Scoop: Robert Carlyle named master of 'Stargate Universe'

Atlantis Rocks Mon, May 18, 2009 at 04:39 PM EST

Sorry dont like Robert Carlyle never have, didnt like Trainspoting, didnt like 28 weeks later, yes the full monty is good, but thats due to the whole cast and story, he was not the draw. For those that say season 4-5 SGA sucked, sorry disagree, (YES they werent the best but there were sound stand out brill eps), BUT THATS THE WRITERS FAULT, change the writers NOT axe the show, which has just won more awards, had great cast and A VERY LOAYLE fan base and good US ratings, I would love just once for non US ratings to also be taken into account, because then you get a true sense of how many people are actually watching. We have been screwed over by TPTB who got bored and wanted this new shinny little toy of theres.Well I've read the premise for SGU, seen the trailers and charactor bios, the cast list etc.. And thanks but no thanks, not interested in the darker, edger crap with its new docu type filming style.

Shepsgirl4ever Mon, May 18, 2009 at 04:29 PM EST

SGU sucks, sorry I'm not a fan of the franchise, just Stargate Atlantis, and they just lost this regular viewer with the axing in fav of SGU!!!

Susan C Mon, Mar 23, 2009 at 07:25 PM EST

I love Robert Carlyle. He is an unbelievable actor and he will make this series a winner. Wait and see!

S.J.G. Sat, Mar 21, 2009 at 02:22 PM EST

Sigh. I just have to say, for all the people who claim that Atlantis had lost in the last two seasons, I think they're mistaken. Sure, the arc of the show was starting to tremble, but they had some amazing stand-alone episodes...case-in-point, the alternate universe Sheppard who's a mix between a CSI and a Raymond Chandler character. That was an awesome ep!
I will watch this new Stargate, but I wish they'd bring back Atlantis...the final episode was not only disappointing, it was bad. I need some closure!

jsal Sat, Jan 24, 2009 at 11:24 PM EST

I will watch the new SGU - bad writers and all - ONLY if Major Lorne gets a part.

Poleface Fri, Jan 9, 2009 at 10:21 AM EST

To those saying "they canceled SGA for this?!?!" well, have you actually seen the latest season of SGA? Absolute garbage.

My main concern with SGU isnt the concept, cast or even the '90210' characters its the horrific writers that will come over from SGA

Oskar Mon, Dec 29, 2008 at 11:36 AM EST

My only worries are: a) the unbearable accent, b) he's bit to wimpy to star as a leader.

Gwen Wed, Dec 17, 2008 at 03:36 PM EST

I hope Carlyle watched the last season of Atlantis before he signed for 90210. It will be the same writers, and their track record is not great.

Kristen Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 08:48 PM EST

I've been watching the Stargate franchise since it started on Showtime (thanks to my sci fi obsessed hubby) and while Carlyle is no Richard Dean Anderson, he's going to be great. I just saw Trainspotting again the other day and was reminded of what an amazing actor he is. Good choice Stargate producers!

Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 03:56 PM EST

Hmmm. He may be a good actor, but its not enough to get me interested. Take it from a long time fan SciFi Execs, let Stargate die already. Please?

angel Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 02:29 PM EST

I am THRILLED by this news...

because it means he won't be the 11th Doctor.

Terry Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 12:59 PM EST

Robert Carlyle is not a good actor. He is a GREAT actor. For those of you who are not familiar with him, he has starred in "Trainspotting", "The Full Monty", "28 Weeks Later" and he gave a great performance as a plasterer suffering from multiple sclerosis in a sadly underseen film called "Go Now". He was the best thing about PBS Masterpiece's recent "The Last Enemy". He was even a Bond villain in one of the Brosnan films! I, too, was hoping he would step into David Tennant's sneakers as Doctor Who. The Tardis's loss is this series' gain.

AmyCat Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 06:19 AM EST

Loved Carlyle in "Full Monty"... and for you folks who're saying "Never heard of this guy": RUN to your nearest video-rental place and get that movie. It's a HOOT.
This is the first thing I've heard that gives me hope this new series will be more than "SG-90210", as so many have dubbed it. Carlyle's no teen-bait to lure the supposedly-desirable "teen demographic" away from their videogames and dysfunctional Vampire romances... he's a real ACTOR, with talent.
No doubt this means SciFi will want to kill him off by the end of the first month... :-(

Dave Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 05:14 AM EST

I hope Robert Carlyle does far better on SGU than Colm Meaney did with the writers of the US version of Life on Mars

Sébastien Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 03:17 AM EST

I am a fan of SG1 and Atlantis, I find the last 2 seasons atlantis not very great. For stargate universe I believe he would have to wait a little, for I find q against it chose a very good actor to play Dr. David Rush (Robert Carlyle).
All the worlds said on SGU difficult but we should give him a chance. Stargate Universe will overcome a very good series.

Good luck SGU.

Becky Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 02:53 AM EST

Can't wait!

Becky Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 10:36 PM EST

For years, I have been trying to get you to write about Stargate and this is what it takes?
For the record, nothing I have read so far is inspiring me to watch Stargate 90210, especially not an actor that most Americans have not even heard of.
They cancelled SGA for this?????

Disgruntled Too Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 09:53 PM EST

I really like Robert Carlyle. Nothing against him but they had a great cast...great chemistry in SGA and they chose to prematurely end it because it's loyal audience wasn't young enough. And now they expect me to watch SG90210. Sorry, I think I'm going to pass on this one.

Helen from Hawai'i Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 07:22 PM EST

RC was most recently in Masterpiece Theatre's incredible series on universal IDs in the Final Enemy. Incredible story and incredible acting. He has come an awfully long way from "The Full Monty."

wg Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 04:36 PM EST

Would rather have had him as the Doctor, but I guess Paterson Joseph has that locked up. Still, RC could've done better for himself - unless he had an urge to live in Vancouver for a while?

Big Pauly Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 03:17 PM EST

SG-1, Great Show until the last season. SGA, Fair show. Cast changes and plots seemed like the same ones over and over again. SGU? Sounds like LOST in Space (no pun intended) Mr. Carlyle is a very good actor. But the show sounds like a re-hash of everything from LIS To Voyager. Hope I'm wrong.

David4 Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 03:04 PM EST

They get stuck on some ship, some "major" character will die in the first few episodes, and the Replicators will be in the new universe they are going to. I'm sure it will be as bad at Atlantis has become.

Lyla Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 02:47 PM EST

Good for the show! Robert is a fantastic actor and has been in many things including the music video for the Oasis song "Little by Little."

Valued Broad Viewer Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 02:17 PM EST

"Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty) has been tapped to headline the brand's third live-action series, Stargate Universe. Carlyle, most recently seen in Fox's 24: Redemption pic, will play Dr. David Rush, the leader of a group of soldiers, scientists, and civilians who have been stranded on an ancient ship in the far reaches of space."

Stargate Atlantis' premise- a group of soldiers, scientists, and civilians who have been stranded on an ancient cityship in the far reaches of space...
Sound familiar? Glad an actor of note has been hired-though I've never heard of him before..they were saying they wanted a well known star for the last few months.The actors however aren't this franchise' problem, it's keeping the same group of writers on staff year after year after year. Duplicating the blunder that happened with Star Trek-no new blood in the decision making process. Fans of both series are not tired of it, but we have grown tired of the repetitive storylines from the same writers.

Liz stone aka Lady Eliza Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 02:11 PM EST

This'll be interesting. It looks good and it's gaters.

gasbo Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 02:10 PM EST

Wow Robert Carlyle, from the lows of Hamish MacBeth to the heights of Full Monty into obscurity on Stargate Universe

gasbo Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 02:10 PM EST

Wow Robert Carlyle, from the lows of Hamish MacBeth to the heights of Full Monty into obscurity on Stargate Universe

luvnjack Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 02:08 PM EST

Very interesting choice! I'll wait and see how the actual product turn out, but this news gives me hope.

Richard S Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 01:30 PM EST

SG fans are very lucky. Carlyle is a superb actor. As a Doctor Who fan I'm very jealous -- I was hoping he would take over from David Tennant in 2010.

Ann-Marie Sloan Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 01:05 PM EST

Not familer with Robert. But sounds like a good casting non the less.

I for one CAN'T WAIT to watch this new series.

A Devoted Stargate Sg1, Atlantis and Universe fan till the end!!!

Kitten Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 12:33 PM EST

I love the SG franchise and will definitely watch this one. At least until Sci-Fi kills it. The cable nets are so bizarre. Enough already with reality programming. I get that it's cheap, but why get into the business of science fiction or music (VH1, MTV) or arts (Bravo), if you're only going to take your network and make it into an all reality channel? Ugh.

"Does no one fall in love in outer space?" Seriously? Seriously. Come on. This isn't Days of our Planets, dude.

Justine Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 12:02 PM EST

God. For those of you not even giving SGU a chance, take a deep breath for a moment.

Yes, the last season or so of SGA has...well...not lived up to expectations. However, SG1 as an entirety rocked.

But SGU is NOT SG1 or SGA. There's different characters, different settings, different EVERYTHING almost. Let's just give it a freaking chance, okay?

Joel Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 11:54 AM EST

Great news love the actor and the franchise.

Rob Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 11:34 AM EST

Note to Sci-Fi Channel--

Please stop with all the Stargate franchises. Start airing new and original series! Bring back the DRESDEN FILES.

Sorry I'm not trying to dis the Stargate fans, but enough is enough.

harry Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 11:08 AM EST

I WILL DEFFINATELY TUNE IN THIS IS EXCITING NEWS!!!

Whenwillitend Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 11:03 AM EST

Carlye is a good actor which is why I found this so amazing cause SG1 and Atlantis are terrible shows, absolutely terrible. horrible, inane, garbage. ok fanboys commence your vehement attack on me. i'm ready.

April Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 10:56 AM EST

Wow I'm kinda amazed that any new Stargate is coming out. I adored SG1 and the first few seasons of Atlantis were pretty good but the last 2 seasons have been abysmal, I've completely stopped watching which made me sad. I'll be amazed if this show does very well due to Atlantis hanging on past its prime. SG-1 went out while still fairly well on top but Atlantis has been in a slow decline for a while now.

APFW Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 10:56 AM EST

While I am glad that they cast Robert Carlyle, I still do not plan to watch SGU. They had a fine charismatic cast in SGA. I do not plan on watching SG:The teen years.

Jamie Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 10:36 AM EST

Yes. Atlantis has been cancelled. 2 more episodes.

Ellen Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 10:36 AM EST

I am absolutely stunned that they've managed to nab such a brilliant actor for this show. I mean, the guy from Trainspotting! He played James VI! Granted I do watch the show, but I've always thought it's a bit rubbish, just some silly fun, and I can't quite believe my eyes. I know they're trying to be 'edgier', i.e. muscle in on BSG's territory, but the writing team is the same so I can only imagine it being the most self-conscious of efforts.

Maybe he's a closet fan of the show...

CJC Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 10:23 AM EST

It's a rip-off of Star Trek: Voyager. Been there, done that. But anything is better than bringing back that aweful Flash Gordon remake.

Are they ending Atlantis?? They are billing the finale as the "series finale".

Jamie Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 10:06 AM EST

I'm confused about this show. Atlantis almost never uses the stargate, from what I've read, I don't expect this one to use it at all. If they are going to keep the name, they should still use the thing ... not turn it into Voyager.

Spong Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 10:05 AM EST

Gosh I hope he glasses someone in the first episode, Trainspotting-style!

Great choice, though I thought he overacted a bit in the 24 movie recently.

Disgruntled Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 09:49 AM EST

"loyalty of longtime fans of the Stargate franchise" - you blew that when you let SGA go. I won't wish bad things for SG 90210 because it's good for the cast and crew to have a job, but I doubt any good will come of it either.

Christina Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 09:49 AM EST

I heard rumors for awhile that he was gonna be the next Doctor Who. Hmmpf, I guess not.

to Erika Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 09:44 AM EST

Actually, cancelling SGA was Sci-Fi's call, not MGM's. The original SG-1 was an MGM production & Sci-Fi didn't want to have to pay the money for the show when they weren't producing it. SGA is a different story. Sci-Fi's a bunch of jackholes who think that shows become too costly when they run longer than 5 seasons.

Havoc Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 09:36 AM EST

See, I disagree with everyone saying that Stargate: Atlantis was just coming into its own. What with the continual cast changes, and the lack of direction in writing (changing the entire course of the show between third and fourth season), I think the declining ratings and cancellation were well-deserved.

When it comes to SGU, honestly, everything I've heard makes it sound like Stargate: Voyager 90210. I'm not optimistic, not even with a good lead. Sorry, guys, but I'm not a fan. If they want to break out of the regular Stargate mold, then when they try something different, they shouldn't imitate other science fiction shows instead.

Brian Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 09:29 AM EST

I couldn't care less about the cancellation of SGA but I'll check out the new show out of curiosity if nothing else.

Dana Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 09:22 AM EST

This is the first thing I've heard about the new series that's pricked my interest. Carlyle is a great actor so if he's signed on maybe it'll be somthing to watch. I agree with SueS about Sci-Fi Fridays. What in the world was the SciFi Channel thinking when they messed that up? But of course, these were the same people who program wrestling into their weekly line up.

Bill Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 09:21 AM EST

I have been a Stargate fan since the Movie. I could have watched SG1 into the next decade, but I knew the actors would never go on that long. As far SGA, it's just coming into it's own mold and now it will be gone. I will watch SGU no matter who they cast. Just like Star Trek, Stargate it is the best Sci-Fi going. I will truely miss SGA, indeed!

Erika Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 09:08 AM EST

Glad for his fans and people who are still into the SG series for the casting call. I won't be watching--I'm still disappointed from the casting switches and cancellations of the first two shows. But just for the record--cancelling SG:Atlantis wasn't the Sci-Fi channel's call--it was MGM's, who owns the rights to the Stargate franchise.

Dragen Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 09:07 AM EST

seawalker: SGA are getting movies, like SG1.

seawalker Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 09:04 AM EST

I've gotten really sick of Sci-Fi Channel!!! SGA gets a good second wind this year and gets cancelled without opportunity to finish up storylines. SGU is supposed to point to a "younger" demographic. I knew it was over when SciFi started showing "wrassling" instead of actual SciFi.

Brian Bazala Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 08:25 AM EST

Robert Carlyle is an excellent choice. It will be refreshing to the tired series to have an actor of his caliber. While the original show, SG-1 was fun and charming in its first 6 seasons, it got very repetitive and should have ended with season 8 (though Claudia Black made those last 2 seasons a lot more fun). Atlantis turned into a snoozer and missed many opportunities to explore character relationships -- and although the most recent episodes have embraced a larger story arc, it is too little, too late. Hopefully SG:U will take some cues from the brilliant Battlestar Galactica and feature more character driven stories, rather than monster of the week tales. Does no one fall in love in outer space?

Dragen Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 07:59 AM EST

The show will not start with a 2 hour movie. It will start with a three parter.

Jamie Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 07:57 AM EST

I'm concerned about the show in general. Atlantis was just feeling like it had a direction, so they cancelled it. The "Sci fi" channel has pretty much given up on showing science fiction and I don't think this Stargate: Voyager show is going to fix it.

nittfox Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 07:56 AM EST

awesome casting! Love Robert Carlyle, but from a lot more than the full monty. He's brilliant, and a great addition to any show or movie.

dickthedick Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 07:46 AM EST

None of you tards seen trainspotting? Or at least 28 weeks later?

SueS Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 07:28 AM EST

I've never heard of the guy. Frankly, I liked the casts of the two shows and was disappointed they cancelled both shows. I never got tired of them. Was very disappointed when SciFi channel destroyed SciFi Friday. It hasn't been the same since SG1 got the boot.

Chris Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 07:16 AM EST

Though I love Robert Carlyle and know he will be a great choice for the show (such a great actor), I am disappointed that they did not cast Kavan Smith in the show. I always wanted to see more of Major Lorne on SGA and was hoping that someway he would be cast in the new show.

Daniel Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 04:49 AM EST

I am sure that Carlyle is a great actor and that he will do good on SGU, nevertheless I always loved SG for giving less "known" actors and actresses a shot at fame. I never had any issues with the cast of either SG:1 or SG:A. Looking forward to the remaining cast!

Scott Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 04:17 AM EST

Remember Him from "28 Weeks Later"
He should do well in SGU.

Krystal Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 03:38 AM EST

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! That's friggin' awesome!!! I must pick my jaw up off the floor! I knew they were looking for a name actor, and score, they got it!

kkn Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 03:26 AM EST

Never heard of him. Didn't they want a big Hollywood star to head and promote the show? *confused*

Antonio Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 03:10 AM EST

I've never seen the Stargate series before but will tune in to SGU just for Carlyle.

Joe Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 02:41 AM EST

Amazing. I was worried that the original casting notice mentioned the previous team leaders and suggested a rehash, but this decision could not be more encouraging for a refreshing new addition to the Stargate franchise.

Morjana Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 02:36 AM EST

Mr. Carlyle is a superb actor and I look forward to Stargate: Universe. Now...will the remainder of the cast be as enticing?