Vancouver Convention Report: Sunday

The fourth and final day of Creation Entertainment’s annual official Stargate convention brought with it news on the upcoming Stargate Universe series in a special panel with the show’s creators, along with stage appearances by two fan favorites.

First up for the day was executive producer N. John Smith. Smith talked about several Stargate projects, noting that he feels Universe is “a fabulous new concept. I can’t wait for fans to see what’s been done.”

Per Smith, the third SG-1 film has been green-lit, although the start of production could be in a state of flux (story).

“When we were shooting SG-1 and Atlantis at the same time, it was a huge strain on all involved,” Smith said. “I think, so that we are able to provide a better product, we’ll probably try to begin production on it in the fall after we wrap filming on the first season [of Universe].”

“You never know, though,” Smith continued. “There could be a little bit of overlap.”

On the convention stage next were Brad Wright and Robert C. Cooper, who stopped in as special guests at the convention to conduct a panel on Stargate Universe and answer some of the burning questions fans have about the third series.

The two also talked about thoughts behind those one-word episode titles, the upcoming Atlantis and SG-1 movies, bloopers, changes to the Atlantis leadership, how SGU is being shot, Stargate’s lack of recognition in Canada, and more.

Wright also announced that the new cut of “Children of the Gods” (story) is finished and now with MGM and FOX — and when it arrives it will include an audio commentary with Wright and actor Richard Dean Anderson (“Jack O’Neill”). The film will also be dedicated to Don S. Davis (“George Hammond”), who passed away last year (story).

Convention guests were next welcomed to an appearance by convention regular Michael Shanks (“Dr. Daniel Jackson”). Within the first few minutes — and without actually saying the words — Shanks all but confirmed an appearance on Stargate Universe (story).

Shanks, who just recently completed his run on the USA Network series Burn Notice, mentioned why the character of Jackson still appeals to him after over twelve years in the role.

“I just really, really enjoy Daniel’s integrity,” Shanks said. “I love the aspect that he always stood his ground.”

Shanks also had nothing but praise for his co-stars, calling Anderson a “really funny man,” and Amanda Tapping “a big sister to three brats.”

NEXT: Amanda Tapping, and a note from Creation