The original Stargate film, released in 1994, was intended to be part of a trilogy. Producers Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin had a clear vision for the next two films, which would have delved into Mayan pyramids and Bigfoot mythology. However, the success of the TV shows Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis shifted the studio’s priorities, and the film sequel was never made. Emmerich and Devlin had already started working on the second film, which would have taken place 12 years after the original and explored the Mayan concept of pyramids. The third film would have tied together various mythologies and legends from around the world, including Bigfoot, the Yeti, and the Loch Ness Monster.
The early success and innovative approach to mythology made the Stargate film an attractive property for the studio, which decided to focus on the TV shows instead. The original film’s cast, including Kurt Russell and James Spader, was not involved with the TV shows, and Emmerich and Devlin were cut out of the franchise’s development. The studio’s decision to prioritize the TV shows over the film sequel has been lamented by fans who yearned to see the next installment of the story.
A Still From Stargate film (Photo: Stargate film)
In 2021, Amazon acquired the rights to the Stargate franchise, including the 1994 film, and is planning to reboot the story. This development has been met with a mix of excitement and skepticism from fans, who are eager to see a new take on the original concept. However, it is unlikely that Emmerich and Devlin will be involved in the reboot, as they consider the Stargate franchise to have moved on without them.
The original Stargate film was a unique take on ancient mythology, using science fiction to explore humanity’s fascination with the unknown. The potential sequels would have expanded on this concept, going deeper into the mysteries of the universe. Instead, the franchise was hijacked by the TV shows, which, while successful, deviated from the original vision. Fans were deprived of the opportunity to see Emmerich and Devlin’s original trilogy, but with Amazon’s reboot, perhaps they’ll get a new chance to explore the Stargate universe in a fresh and exciting way.
