“Ben has a good reputation,” Shanks said. “We had a couple of conversations about our approaches and sensibilities in our work, and we seem to be on the same page. I certainly think that we’re not just inheriting a good sci-fi draw — as the executives like to put it — but I think we’re [also] getting a good actor on board who seems to have a firm idea about what’s good and what’s not, and wants to work in a cohesive team environment.
“I understand that we were talking to Claudia about reinvigorating her character, and I thought they were going to go in that direction.” Black first appeared as alien con artist Vala in this year’s “Prometheus Unbound.” “I hope we get the chance to reprise the dynamic we found in ‘Prometheus Unbound,’ which was my favorite episode of the last couple of years. We had such a good time working with each other. … And when I watched it, I actually found myself laughing out loud!”
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Could a trip to Atlantis be in the actor’s future? Shanks certainly would like it. “I’d love to zip over to Atlantis, take a peek at their world for a little bit, and have Daniel’s reaction to all the different semantics of that series,” he said. “Just a two-parter where he can poke his head in and go, ‘Wow, tis is so cool!’ and then get the hell out!”
Look for the full interview in the new issue of Stargate SG-1: The Official Magazine (Issue #4, May/June 2005), now on newsstands! The issue also features interviews with Rachel Luttrell (“Teyla Emmagan”), Claudia Black (“Vala”), and director Martin Wood, and the latest Stargate news from GateWorld. In the U.S., the magazine may be found at major bookstores like Borders or Barnes & Noble, and carries a cover price of $6.99.