Stargate SG-1 actor Michael Shanks is rallying fans to protest Amazon’s shock cancellation of its previously-announced franchise revival.
Earlier this week, Stargate fans were left stunned by the news that Amazon had ditched its new Prime Video series, just six months on from its big announcement. An initial report claimed that the show was scrapped due to fears it would not have appealled to anyone beyond the franchise’s core audience — something that veteran Stargate writer Joseph Mallozzi, who had been working on the project, subsequently disputed.
Writing on X/Twitter, Shanks — who played the fan-favorite character Daniel Jackson in SG-1 and its various spinoffs — shared IGN’s story covering Mallozzi’s comments, and added his voice to those who believed the series would have landed a wider audience. “I also dispute their claim,” Shanks declared.
Shanks has now highlighted several fan efforts aimed at getting Amazon to reverse its decision, including a GoFundMe to fly a #SaveStargate banner over Amazon Studios corporate headquarters, several Change.org petitions, and a push to complain to Amazon directly via its customer service. The largest Change.org petition currently has just over 40,000 signatures.
Amazon is reportedly still interested in a future for the Stargate franchise, even if this specific revival series stays cancelled. But in a message to fans, Shanks suggested that this particular project represented fans’ only hope of a revival built by former members of the Stargate SG-1 production team, and featuring members of its former cast.
“I’m gonna simply say this: if you are at all interested in a Stargate show with ANY of the original creators/performers involved, now is the time to say something,” Shanks wrote. “Otherwise it really will be the end of that chapter forever. Let them know you are THERE.”
Shanks has never confirmed he would have been involved in the revival, though has consistently championed its development — and many suspect his character would have likely made some form of appearance.
“My heart breaks,” Mallozzi wrote earlier this week. “For the incredibly talented writers who worked tirelessly to bring this show to life. For Martin [Gero, the series’ showrunner] who maintained an unwavering positive outlook throughout despite the challenges, and who always strove to make a show that would honor the fans while welcoming a new audiences. And for the long-suffering Stargate fandom who waited so long and came so close to getting a show they truly would have loved.”
Amazon is still to officially comment on the series’ cancellation.
Image credit: MGM Television.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at [email protected] or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
