Exclusive: Third Stargate series in development

Prepare to step through the gate all over again! A third television series in the hit Stargate franchise is now in development, GateWorld has learned.

A production source informs GateWorld that the new series is in the concept phase, and is being actively worked on by the Vancouver creatives behind Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis. No concept for the show has yet been revealed.

The third TV series is also not likely to be rushed into production for a 2007 premiere in order to replace SG-1, which takes its final bow with 10 new episodes this spring. Instead, a premiere in 2008 or later is more likely at this point. (Note that, at this time in the fall of 2003, Stargate Atlantis was well into casting, script-writing, and set-building to make a July premiere date.)

Following the success of the 1994 film “Stargate,” Stargate SG-1 debuted in 1997, and spun off Stargate Atlantis in 2004. The two shows return to SCI FI Channel in the U.S. with new episodes in April. The spring run of 10 episodes each will mark the series finale of SG-1, and the third season finale of Atlantis.

Stargate Atlantis returns for its fourth season later in 2007.

Meanwhile, SG-1 will continue with two movies, presumably direct-to-DVD, currently aiming for a fall 2007 release.

Stick with GateWorld for full coverage of the third Stargate series as news develops!