Will a New Stargate Series Without Brad Wright Be Any Good?

It looks like Brad Wright, the co-creator of Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, and Stargate Universe, may not be involved in a possible new Stargate series. According to GateWorld, Wright began work on a new Stargate project in late 2018 or early 2019. By the time the pilot script was ready, the Covid pandemic happened and upended everything. Then Amazon bought MGM. That purchase included the rights to the Stargate franchise. 

When a Twitter user asked Wright, "is there any news about the possible new Stargate Series?" he responded by saying, "you won't hear news from me. MGM did hire me to write a pilot for a new show but that was just before covid hit. Timing couldn't have been much worse. All the players have changed in the interim so it's likely destined to gather dust. Would've been fun, though."

Thanks! But you won't hear news from me. MGM did hire me to write a pilot for a new show but that was just before covid hit. Timing couldn't have been much worse. All the players have changed in the interim so it's likely destined to gather dust. Would've been fun, though.

— Brad Wright (@bradtravelers) November 1, 2022

So, will there be a new Stargate series? Brad Wright thinks the answer is yes. "MGM/Amazon will make another Stargate. It may just take some time for them to decide what they want to do. But they own it. Not me."

MGM/Amazon will make another Stargate. It may just take some time for them to decide what they want to do. But they own it. Not me.

— Brad Wright (@bradtravelers) October 31, 2022

If Amazon does decide to make a new series, should fans be excited or wary? Unfortunately, many studios don't respect the franchises they own. For example, Amazon bought some rights to Lord of the Rings and made Rings of Power. Many Tolkien fans think Rings of Power made a mockery of the source material. Some Stargate fans are concerned. A Twitter user responding to Brad Wright said, "They’ll probably massacre it like they did with the #LordOfTheRings"

So sorry to hear that. They’ll probably massacre it like they did with the #LordOfTheRings 🤦‍♀️😱

— Gabriella Vitos (@Gavit) October 31, 2022

On a Sci-Trek video on YouTube titled "Stargate series creator confirms he is not returning to the franchise" commenter Jason King said, "I have the horrible feeling this is going to go the same way as most recent reboots.... straight down the toilet." Another commenter LesterTheInvestor said, "Step one on how to alienate an existing fanbase... Hopefully step two won't be another step in the wrong direction."

The fact that Amazon isn't including one of the original creators may not bode well. Shutting him out may indicate they want to go in a different direction with a new show. The all-important question is, will that direction emphasize "diversity" over good storytelling?

Stepping Through The Stargate: Science, Archaeology And The Military In Stargate SG-1

If all diversity meant to modern Hollywood was having people from a variety of backgrounds, and those backgrounds had little bearing on the stories being told, that wouldn't be a big deal. Unfortunately, an emphasis on diversity in Hollywood often leads to obnoxious female characters and weak or unlikeable male characters. And rather than thought-provoking storylines, viewers getting beaten over the head with social messaging, often relating to race and gender. Conveying political messages becomes more important than telling good stories. 

Without Brad Wright at the helm, will a new series have strong, likable female characters like Samantha Carter and Janet Fraiser, and strong, likable male characters like Jack O'Neill, Teal'c, and Daniel Jackson? If some modern takes on older franchises are anything to go by, the answer might be no. Consider that many longtime fans of Star Trek, Star Wars, Marvel, Lord of the Rings, Terminator, Dr. Who, and Ghostbusters have been unhappy with some recent offerings. Will Stargate fans be added to this sorry list?