SciFi Drops Stargate Atlantis, Picks Up Universe

SCI FI Channel has picked up Stargate Universe, the third series in the long-running franchise, says The Hollywood Reporter. News of Universe comes on the heels of SCI FI’s announcement that the current Stargate Atlantis will not receive a sixth-season order. Atlantis will live on in a two-hour telefilm to air on SCI FI in 2009. Universe will premiere as a two-hour movie early next year and will assume a regular hourly slot in the summer. Brad Wright and Robert Cooper, co-creators of Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis, will serve as executive producers and writers on the new series. The new show will involve more space-based action than either of the predecessor series. Universe introduces a new team of explorers who find an ancient unmanned ship called the Destiny. Unable to return to Earth, the crew must fend for themselves aboard the ship, which has a pre-programmed mission taking them to the far reaches of the universe. Appearances by former cast members from SG-1 and Atlantis are very possible.