Richard Dean Anderson has confirmed to his official fan site that he will make multiple guest appearances early in the first season of Stargate Universe, including the 2-hour series premiere (“Air,” Parts 1 and 2).

GateWorld reported the guest appearances last week (story), but this is our much-anticipated confirmation that the actor will indeed appear in the show’s first episode — as he did with Atlantis.

In a message to fans posted at RDAnderson.com, the actor behind General Jack O’Neill said that he’ll make a number of appearances in approximate the first six episodes of the series (though he did not say six appearances, in total).

“I was up there doing a snippet of a scene with Robert Carlyle and I’ll be going back March 17 for another scene in part 2 of the two-hour,” Anderson said. “I had told Brad [Wright] that if he wanted help in the launch of Universe I’d love to be a part of it. (Truth be known, I missed those guys ‘n gals.)

“So I’ll make a few slim appearances in the first half-dozen episodes, or so. Again, details are sketchy, but I’ve already shot the first of my scenes so the ball is rolling. Andy Mikita is directing the two-hour, so we had a good hug and huge laugh.”

Anderson also confirmed that the third SG-1 movie has been officially green-lit by MGM. The film is currently being scripted by Brad Wright and Carl Binder.

Stargate Universe tells the story of a group of scientists, civilians, and military personnel who find themselves trapped on board an Ancient exploratory vessel in another galaxy, and who are unable to alter the ship’s course or return home.

Michael Shanks (“Daniel Jackson”) and Gary Jones (“Walter Harriman”) will also make guest appearances in the series premiere (story).

The show is currently shooting episode 5 (“Earth,” in which Anderson also appears), and premieres this fall on SCI FI Channel in the U.S. Head over to RDAnderson.com to read the full message, and learn more about the new show at GateWorld’s SGU Launch Center!