New Stargate Series To Be Ship-Bound

"Stargate SG-1" was set on an Earth base. "Stargate: Atlantis" traveled to another galaxy, but still has its own primary planet. But the new "Stargate: Universe" is going to be on the move.

The new series, when it goes into production, will take place on a ship originally built by the Ancients, "Atlantis" co-creator Brad Wright told GateWorld.

"The idea of 'Stargate: Universe' is that it is set on a ship that was part of an Ancient experiment that was set in motion probably millions of years ago -- one that they never saw to fruition, but that we can," Wright said. "They got busy with the whole ascension thing."

The concept centers on two ships that were built by the Ancients, an unmanned one that would automatically place stargates throughout the universe, and another that would follow behind it and do exploring, a ship that a group of humans will climb aboard and set sail.

Just like how "Atlantis" utilized an eighth chevron to travel to another universe, "Universe" will take on the ninth chevron, which is designed to get to the exploration ship that was under construction by the Ancients.

But it could be a while before fans see the new series. The writers strike -- although it didn't affect the Canadian writers that make up the Stargate franchise in Vancouver, B.C. -- did affect the overall American network, SciFi Channel, and it's been slow to rev back up again. At the same time, Wright has hinted that it might be good to wait until after "Atlantis" completes its run before tackling a new show.

While SciFi Channel is definitely interested in this series, Wright has made it clear that such a venture would need the right amount of money to make sure it's handled the way fans expect it to be handled.

"We pitched an expensive series," Wright said. "The idea we have is not cheap. I think we've proven ourselves, so ... 'Can we please have enough money to do it right this time?' And, if not, then honestly, I don't want to do it. Why do it wrong?"

"Stargate: Atlantis" returns to SciFi Channel later this year.

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