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As SCI FI's Battlestar ends, is Universal adapting another for the movies?
Just as SCI FI's acclaimed series Battlestar Galactica enters its final episodes, Universal has quietly entered into negotiations with original series creator Glen A. Larson to write and produce a big-screen version of the franchise, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The movie would reportedly have no connection to the SCI FI series and would relaunch the story in a new medium with the characters Adama, Starbuck and Baltar.
Larson produced the original Battlestar, a kid-friendly ABC show, in 1978, in the wake of the success of Star Wars.
SCI FI's series, under the direction of executive producer Ronald Moore, took the premise but completely changed the franchise into an adult drama with themes of politics, war, religion, torture and destiny.
Universal had no comment to the Reporter.
By Ober Critic at 7:36 PM ON 02/20/09
Yes!!! The original theme music is back, the original vision of Egyptian related ancient astronauts...and the lady loving male Starbuck, who is secretly a nice guy who respects women...but doesn't show it...assuming people will see him as weak, is back.
By spideywulf at 7:42 PM ON 02/20/09
NICE,no more cylon babies who make me cry
By Bluesman at 7:45 PM ON 02/20/09
DAGGET!!!!
By Kerrith at 7:58 PM ON 02/20/09
It won't happen. At least not anytime soon. BSG is now defined by the new series that has run far longer than the original. To go back to the kid-friendly stuff will require time and distance.
By 3 at 8:00 PM ON 02/20/09
Worse. Idea. Ever.
I think Moore's series worked as well as it did because, for the most part, the original series had faded from the public consciousness. Now, with this new series so fresh in our minds and with a new related series on the horizon, I don't think a re-reboot (un-reboot?) could be widely accepted except by those choice few diehard fans of the original that are still around.
By Ian at 8:05 PM ON 02/20/09
Agree: bad idea.
The original series, while fondly remembered, was downright awful by today's standards.
The new series set the bar and I don't think Larson can meet that bar. People would go in expecting something akin to what Moore created and be sorely disappointed.
I mean, come on. Go watch the original. The man didn't even know the difference between a "star system" "galaxy" and "universe."
Bad. Idea.
By Polymer at 8:14 PM ON 02/20/09
Horrible idea! Unless they wait about 10 years. It would be confusing in the marketplace and dishonor Moore's creation. But then again, I used to work for Universal - they are thinking toys, merchandising, etc....money, money, money.
By Justo at 8:23 PM ON 02/20/09
Glen Larson was a sexist pig. All his shows were horrendous with the only redeeming factor being the production design. The reason why the new version of B Star works is cuz it goes against so much of what the original show was about. It's the anti-version of Battlestar. Going back to the original again is just... foolish. People thought the Star Wars prequels were corny, wait till they see this.
By milodog at 10:30 PM ON 02/20/09
what is this some kind of April fools joke? You only remake stuff when it sucks, so why would they even think of tainting such a monstrously successful show? that's just poor judgment. On top of that the series isn't even over yet!! have some respect
By ctsf at 10:43 PM ON 02/20/09
Is this a frakkin' joke? Rumor has it that Larson hates the reimagined series, which tracks because all of his shows, including the original BSG series, SUCK. Any money allocated to waste on this project needs to go to Caprica instead.
By Lorne at 10:54 PM ON 02/20/09
Are you kidding? This is an awesome idea. The new series is wonderful...but it wasn't galactica. It would have been just as good with a different name. Bringing back the original story line with up to date effects would be a blast. (but hey I didn't like the way these guys screwed up star trek either.)
By lucky louie at 11:00 PM ON 02/20/09
YES! FINALLY! Grew up with the original and it's my passion! Grew to love the re-imagined as well. To all the naysayers, don't be a hater. Let us forty somethings & up enjoy to moment we've waited decades for.
By milodog at 11:12 PM ON 02/20/09
Lorne, im sorry to say but the original story line was a failure only to be relaunched brilliantly by Moore. And using the "wasn't Galactica" argument doesnt work, thats like saying the new Batman isnt Batman. I am like everyone else out there that craves anything Galactica, but come on this doesnt even make sense to go back to a failed show in the middle of a successful one. Plus how does this show fit in with Caprica in the midst of launching? like I said earlier, have some respect!! we like our new toasters not the old ones
By albegao at 11:51 PM ON 02/20/09
Hello! Hey usually garbage sells more than quality. So let us hope they do it; it will create jobs that are much needed at this time.
By Galactica Fan at 11:52 PM ON 02/20/09
Please bring back the original in a way that is adult and serious, but not to the stupid levels of soap opera that's currently on the SciFi Channel.
By Keith at 12:29 AM ON 02/21/09
The guy that's probably most looking forward to this might be Richard Hatch. One more ride on that gravy train baby!
By mc2714 at 12:40 AM ON 02/21/09
I'd rather see a remake of the Banana Splits. About the same quality of the original Galactica.
By dragonhung at 1:32 AM ON 02/21/09
I hope Mr Larson goes ahead with this project. Maybe it will wash out the putrid taste of the last four years of such a dreadful, boring, pathetic, predictable "remake". Maybe the first scene in the movie is Richard Hatch playing the original Apollo waking up from a nightmare that is the last scene from the new dreck filled series. He screams, wakes up, splashes some cold water on his face, and continues on with the real BSG story.
By Bad Penguin at 1:56 AM ON 02/21/09
I grew up watching the original series. The thought of it as a movie fills me with both a sense of childlike wonder, and a serious aldult sense of dread. Watching the repeats of the original, it's terrible. Bad acting, bad charactors, and the worse special effects. The modern one is so much better, that it should be a movie.
By CountessBaltar at 3:24 AM ON 02/21/09
The original isn't terrible. It has stories that make sense and a sense of humour. The characters got to do more than mope and whine like emo slackers.
The acting was based more on stage techniques than the Hollywood method acting that's in vogue now. If you really want to compare, go find a movie called "Scorpio". Watch how low key and "naturalistic" John Colicos plays his character in that movie. He's just having a good time in "Battlestar Galactica".
Remember, followers of RDM, you mention Daggitts, capes, and the "Disco planet", and I get to respond: Romo's cat, layered tank tops, and the Cult of Gaius's "compound"...
...complete with an altar decorated with blinking Christmas lights?!?
By Kevin at 4:23 AM ON 02/21/09
Well, there are worse ideas, such as a TV movie remake of Casablanca or The Godfather. But not many.
By DarkCylonLeader at 5:25 AM ON 02/21/09
So now BSG goes the way of the Dark Knight.Making a The Brave & the Bold version of BSG so they can make & sell toys.
Boooooooooooooooooo.
To bad they could not come up with a feature for the current series.
What-A Cop-Out!!
By radiodaze at 8:34 AM ON 02/21/09
With the possible exception of Richard Hatch, I can't imagine why anyone would EVER want to return to the original BSG. It was horrible! Bad acting, horrible stories and the pacing of a snail triathalon! They didn't call it Battlestar Ponderosa for nothing!
By tonycsmoke at 9:29 AM ON 02/21/09
Actually the first series was quite good. It had good writing, a good myth to explore and for the time - special effects far greater than any televisions series.
I had forgotten how good it was when I caught a few episodes. It is nothing like the scifi which I is superior to the old, but its superior to most shows period.
The reason it had such a short life was the expense. It was by a long shot the most expensive show ever made at that time. Even by todays standards, it had a health budget. The network fraked up when they cancelled it and they knew it - thats why the failed BS 1980 series. They wanted to continue the story, but have them on earth to save money on effects and such.
By BryanJ at 10:24 AM ON 02/21/09
Um, no, the original series failed because the ratings were horrendous. Nobody watched, because they knew it was a cheap attempt to capitalize on the success of Star Wars, but with bad acting, bad stories, and bad special effects. The Cylons? A mix of Darth Vader and Stormtroopers. The good guy ships? X-wings with their wings taken off. It didn't fail because of a huge budget, it failed because nobody watched.
By Ratings Expert at 11:01 AM ON 02/21/09
Wrong. It's the Internet, people. Just type in some words and you can research whether the ratings were bad or not.
The ratings were decent, not spectacular but good enough to keep on the air. It was cancelled because it had the largest budget of any TV series that ever existed at that time ($1 million an episode). But ABC soon discovered that nothing else could equal the show's ratings on Sunday night, not even Mork and Mindy. So they brought Battlestar Galactica (ie, the horrendous ratings show) back with a smaller budget. This resulted in Galactica 1980, which can genuinely be described as horrendous.
There. Research. Google. And everyone learns something.
By Richard at 12:03 PM ON 02/21/09
Like so many promising sci-fi shows (i.e. Crusade), the original BSG died because the network screwed around with it. It was originally designed to be a series of tv movies, not a weekly show. ABC wanted changes and that screwed up the story lines. Then there was the budget. As long as the movies have nothing to do with Galactica 1980, I will be glad to give it a try. I just hope the tone is a little more positive.
By acereporter73 at 12:55 PM ON 02/21/09
As someone who remembers the orginal series for what it was... this is a very sad attempt to cash in.
You do realize the original series got commissioned because the network, I think it was NBC, wanted to cash in on the popularity of the Star Wars movies. The objective was to offer the TV audience something that, in theory, was comparable in spirit to the entertainment offered by Star Wars but on a smaller budget.
I understand that people tend to favor the first version of something they watch or listen to. I am not a big fan of classic songs being covered by newer artists.
But please let's be honest and realistic: The original show was hokey and campy. That kind of movie or show just won't cut it anymore, not with the success of the current show. It would be a leap backwards if this really happens.
If this ever sees the light of day, the entire planet will shout a collective "What the frak?!"
By acereporter73 at 12:58 PM ON 02/21/09
sorry, I meant ABC
By budgethero at 12:59 PM ON 02/21/09
welcome nuBG fans to the club. the "beeching fans club". just before, we introduced Trek purists and DBZ fans (didnt see that one coming). have a seat, relax. and prepare for some people to not care what u think and tell u ur over reacting. there may be some "shut up-ing". there are dough nuts in the corner with coffee or water. make urself at home.
By Jonathan at 1:06 PM ON 02/21/09
Can't anyone in Hollywood come up with an original idea anymore? What's with all the remakes and re-imagined series. And don't get me started on the stupid sequals.
How about something original? Or even a classic science fiction story that hasn't been filmed yet?
By Jonathan at 1:08 PM ON 02/21/09
Can't anyone in Hollywood come up with an original idea anymore? What's with all the remakes and re-imagined movies and series? And don't get me started on the stupid sequels.
How about something original? Or even a classic science fiction story that hasn't been filmed yet?
By icdeez at 1:10 PM ON 02/21/09
Would love this idea....IF I WAS A 9 YEAR OLD.
By Someone Else at 5:06 PM ON 02/21/09
If you want to know what was wrong with the original show, just take a look at the picture at the top of the article.
Enough said.
By equator at 5:38 PM ON 02/21/09
Hey there gang,
I hate to point out the obvious, but the original article here does not say that the new movie would be going back to the original series. The article just says it would not be from the Sci-Fi Channel series, and that it would have the characters Adama, Starbuck, and Baltar. The article then mentions that Larson created the original series.
As far as I understand what is written here, this would merely be ANOTHER reboot of the concept, probably more kid-friendly since that is Larson's thing, but not necessarily the same thing that was done back in '78.
Don't get me wrong, I do not think this is a good idea so soon after the latest version of BSG, but I thought it important to point out that much of the ranting and raving here has been based on incorrect assumptions.
By equator at 5:39 PM ON 02/21/09
Hey there gang,
I hate to point out the obvious, but the original article here does not say that the new movie would be going back to the original series. The article just says it would not be from the Sci-Fi Channel series, and that it would have the characters Adama, Starbuck, and Baltar. The article then mentions that Larson created the original series.
As far as I understand what is written here, this would merely be ANOTHER reboot of the concept, probably more kid-friendly since that is Larson's thing, but not necessarily the same thing that was done back in '78.
Don't get me wrong, I do not think this is a good idea so soon after the latest version of BSG, but I thought it important to point out that much of the ranting and raving here has been based on incorrect assumptions.
By jedierica at 6:16 PM ON 02/21/09
In response to MC2714. They already remade the Banana Splits for Boomerang Television.
http://www.bananasplits.com/
Back on Topic. I too grew up with the original series. The story lines, dialogue and gender rolls are so sub par to our current viewing standards. Science Fiction movies and television has become more complex with the story telling since 1978. I am a huge fan of the current series wrapping up on sci fi channel. I recognize many similarities with the original series, They often use some of the names, plot lines and look of the original series. The current creators of the show have not ignored the roots of the show. I feel that remaking Galactica again would be redundant and a complete waste of time and effort.
By Jedierica at 6:26 PM ON 02/21/09
In response to MC2714. They already remade the Banana Splits for Boomerang Television.
http://www.bananasplits.com/
Back on Topic. I too grew up with the original series. The story lines, dialogue and gender rolls are so sub par to our current viewing standards. Science Fiction movies and television has become more complex with the story telling since 1978. I am a huge fan of the current series wrapping up on sci fi channel. I recognize many similarities with the original series, They often use some of the names, plot lines and look of the original series. The current creators of the show have not ignored the roots of the show. I feel that remaking Galactica again would be redundant and a complete waste of time and effort.
By heggymonster at 7:35 PM ON 02/21/09
This is a really bad idea,most of the orginal series from larson was stupid and boring like buck rogers after gil decided not to be funny, Larson should stay retired like roddenberry after the next gen.
By Syberwolf at 7:40 PM ON 02/21/09
I wouldn't want to see a movie based on the old show, I only saw a few episodes but it seemed just alright. What they did with the new BSG was just incredible and if anything they should continue with that storyline.
By AdmNaismith at 8:50 PM ON 02/21/09
No. No, no, no.
Larson didn't even know what he had until Moore turned it into something so compelling.
Sure I miss the Ship of Light, but I don't miss a galaxy so crowded that the Galactica was bumping into someone EVERY WEEK, including bug-people!
Larson never made it clear why the Cylons were pursuing the Galactica fleet so hard but never touched the many other planets just teeming with humans.
Straczynski and Moore have it right- no kids and no cute robots.
By OGRE3000 at 12:24 AM ON 02/22/09
FINALLY!!! The REAL show instead of that emo-crybaby puddle of weaklings (showing that THEY TOO can be heroes, when not crying, that is), THANK THE LORDS OF KOBOL!!! And EMOBSGers? Go suck on Starb*tch's jock...
By lion_tone at 12:28 AM ON 02/22/09
Bad Idea. I'm also glad Moore's Galactica never went to theaters. Think of it this way, Moore has had, essentially, a 72 hour + Mini-Series to flesh out characters and story, rather than 120 minutes.
By Rob at 12:30 PM ON 02/22/09
True Galactica fans are surely rejoicing at this idea. Any moron who likes 'the soap opera that isn't Battlestar Galactica' can jump out an airlock. It's about time to sweep that POS 'reimagined' series away & get it right.
By gorehound696 at 12:52 PM ON 02/22/09
YARMYARMYARMYARMYARM (Yet Another ReMake)
no hollywood can longer think.
a perfect example as to what is wrong in film making today.
By RatzMilk at 5:04 PM ON 02/22/09
I can see a market for this. The new BSG is not for children. It is an adult series with adult concepts. A version to entertain children, such as the original series was, would have a market.
By Darth Vader at 12:15 AM ON 02/23/09
GET A FRAKEN LIFE YOU FRAKEN NERDS!!! IT'S JUST A FRAKEN MOVIE!!!! NOONE HAS ANY FRAKEN NEW IDEAS FOR FRAKEN MOVIES!!! ALL THEY DO IS FRAKEN RE BOOT FRAKEN EVERYTHING!!!! JUST WAIT FOR JJ'S FRAKEN STAR TREK!!!!!
By sparrrownightmare at 10:32 AM ON 02/23/09
It would be nice to see someone actually do a REAL Battlestar Galactica movie. Not some overhyped ripoff of the name with a bunch of moronic survivors that are so messed up, you start rooting for the Cylons. The producers of the Scifi show should have their word processors taken away and be tied to an anthill covered in mushies.
By SupremeMango at 12:11 PM ON 02/23/09
Bad bad idea. sure the original series was alrite but for this generation the wonderful ground breaking reimagined series IS Battlestar Galactica. Sounds like another cheap attempt to cash in on a dead franchise and probably catch a few fans of the new series, though it is doubtful. I mean, who has been clamouring for a movie about the old series. Hmm, all I hear is crickets chirping.
By Dax at 1:00 PM ON 02/23/09
Leaving aside my opinion on this matter.
I find it really sad that some people find it nesessary to get all personal and downright unplessant only because other people don't share their opinion on the matter. (You know who I mean.)
By Nathan at 1:38 PM ON 02/23/09
I for one would welcome a friendlier version of BSG. True, I lovED the new computer generation special effects but I HATED the content. I hated the cursing and blasphemies. I hated the homosexual scenes, the torture scenes, and most everything else. People watch Sci-Fi shows to help them escape from everyday issues, not be faced with them with their shows.
Call me a prude, this country gives you that right, but I miss good, moral shows that can give us hope.
By Rick at 6:12 PM ON 02/23/09
In terms of making a Battlestar Galactica movie Glen A Larson is going to find out that what Ronald D Moore did for B.S.G. will be a hard act to follow. If this movie is going to be a remake of the Star Wars I would want it not to be the original series, which would only take the B.S.G. franchise a major step down. If a B.S.G.movie is going to be made I'd like for it to be a continuation of Ronald Moore's B.S.G. Rick
By K'Rik at 1:34 PM ON 02/24/09
I think they should re-make the original with modern special effects. Then when it fails everyone will know that the Moore version was better, in all ways.
Maybe they could show it on Cartoon Network right after The Clone Wars. Sounds like they would mix perfectly.
By barroderic at 9:16 AM ON 02/27/09
FRAK...NOT GOOD... REINSTATE SCI-FI BATTLESTAR INSTEAD OF WASTING MONEY ON ANOTHER NEW ONE PLAYING ON THE OLD ORIGINAL VERSION
By mrcjhnsn at 4:05 PM ON 02/27/09
OMG! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! The new verison of BSG was actually thought provoking, mysterious, and very enjoyable. WHY OH WHY, must hollywood execs consistently prove their uselessness to us. How do people like that get into positions of authority? This bad, very bad! How can they POSSIBLY think this will work? If this goes through, they can count on me to never see it, acknowlege it, and tell everyone to not bother with it. BSG, right now, is fantasic show, and if they wish to continue the mythos, ie, Stargate, then they need to remove themselves from the equation and let the people who jsust made them a ton of cash take the reigns. But what do I know, I'm not savy in the ways of head up my A** hollywood exec fashion.
By mrcjhnsn at 4:06 PM ON 02/27/09
OMG! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! The new verison of BSG was actually thought provoking, mysterious, and very enjoyable. WHY OH WHY, must hollywood execs consistently prove their uselessness to us. How do people like that get into positions of authority? This bad, very bad! How can they POSSIBLY think this will work? If this goes through, they can count on me to never see it, acknowlege it, and tell everyone to not bother with it. BSG, right now, is fantasic show, and if they wish to continue the mythos, ie, Stargate, then they need to remove themselves from the equation and let the people who jsust made them a ton of cash take the reigns. But what do I know, I'm not savy in the ways of head up my A** hollywood exec fashion.
By mrcjhnsn at 4:07 PM ON 02/27/09
OMG! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! The new verison of BSG was actually thought provoking, mysterious, and very enjoyable. WHY OH WHY, must hollywood execs consistently prove their uselessness to us. How do people like that get into positions of authority? This bad, very bad! How can they POSSIBLY think this will work? If this goes through, they can count on me to never see it, acknowlege it, and tell everyone to not bother with it. BSG, right now, is fantasic show, and if they wish to continue the mythos, ie, Stargate, then they need to remove themselves from the equation and let the people who jsust made them a ton of cash take the reigns. But what do I know, I'm not savy in the ways of head up my A** hollywood exec fashion.
By prmoon at 3:33 PM ON 02/28/09
Don't do it the original series was good for the 70's but not now, especially considering how great the new series has been.
By Dennis at 7:23 PM ON 02/28/09
hehehe
And then they can re-imagine the re-imagined BSG as a 3D animated series....
By samantha at 5:59 PM ON 03/03/09
Retarded !!!!!!! May the gods of Kobel forgive them---I won't.
By Leoben at 7:23 PM ON 03/03/09
I loved the original show but this is the wrong time to bring it back. If Caprica fails then in a couple years, maybe.
By warrior at 6:00 PM ON 03/05/09
I think a remake of the original is long overdue. For all the doubters and naysayers that cling to the current series, try something that doesn't have a bunch of characters with more hangups than a clinic full of mental patients. Maybe I'm the only person that watches movies to be inspired by the characters and not brought down by a bunch of whiney losers. That's what the original BSG was all about. Having a really good time and enjoying the ride. If it ever does come true, I just hope they don't screw it up.
By Shack at 10:10 PM ON 08/30/09
Its amazing how some of you thing the world wound end if a movies is made off the original. Who cares if the other series just ended.The have been scads of Star Trek spin offs and then JJ Abrahms whips out his new take on the old. Box office shows that fans will come if they make it.
Visit mobile.syfy.com/wire on your mobile device.
Shack:
Its amazing how some of you thing the world wound end if a movies is made off the original. Who cares if the other ...More »