A Highly Anticipated Sci-Fi Reboot Just Got The Axe From Peacock

A Highly Anticipated Sci-Fi Reboot Just Got The Axe From Peacock

Highlights

  • Peacock decided to cancel the Battlestar Galactica reboot announced in 2019, leaving fans disappointed.
  • UCP, the production company, is now seeking a new home for the reboot, potentially pitching it to Netflix or Apple TV+.
  • Despite the setback, fans can still hope for updates on the fate of the highly anticipated Battlestar Galactica reboot.

As a lifelong fan of Battlestar Galactica, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions upon hearing the news that the reboot has been cancelled by Peacock. On one hand, I’m disappointed that we won’t get to see the return of our favorite characters and the incredible universe they inhabit. But on the other hand, I’ve learned to expect the unexpected when it comes to sci-fi reboots.


In 2019, it was revealed that a well-liked military sci-fi TV show would be revived. However, instead of being aired on Peacock as initially planned, NBCUniversal’s streaming platform opted against moving forward with the project.

In the 1950s, a surge in interest for science fiction occurred as technological advancements and new inventions emerged at an unprecedented speed. This trend persists till now, making sci-fi movies and series highly popular, as demonstrated by the success of “Star Wars,” “Star Trek,” and “Jurassic Park.” These franchises have given birth to numerous spin-offs and sequels, maintaining their appeal. Regrettably, a planned revival of one science fiction production has been canceled on Peacock.

It appears that Peacock has chosen not to proceed with the Battlestar Galactica reboot, as reported by Variety. This project was initially planned for the streaming service’s launch in 2019, but it never advanced beyond being part of their initial lineup of original shows. The reboot would have continued from where the 2003 Battlestar Galactica series left off, featuring Edward Jones as Commanding Officer William Adama, Katee Sackhoff as Captain Kara “Starbuck” Thrace, Jamie Bamber as Captain Lee “Apollo” Adama, and Mary McDonell as President Laura Roslin. The latest development was shared in January, revealing that Derek Simonds had joined the project as a writer, executive producer, and showrunner. However, Michael Lesslie, who was originally assigned to write the reboot in 2020, departed from the project a year later.

Sam Esmail, through his company Esmail Corp., spearheaded the reboot as a personal endeavor under Universal Content Productions (UCP). Chad Hamilton from Esmail Corp. was among the executive producers. It’s been reported that UCP might shop the project around to other networks. Interestingly, this announcement came shortly after Ronald D. Moore, who revamped Battlestar Galactica in the 2000s and is a screenwriter and TV producer, shared an update on the project. Moore revealed to Cinema Blend that Esmail approached him about the reboot.

Moore shared:

Essentially, it’s comparable to saying, “Go ahead, you’ve got my blessing!” Just as you pointed out, I’ve undergone a transformation or renewal – pick your preferred term. I don’t mind if others follow suit. In fact, Sam Esmail reached out to me directly and expressed his interest in doing the same thing. I didn’t feel it necessary to grant him permission, but I was touched by his courtesy. It was a wonderful conversation, and I wish them nothing but success with their endeavor.

It wasn’t surprising that the Peacock canceled the Battlestar Galactica reboot, given the slow progress since its initial announcement five years ago with no updates on casting or production start dates. With such a dedicated and eager fanbase, many had been anticipating the reboot, but the original series’ success in the early 2000s likely would have guaranteed the success of any show under the Battlestar Galactica brand.

As a long-time fan of science fiction and particularly the original “Battlestar Galactica,” I have been eagerly waiting for any updates about the reboot of this iconic series. Having grown up watching the original show, it holds a special place in my heart and I can only imagine how incredible it would be to see it brought back to life with modern storytelling and effects.

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2024-08-04 23:23