Robert Carlyle has signed on to lead the upcoming science fiction TV series, Stargate Universe, which is the third live-action series of the Stargate franchise following Stargate Atlantis and Stargate SG-1.  The series was green lit on August 22 and is scheduled to launch as a two-hour movie on Sci Fi next July.

Stargate Universe follows the adventures of a team of explorers from Earth, who must now fend for themselves aboard the Ancient spaceship Destiny as they are unable to return to Earth.  The show will be firmly rooted in pre-established Stargate mythology but takes place during the present time.

Carlyle, whose credits include 24: Redemption, The Last Enemy, The Full Monty and 28 Weeks Later, will portray 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, according to Entertainment Weekly.

"We are very excited about having an actor of this caliber, around which we can build a strong, character-based series," said series creators Brad Wright and Robert Cooper in a statement.  "Robert Carlyle will engage a broad audience and we hope to deliver a show that demonstrates to new viewers that the loyalty of longtime fans of the Stargate franchise has been well-deserved."

Billed as the edgy, rebellious sibling to Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis, Stargate Universe is expected to open up a whole new “universe” as it is a completely separate third entity though it still maintains the spirit of Stargate.

"We see Stargate Universe as an innovative step forward and an opportunity to expand the franchise," the creators added.

Aside from Stargate Universe, Carlyle has also been cast in the action film The Tournament, the drama movie I Know You Know, and the comedy crime thriller The Meat Trade.


-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: EW
(Image courtesy of Wire Image)