Anderson approached for SG-1 films

Former series lead Richard Dean Anderson has been approached to appear in the Stargate SG-1 direct-to-DVD movies — but it’s too early to know if he will appear in either of the two films already green-lit by MGM.

“I know that Brad [Wright, executive producer] has put a call into Richard Dean Anderson,” executive producer Robert C. Cooper said in an interview at StargateSG1.com. “… We’re hopeful he’ll make an appearance, whether he’s in both or just one. We’re not sure yet.

“And we have some surprises we’re hoping to pull out of our hats for returning villains and allies that we don’t have confirmation on yet,” Cooper added.

Anderson played Jack O’Neill on the hit series for eight years before entering “semi-retirement” to spend more time with his young daughter at home in southern California.

Ben Browder, Amanda Tapping, Michael Shanks, Christopher Judge, and Claudia Black have signed for both films, which will enter pre-production in March. The first movie, Stargate: The Ark of Truth will begin filming April 15. It will be written and directed by Cooper.

Wright will pen the second film, and definitely wants Anderson to appear in that one. “I don’t know if the schedule is going to allow, or if the deal has been made or can be made,” he said in a December interview. Wright is optimistic about Anderson’s desire to continue to play a role in the Stargate franchise, evidenced by his two appearances on Stargate SG-1 and three on Stargate Atlantis this year.

“He doesn’t necessarily have to be at the center of it anymore, but without that distinctive voice there is something missing [from Stargate],” he said. “I think there’s a good chance it’s going to happen. … I’d like to say it will, but it’s not for sure yet.”

Anderson pulled off some amazing underwater action for his third Atlantis episode, “The Return, Part 2,” which recently aired in Canada. It will premiere on the SCI FI Channel in the U.S. in April. He will also appear in the upcoming Stargate SG-1 episode “The Shroud.”

Watch GateWorld for the latest developments on the SG-1 movies!