TV News: Robert Carlyle Cast in Stargate Universe + Show Details
So one of my favorite TV franchises, Stargate, is getting its third installment and much speculation has been thrown around as to which actor will lead the newest Stargate team to the far reaches of the galaxy in the next series, Stargate Universe.
Now its official, Robert Carlyle will be the lead role in the upcoming series for the Sci-fi network. According to the Hollywood Reporter,
“Production on the series is slated to begin in February in Vancouver. It is targeted to launch in the summer with a two-hour premiere.
Described as edgier, darker and younger-skewing than its predecessors, “SGU” follows a group of soldiers, scientists and civilians left to fend for themselves when forced through a Stargate after their hidden base comes under attack. The survivors, who emerge aboard an ancient ship missing in the far reaches of space, are led by Dr. David Rush (Carlyle), who works to unlock the ship’s mysteries and return the group home but also might have ulterior motives.
The network had said it was looking to cast a well-known actor as Rush and fresh faces to play the rest of the ship’s crew.
“Robert Carlyle brings a depth, intelligence and complexity to his roles, which will fit perfectly with the fresh, new reinvention of this franchise,” Sci Fi original-programming chief Mark Stern said.”
A 20-year veteran of film and television, the 47-year-old actor hails from Glasgow, Scotland. He studied acting at the Glasgow Arts Centre and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, and co-founded the Rain Dog theatre company in 1991, according to the Internet Movie Database. He is married with three children.
Among Carlyle’s most notable films are Trainspotting, The Full Monty, Eragon, and the horror flick 28 Weeks Later. He played in the Bond film The World Is Not Enough and most recently, he starred as Carl Benton opposite Kiefer Sutherland in the TV movie 24: Redemption. There had been rumors he was in talks to take over the role of the Doctor in the BBC’s Doctor Who series when Tennant leaves, I do not know how much that rumor fits now he has dedicated himself to the Stargate franchise and SGU.
This really excited me for that I can say not only is Carlyle a great actor but that the series is actually starting to sound kind of different. I didn’t think the lead character in the series would be a “doctor” but rather a military official like they have done in the previous two series. I like the curveball so to speak. I can’t wait to hear more about the series and who else they cast in it and if anybody from the previous 2 series will cross over. I would love to see Jonas Quinn come back.
Also I have taken the liberty of pasting some more details from Gateworld.net with some more details on the show!
“Stargate Universe is set on board the Destiny, a ship created by the Ancients millions of years ago which is following a pre-programmed course from one galaxy to the next.
While the studio is touting Carlyle as the “leading role” in the new series, the show’s producers tell GateWorld that Universe will be a true ensemble show. It’s not entirely clear just what role Dr. David Rush will play on board the Destiny. The character did not appear in the original casting calls, which led us to believe that the team that finds itself stranded on the Ancient ship would be led by military Colonel Everett Young.
Rush is not a replacement for Young, however, and may not even be the mission commander. More recent casting documents include an audition scene between the two men (which may or may not actually appear on screen), in which the two argue about who should be in command.
Based on new story details provided in today’s press release, that’s because the team has found itself on board the Destiny by accident:
Edgier and younger in tone than the two previous series, SGU follows a band of soldiers, scientists and civilians, who must fend for themselves as they are forced through a Stargate when their hidden base comes under attack. The desperate survivors emerge aboard an ancient ship missing in the far reaches of space. As they fight to survive, Dr. Rush (Carlyle) works to unlock the mysteries of the ship and return the group home, but evidence of his ulterior motives soon arises.
Everett Young is described in casting documents as the temporary commander of a secret off world base. It’s purely speculation at this point, but Rush may have found a way to reach the Destiny (using the Stargate’s ninth chevron, as previously revealed), only to be forced through the gate prematurely when the base comes under attack, with a group he never intended to take: Young and a team of young soldiers and civilians, refugees from the compromised base.
Additional casting is currently underway and we expect to hear more news in the coming days and weeks, as the series prepares to begin principal photography on February 4. At least six major roles have yet to be cast, including Colonel Young, Captain Tamara Jon, Chloe Carpenter, Eli Hitchcock, Lt. Jared Nash, and Ron “Psycho” Stasiak (story).”
