar. It all ends with close-up shots of the main characters, and then the words "Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming."

Cast

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References

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  1. David Bassom (2005). Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion. Titan Books, p. 11.
  2. David Bassom (2005). Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion. Titan Books, p. 135.
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This article has a separate continuity.
This article is in the Singer-DeSanto Continuation separate continuity, which is related to the Original Series. Be sure that your contributions to this article reflect the characters and events specific to this continuity only.
Cylon design for the cancelled Battlestar Galactica continuation series

An effort to create a continuation of the original Battlestar Galactica series was formulated through the Sci Fi Channel's former executive vice president, Bonnie Hammer, in June of 2000.

Director Bryan Singer and producer Tom DeSanto, who met over an air flight while Tom was watching the Original Series on DVD, began talking as well about a revival of the series around the same time. ("SDS" is Battlestar Wiki's shortcut designation, using the last initials of the revival leaders.)

By the start of 2001, the rumors increased of the likelihood of a new series. The rumors were confirmed by February of that year, and the holders to the rights for Battlestar Galactica, Studios USA, announced that Bryan Singer and his collaborative team were intent on maintaining the spirit of the Original Series. To reinforce this notion, the studio also indicated that Original Series creator Glen Larson had given an endorsement for the project, and had been brought to the development team as a creative consultant.[1]

Rise and fall

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Casting, crewing, set design, and a preliminary script were readied. by April 2001, production was greenlighted by the studios. The Fox Television Network offered to host the new series pilot.

Despite the enthusiasm of holding true to the nature of the Original Series, information from various sources indicated that Original Series cast members were not being considered for the nascent series initially. After what appears to have been a generous amount of negotiation, actors Dirk Benedict and Herb Jefferson Jr. announced they would be joining the cast. Benedict indicated he would reprise his role as Starbuck.[2]

With sets in place in studios in Canada (where production costs would be less than in America) the pilot was scheduled to begin filming in November 2001. But with the events of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, morale, as well as impacts and complications to scheduling and travel delayed events by over a month.[3]

The creative linchpin of the project (at least from the studio's perspective), Bryan Singer, was forced to leave the new Battlestar project as he was obligated in directing and managing pre-production of the X2: X-Men United motion picture. With his departure, the studio's confidence in completing the new series unraveled, starting with Fox Network, who withdrew their support in favor of another TV series by Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel creator Joss Whedon: Firefly.

An attempt was made to locate another director, but by then support for DeSanto's original concept had faded.

Galactica interior design for the cancelled Battlestar Galactica continuation series

Further driving the remaining nails in the project's coffin was Studio USA and the Sci Fi Channel itself, which began a second revival attempt, this time tapping veteran Star Trek writer Ron D. Moore and producer David Eick to lead a totally "rebooted" or "re-imagined" version of the story that paralleled many elements of the Original Series, but contained wholly distinct and diverse casting (including no Original Series cast initially)[4], many initial plot elements borrowed directly from the failing SDS project, and a serious, character driven storyline using very few typical SF cliches. This project was officially announced in April 2002.

The sets and other physical effects built for the Singer/DeSanto project were destroyed as the project died in utero while its fraternal twin was born, airing on the Sci Fi Channel by year's end, 2003, backed up with financing by Sky One in the United Kingdom.

Singer's work continues in such movies as Superman Returns, a successful 2006 revival of the Superman movie franchise. DeSanto continues his role as producer in past and new films such as Singer's X-Men 2 and the live-action Transformers, released in July 2007.

Ron Moore's new series went on to receive technical and popular acclaim, and concluded after four seasons with a prequel series aired in 2010/2011.

The Storyline

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The continuation, built from the events of the episode "The Hand of God," tracks the Fleet after Galactica and Pegasus shake off the Cylon pursuit. The opening depicts a Colonial classroom where a teacher reviews the history of the Fleet, 23 years prior. Pegasus is confirmed as lost[5], and the Cylons themselves paid a high price in the battle.

The quest for Earth continues, but Commander Adama has died, and Colonel Tigh assumes command. The citizens of the Fleet tire of spacefaring life, and, after a civil uprising, convince their leaders to settle the Fleet in an asteroid field that is rich in resources.

The new colony, named New Caprica, builds new ships, settlements and facilities from the asteroids.

The Cylons themselves reflected on their failures and determined that free will was a serious issue that caused problems in their logic-based civilization. When Baltar is found marooned, the Cylons initially held him up as a perfect example of their failures. Baltar convinced the Cylons that some qualities of humanity are useful, and underwent a cybernetic transformation into a new Cylon model to prove this. More dissent arose among the Cylons as a result, leading into a civil war. Out of the ashes of their war came a new Cylon race that, instead of obliterating the remnants of humanity that it finds, begins instead to assimilate the conquered humans as Cylon cyborgs.[6]

The character known as Boxey has grown up and assumed command of Galactica under the name of Commander Orin[7] who faces the loss of his command from political pressure to decommission the battlestar as it has become outmoded and difficult to maintain. The political pressure becomes a command. The Colonial president, a woman named Mara, visits the battlestar in her shuttlecraft to attend the battlestar's decommissioning ceremonies.[8]

Just as the battlestar's systems are powered down, the Cylons, who have studied New Caprica in secret and devised an elaborate plan for success, strike.

See Also

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  • Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming, a proof-of-concept mock trailer created by Richard Hatch to boister support with Universal Studios for a series or motion picture revival of a complete original series continuation.
  • The Battlestar Galactica video game, which was apparently created in anticipation of this series project. The game contains characters and situations derived in whole or in part from the Original Series, with some elements that later appear in the Re-imagined Series. The result of these derivations is a video game with a storyline in neither the Original nor the Re-imagined Series continuity.
  • Battlestar Atlantis, a planned continuation by series creator Glen Larson.
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References

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  1. Larson himself had begun a motion picture continuation project some months prior.
  2. Benedict later appeared in the Re-imagined Series' pre-Season 2 special "Battlestar Galactica: The Lowdown" with actress Katee Sackhoff, who plays the female version of his Original Series character. However, as noted in his cast biography, Benedict has had strong criticism of the Re-imagined Series, especially, the perceived "demasculating" of the Starbuck character.
  3. The Re-imagined continuity uses the allegory of 9/11 heavily in the Miniseries (with the "fog of war" during the Cylon attack) and in the characters' grieving with the memorial hallway for example.
  4. Richard Hatch was trying to gain support with Universal for his own continuation, Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming and created an impressive mock trailer as a sales tool.
  5. The Pegasus storyline is revived for the Re-imagined Series.
  6. The concept of android or cyborg Cylons appear in the Re-imagined Series in the form of the Humanoid Cylon. The concept of a humanoid Cylon was used 23 years before in the Galactica 1980 episode "The Night the Cylons Landed".
  7. This character has two other characterizations, as Troy in Galactica 1980 and as a Re-imagined Series version.
  8. The story elements of Galactica's decommissioning and presidency is reflected in the Miniseries and the character of soon-to-be president Laura Roslin.




Around April 1979, Glen Larson wrote a proposal for the second season of Battlestar Galactica, sometime before the airing of "The Hand of God". This document was discovered by his son, Chris Larson, who added concept art unrelated to Battlestar Galactica and stamped the pages so as to emulate uniqueness. Otherwise, the document is genuine, and provides various insights into what a second season of Battlestar Galactica may have looked like.

Document Breakdown

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The document is broken up into these major parts:

  • Introduction
  • A Fleet Projection
  • A People Projection
  • Personality Arcs
  • Story Summaries
  • Chart of the Competition faced by Battlestar Galactica from CBS and NBC

Introduction

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According to the document, the "two things [that] are apparent". The introduction notes the "endless Sunday night barrage" of television specials, including the Emmy Awards ceremony, The World Series (baseball), and various popular movies and specials. The document notes that the series was preempted eight times, finding itself in a 10 P.M. timeslot (although it is noted that the show did well in this time slot).[1]

The document further claims that "despite this unprecedented assault[,] Galactica has emerged with a core audience who will seek her out no matter where she is" and had difficulty establishing a "stable, lasting base audience."[1]

According to Larson, who claims that the Nielsen and TVQ's seasonal breakdown for that television season indicates that "Battlestar supporters are almost entirely void of teenage girls and women". Furthermore, he posits that this loss is so great that "even a moderate success in this area would result in a substantative (sic) jump in [the] base audience".[2]

Larson further posits that the lack of female viewers is due to two factors: "emotional content [that] women demand" and "the absence of any 'breakout' characters'". He attributes both these factors to the size of the cast, noting that it is "the largest in television" makes it "difficult and unwieldy to zero in on three or four characters that the audience cares about".[2]

To support this, he makes a "battle plan born of two strategies": a projection of where both the Fleet and the its people are headed.

The Fleet

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Larson claims that the series' first (and only) season focused primarily on the fact that "people [were] moved by events, rather than the other way around". He asks, "What guiding light might we place on our bridge to pilot Galactica in a direction that starts with people whose interaction with events spell human commitment and involvement[?]"

The answer he gives is the involvement of Issac Asimov, the world-renowned science fiction writer whose stories are primarily about robots. Larson claims that Asimov "accepted the challenge to come on board Galactica as her Creative Consultant," where he "will help mold and guide concepts," as well as write and critique stories and scripts.[3]

The People

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Larson follows up on his earlier concerns about the issue of the large ensemble cast. In this portion of the proposal, he indicates the following changes: development of the female characters, the introduction of humor into the show, and a "careful restructuring" of the cast.[4]

The restructuring of the cast would have resulted in the loss of the following characters:

Personality Arcs

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This part of the proposal discusses the primary characters of the series, all of them Colonials.

Retained Characters

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The changes in the characters are fleshed out in depth on the character's respective articles. The summary of the characters retained in the unfilmed second season are:

  • Apollo steps down as the leader of Blue Squadron after Sheba's death, absconds all responsibility to others, and becomes a carefree spirit, more like Starbuck[5], and has various dalliances with women (including the Cylon half-human, half-android robot, Renata).
  • Starbuck, who assumes command of Blue Squadron and takes many of Apollo's original attributes, including duty to his work and the act of distancing himself from any serious relationships, particularly the one he begins developing with Cassiopeia. With Apollo, who he relies on for advice, the two develop a "Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid" relationship.[6] He also develops a "sixth sense," which tells him of danger (like Sheba's death in "The Return of the Pegasus").[7]
  • Adama is disappointed in Apollo's decision to step back from the burden of command (even though he engaged in this thought himself[8]), focusing more of his energies on his daughter, Athena, as well as Boomer. He is secretly pleased by the competitiveness between the two, but hopes that Apollo will still be is successor. In the meantime, the strength and abilities of Athena and Boomer give Adama more time to deal with the personal issues of the people in his Fleet.[9]
  • Athena is severely wounded in the opening episode but her face is repaired via reconstructive surgery, which allows for the role to be recast. The rest of her body is scarred beyond repair and, because of this, she avoids any romantic relationships for fear of rejection and being viewed as a freak. She focuses her energies on her work, giving her an "aggressive, cutting edge that is ameliorated by our understanding of her vulnerability". Her zeal at her job proves her worthiness as a competent commander, relieving Adama of some of his responsibilities.[9]
  • Cassiopeia becomes the head Life Sciences practitioner aboard Galactica (replacing Doctor Salik), and given that Starbuck is "married" to his new command, she focuses her energies into her new role. All the while, she "discovers talents and depths within herself she never knew she possessed—and becomes the New Woman of Space."[10]
  • Boomer replaces Doctor Wilker as "a combination of Einstein-Edison talent emerges" from him, and becomes an "enormous asset to Galactica". His ever-growing knowledge of science, via experiments in his lab, make him less of a Warrior fighting in a Viper and more of "an indispensable assistant" to Adama and the Fleet.[10]

New Characters

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Additionally, a new character is developed to "solidify our position with young girls [...] that might have a special appeal" as a "heart throb". This character, Troy, is an eager, cute, mischievous, well-intending young man and is introduced as Adama's cabin boy. In this role, Troy learns of every crisis and makes manageable situations turn "into a hopeless morass". Due to this, he replaces Colonel Tigh to allow for "more confrontations and opportunities" between Adama and Apollo. Troy also serves as a "pain in the ass for Starbuck and Apollo".[11]

Stories

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Main article: Stories for Season Two of the Original Series

The following are stories that are part of the proposal:

  • "The Return of the Pegasus," a two-hour tale that reveals that Commander Cain and Pegasus survived the Battle of Gamoray and introduces many of the aforementioned changes to the show's format. Interestingly, this episode also introduces the concept of human-looking Cylons, a concept visited (in android form) Galactica 1980 and as more a organic form in the Re-imagined Series.
  • "A Woman's Power," a one-hour episode where the women from both the Fleet and Galactica (lead by Athena) plan to overthrow "male dominance" of the Fleet for they tire of war and their struggle to survive.
  • "Island in the Sky," a one-hour episode where Apollo and Starbuck crash on a "tiny barren plant with an incredibly strong gravitational pull," which turns out to be a paradise with ever-lasting youth... harboring a dark secret.
  • "The Bad and the Brave," an one-hour show that deals with a devastating battle that results in damage to the orphan ship, itself crashing on a planet. However, the base star has followed them there to make repairs; Starbuck and Athena are forced to make a decision, allow the Cylons to kill the children or the Fleet.
  • "A Plague in Space," a one-hour show where Cassiopeia is Galactica's Patient Zero, spreading a disease that once existed on Kobol.
  • "A Queen's Ransom," a one-hour show where Apollo and Starbuck investigate the planet Sirenus upon learning it has solenium crystals crucial to navigation. The society on Sirenus is female-dominated and their leader, Areola, offers the crystals: the price being that Starbuck offers his "personal services" as one of Areola's concubines.

References

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  1. 1.0 1.1 Ibid., p. 4
  2. 2.0 2.1 Ibid., p. 5
  3. Ibid., p. 6
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 Ibid., p. 7
  5. Ibid., 8
  6. Ibid., 9
  7. Ibid., 13
  8. Ibid., 15
  9. 9.0 9.1 Ibid., 10
  10. 10.0 10.1 Ibid., 11
  11. Ibid., 12

Shortcut:
SE
Esmail
BSG20

Battlestar Galactica
Battlestar Galactica
Created by Sam Esmail
Starring
Theme music by
Statistics
Production company NBC Universal
Number of seasons
Number of episodes (list)
Debut channel Peacock
US first-run airdates USA
UK first-run airdates UK
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Executive producer(s) Sam Esmail
Producer(s)
Supervising producer(s)
Associate producer(s)
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Online Purchasing
Available at iTunes – [ Purchase]
Related Media
@ BW Media

Summary

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Announced on the 41st anniversary of the 1978 Battlestar Galactica series, this new series was inspired by Ronald D. Moore's Re-imagined Series.[development 1]

Following the announcement wherein NBC claimed that the new series was a "reboot,"[development 2] Esmail went to Twitter to clarify that "it will NOT be a remake of the amazing series by @RonDMoore launched because... why mess with perfection? Instead, we'll explore a new story within the mythology while staying true to the spirit of Battlestar. So say we all!"[development 3]

Furthermore, according to the website Deadline.com, "We hear Esmail had been in touch with Moore, who blessed the idea of him taking on the franchise, because of Esmail's passion for Moore's show."[development 4] This was clarified by Esmail himself in an interview October 2019, wherein he notes that he spoke to Moore and asked: "A, are you OK with this? And B, if you are, how do we proceed?" Esmail also noted that Moore "said he was OK with it as long as it wasn't a reboot — which was in line with what I was thinking."[commentary 1]

To date, Moore himself has not commented publicly on the series' development.

Meanwhile, fan reaction is understandably mixed, with some questioning publicly as to why another Battlestar Galactica series is necessary to some even voicing doubt on Esmail's claims.

Reaction from cast and crew members is also fairly positive, with initial responses posted to social media by Katee Sackhoff (Kara "Starbuck" Thrace), Aaron Douglas (Galen Tyrol), Sam Witwer (Alex Quartararo), Rekha Sharma (Tory Foster), and others. (See: the Official statements section.)

Executive produced by Sam Esmail under an overall deal with Universal Content Productions that itself was renewed February 2019, this series was intended to leverage the Battlestar brand for NBC's own specialty streaming service called Peacock and was originally planned to launch as early as April 2020.[development 5]

The project remained in development for five years before being formally cancelled by Peacock in July 2024.[production 1] According to sources, UCP will shop the project to other outlets.[production 2]

Series development

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The series was conceived as a passion project by Sam Esmail,[development 6] who secured an overall deal with Universal Content Productions in 2019. The series was designed to exist within the same continuity as the 2003 Battlestar Galactica series but tell a new story.[development 7]

Writing and Showrunner Changes

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The project experienced multiple changes in its writing leadership during its five-year development period. Michael Lesslie was initially brought aboard in May 2020 as writer, creator, and executive producer.[production 3] Lesslie, known for his work on AMC's The Little Drummer Girl and films including Macbeth and Assassin's Creed, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating he was "beyond excited to be taking on this iconic and inspirational show."[commentary 2]

However, in March 2021, Lesslie departed the project to work on Hulu's adaptation of Margaret Atwood's Maddaddam trilogy.[production 4] The exact reasons for Lesslie's departure remain undisclosed.[production 5]

In January 2024, Derek Simonds, creator of USA Network's The Sinner, was named as the new writer, executive producer, and showrunner.[production 6] Simonds' appointment came after Esmail expressed optimism about the project's status following the resolution of the 2023 WGA strike, telling Deadline in October 2023: "We are working on it. And in fact, I just read a great outline and it's in great shape."[commentary 3]

Project Cancellation

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Despite the creative team changes and apparent progress, Peacock officially cancelled the project in July 2024.[production 1] The project had been in development for five years but never received a formal series order.[production 7] No specific reason was given for the cancellation,[production 8] but it was reported that UCP would continue to shop the project to other streaming platforms and networks.[production 9]

Official Statements

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  • Esmail clarifies the announcement:
BSG fans, this will NOT be a remake of the amazing series @RonDMoore launched because... why mess with perfection? Instead, we'll explore a new story within the mythology while staying true to the spirit of Battlestar. So say we all![development 8]
  • Esmail discusses topical political commentary in response to a fan's plea to refrain from the inclusion of "identity politics or anti Trump comentary (sic)," wherein they state that "the equilibrium between conservative AND liberal views" made "the [Re-imagined Series] so special."
Please try to remember that Trump doesn't represent liberal or conservative values. All he represents is ignorant narcissism via his banal assholery. My attacks on trump (sic) aren't on any political affiliation, just on the shittiness of his pathetically low character.[commentary 4]
  • Esmail espouses his fondness for the Re-imagined Series:
It was this sci-fi show that didn't feel incredibly sci-fi-y. It was grounded. I felt like I was watching a war film — so allegorical because it really was talking about 9/11 and the post-terrorist attack environment in a really human way. It was groundbreaking television in how serialized it was before that became popular among the other dramatic shows.[commentary 5]
  • Esmail notes his conversation with Re-imagined Series' developer, Ronald D. Moore, on the concept of a "reboot":
The word "reboot" was used when we were first talking about it, and I cringed. [Showrunner] Ronald Moore, he just hit it out of the park with his series, so why would I even want to touch that? I talked to him and said, "A, are you OK with this? And B, if you are, how do we proceed?" He said he was OK with it as long as it wasn't a reboot — which was in line with what I was thinking. But the world of Battlestar Galactica is so rich, the mythology is so interesting, that I think there is a lot to pick from and explore.[commentary 6]
  • Esmail on his approach to contemporary themes and AI consciousness:
The world is changing way too fast for us. I mean, when we started working on it, I obviously was aware of AI, but now, four or five years later, it's in the public consciousness and now that's so influential in how we're going to tell the story. The allegory piece is something that is crystallized in a different way, too. The focus is the same, which is the fear of tech and how it might take over, but this idea of just 'the robots are going to be our overlords' is a very facile and overly simplistic way of looking at it.[commentary 7]

Re-Imagined Series Cast & Crew Statements

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Good to know 👍🏻😉 Excited to see what you come up with. 🚀[external 1]
Dear BSG fans, I think @samesmail @NBCUniversal are gonna do something great with BSG: not a remake! So lay down your sidearms and grab the ambrosia...
And if it goes sideways, don't worry.
I mean, have you met us?
Cylons are NOT to be trifled with.
End of line.
😘😘💃🏽💃🏽💪🏽💪🏽[external 2]
Looking forward to it, Sam! And maybe you've got a place for some cylons (sic)...? I'd love to revisit that exquisite mythology 😘 [external 3]
Hi Sam. I'm available & I'm very familiar with the mythology of Battlestar…. 😉 @samesmail [external 4]
We breathe a sigh of relief, sir.
#CrashdownWasACylon[external 5][footnotes 1]

Production Crew

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Producers

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Writers and Showrunners

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  • Michael Lesslie - Writer, Executive Producer (2020-2021)[production 11]
  • Derek Simonds - Writer, Executive Producer, Showrunner (2024)[production 6]

Notes

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  • In lieu of a more distinct title, the initialism "SE" (for Sam Esmail) is to be used for any content in this series' continuity, per our Separate Continuity policy.
  • The project represents the second major science fiction property that Esmail attempted to revive at UCP, following his work on a Metropolis series for Apple TV+ that was also cancelled during pre-production.[production 12]

References

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Footnotes

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  1. Also, Crashdown was not a Cylon.

Development and Creative Process

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  1. Goldberg, Lesley. 'Battlestar Galactica' Reboot From Sam Esmail in the Works at NBCU's Streamer (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 17 September 2019.
  2. NBCUNIVERSAL ANNOUNCES 'PEACOCK' AS THE NAME OF ITS STREAMING SERVICE AND UNVEILS INITIAL CONTENT LINEUP (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). (17 September 2019). Retrieved on 19 September 2019.
  3. Sam Esmail Tweet (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). (17 September 2019). Retrieved on 17 September 2019.
  4. Hipes, Patrick (17 September 2019). 'Battlestar Galactica' Reboot From Sam Esmail Headed For NBCU's Peacock Streaming Service (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 19 September 2019.
  5. Goldberg, Lesley (17 September 2019). The Hollywood Reporter: NBCUniversal's Streaming Strategy, Name, Programming Lineup Revealed (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 17 September 2019.
  6. Andreeva, Nellie (6 January 2024). 'Battlestar Galactica': Derek Simonds Set As New Showrunner Of Peacock Reboot In Works From Producer Sam Esmail (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 6 January 2024.
  7. Goldberg, Lesley (31 July 2024). 'Battlestar Galactica' Reboot No Longer in the Works at Peacock (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 31 July 2024.
  8. Esmail, Sam (17 September 2019). Sam Esmail's Tweet - Re: Reboot (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 17 September 2019.

Production History

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  1. 1.0 1.1 Goldberg, Lesley (31 July 2024). 'Battlestar Galactica' Reboot No Longer in the Works at Peacock (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 31 July 2024.
  2. Kroll, Justin (31 July 2024). 'Battlestar Galactica' Reboot Dead At Peacock, Will Be Shopped (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 31 July 2024.
  3. Andreeva, Nellie (4 May 2020). 'Battlestar Galactica': Michael Lesslie To Oversee Peacock Reboot From Sam Esmail (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 4 May 2020.
  4. Lesnick, Silas (29 March 2021). Battlestar Galactica Reboot Loses Writer (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 29 March 2021.
  5. Baculi, Spencer (8 January 2024). 'Battlestar Galactica' Peacock Reboot Lands New Showrunner In 'The Sinner' Creator Derek Simonds (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 8 January 2024.
  6. 6.0 6.1 Andreeva, Nellie (6 January 2024). 'Battlestar Galactica': Derek Simonds Set As New Showrunner Of Peacock Reboot In Works From Producer Sam Esmail (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 6 January 2024.
  7. Goldberg, Lesley (31 July 2024). 'Battlestar Galactica' Reboot No Longer in the Works at Peacock (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 31 July 2024.
  8. Foutch, Haleigh (2 August 2024). The Battlestar Galactica Reboot: Will It Happen? Everything We Know (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 2 August 2024.
  9. Kroll, Justin (31 July 2024). 'Battlestar Galactica' Reboot Dead At Peacock, Will Be Shopped (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 31 July 2024.
  10. Goldberg, Lesley (31 July 2024). 'Battlestar Galactica' Reboot No Longer in the Works at Peacock (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 31 July 2024.
  11. Andreeva, Nellie (4 May 2020). 'Battlestar Galactica': Michael Lesslie To Oversee Peacock Reboot From Sam Esmail (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 4 May 2020.
  12. Kroll, Justin (31 July 2024). 'Battlestar Galactica' Reboot Dead At Peacock, Will Be Shopped (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 31 July 2024.

Commentary and Interviews

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  1. O'Connell, Michael (03 October 2019). Sam Esmail on 'Battlestar Galactica' and Life After 'Mr. Robot' (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 03 October 2019.
  2. Andreeva, Nellie (4 May 2020). 'Battlestar Galactica': Michael Lesslie To Oversee Peacock Reboot From Sam Esmail (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 4 May 2020.
  3. Baculi, Spencer (8 January 2024). 'Battlestar Galactica' Peacock Reboot Lands New Showrunner In 'The Sinner' Creator Derek Simonds (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 8 January 2024.
  4. Esmail, Sam (18 September 2019). Sam Esmail's Tweet - Re: Battlestar Politics (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 19 September 2019.
  5. O'Connell, Michael (03 October 2019). Sam Esmail on 'Battlestar Galactica' and Life After 'Mr. Robot' (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 03 October 2019.
  6. O'Connell, Michael (03 October 2019). Sam Esmail on 'Battlestar Galactica' and Life After 'Mr. Robot' (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 03 October 2019.
  7. Agar, Chris (12 January 2024). 'Battlestar Galactica': Derek Simonds Set As Showrunner Of Reboot (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 12 January 2024.

External Sources and Reviews

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  1. Sackhoff, Katee (17 September 2019). Katee Sackhoff's Twitter - Re: Esmail's Clarification (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 19 September 2019.
  2. Sharma, Rekha (17 September 2019). Rekha Sharma's Twitter - Re: BSG - Not a Remake (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 19 September 2019.
  3. Sharma, Rekha (18 September 2019). Rekha Sharma's Twitter - Re: Esmail's Clarification (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 19 September 2019.
  4. Douglas, Aaron (17 September 2019). Aaron Douglas' Twitter - Re: Esmail's Clarification (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 19 September 2019.
  5. Witwer, Sam (18 September 2019). Sam Witwer's Twitter - Re: Esmail's Clarification (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). Retrieved on 19 September 2019.

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