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| {{shortcut|SE<br/>Esmail<br/>BSG20}}{{disline|This article refers to the cancelled re-imagined version of ''Battlestar Galactica''. For previous incarnations of ''Battlestar Galactica'', see: either [[Original Series]] or the [[Re-imagined Series]].}}{{Clear}}{{Series Data
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| | image= Peacock.png | | :''This article refers to the 2003 re-imagined version of ''Battlestar Galactica''. For information on the 1978 Original Series, see [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)]]. |
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| | {{shortcut|TRS<br/>TNS}} |
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| | {{Series Data |
| | | image= TRS Title.jpg |
| | title= Battlestar Galactica | | | title= Battlestar Galactica |
| | creator= [[Sam Esmail]] | | | creator= [[Ronald D. Moore]] |
| | starring= | | | starring= [[Edward James Olmos]]<br/>[[Mary McDonnell]]<br/>[[Katee Sackhoff]]<br/>[[Jamie Bamber]]<br/>[[James Callis]]<br/>[[Tricia Helfer]]<br/>[[Grace Park]] |
| | composer= | | | composer= [[Bear McCreary]] |
| | company= [[w:NBC Universal|NBC Universal]] | | | company= [[w:NBC Universal|NBC Universal]] |
| | seasons= | | | seasons= 4 |
| | episodes= | | | episodes= 74 |
| | episodelistid=Peacock | | | episodelistid=The Re-imagined Series |
| | channel= [[Peacock]] | | | channel= [[Sci Fi Channel]] and [[Sky One]] |
| | US airdate= | | | US airdate= 2003-12-08 |
| | UK airdate= | | | UK airdate= 2004-02-17 |
| | dvd= | | | dvd= 2005-03-28 |
| | exec producer= [[Sam Esmail]] | | | exec producer= [[Ronald D. Moore]]<br/>[[David Eick]] |
| | producer= | | | producer= |
| | supervising producer= | | | supervising producer= |
| | associate producer= | | | associate producer= |
| | co-producer= | | | co-producer= [[Jane Espenson]]<br/>[[Toni Graphia]] |
| | story editor= | | | story editor= |
| | prev= | | | prev= |
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| ==Summary== | | ==Summary== |
| | The 2003 [[Miniseries]] debut of '''''Battlestar Galactica''''' was a "[[Wikipedia:Reboot (continuity)|re-imagining]]," or updated version of the [[Original Series]] made [[Naturalistic science fiction|more suitable]] to the modern sensibilities of the 21st Century. Aiming to tackle issues of civil rights, survival, terrorism, and religion, ''Battlestar Galactica'' is an drama following the survivors of a race of humanity—which number under 50,000. The new ''Battlestar'' was spearheaded by former ''Star Trek: The Next Generation'' and ''Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'' writer/producer [[Ron D. Moore]] and co-produced by [[David Eick]]. |
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| Announced on the 41st anniversary of the [[Original Series|1978 ''Battlestar Galactica'' series]], this new series was inspired by [[Ronald D. Moore]]'s [[Re-imagined Series]].<ref group="development" name="esmail_announcement_2019">{{cite_web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/battlestar-galactica-reboot-sam-esmail-works-at-nbcus-streamer-1239018|title='Battlestar Galactica' Reboot From Sam Esmail in the Works at NBCU's Streamer|accessdate=17 September 2019|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley}}</ref>
| | A familiar but different [[Galactica type battlestar|battlestar]] ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' finds herself leading a refugee [[The Fleet (RDM)|fleet]] away from the destroyed [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Twelve Colonies of Kobol]] and on a (and [[Home, Part II|initially fictitious]]) quest for [[Earth (RDM)|Earth]], with turmoil from within and danger from without. |
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| Following the announcement wherein NBC claimed that the new series was a "reboot,"<ref group="development" name="nbcu_peacock_launch_announcement">{{cite_web|url=http://www.nbcuniversal.com/press-release/nbcuniversal-announces-%E2%80%98peacock%E2%80%99-name-its-streaming-service-and-unveils-initial|title=NBCUNIVERSAL ANNOUNCES 'PEACOCK' AS THE NAME OF ITS STREAMING SERVICE AND UNVEILS INITIAL CONTENT LINEUP|date=17 September 2019|accessdate=19 September 2019}}</ref> Esmail went to Twitter to clarify that "it will '''NOT''' be a remake of the amazing series by @RonDMoore launched because... why mess with perfection? Instead, we'll explore a new story within the mythology while staying true to the spirit of ''Battlestar''. [[So say we all]]!"<ref group="development" name="esmail_twitter_clarification_not_remake">{{cite_web|url=https://twitter.com/samesmail/status/1173987378894999552#:~:text=BSG%20fans%2C%20this%20will%20NOT%20be%20a%20remake|title=Sam Esmail Tweet|date=17 September 2019|accessdate=17 September 2019}}</ref>
| | ''Battlestar Galactica'' began as a four-hour miniseries pilot on the [[Sci Fi Channel]] in late 2003. As with the Original Series, the show begins with the destruction of the [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Twelve Colonies]], but in a style more familiar and disturbing to today's viewers, making its events eerily reminiscent of feelings felt by many viewers to the sporadic and inconsistent news and chaos shown during the [[w:September 11, 2001|September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks]] in the United States. |
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| Furthermore, according to the website Deadline.com, "We hear Esmail had been in touch with Moore, who blessed the idea of him taking on the franchise, because of Esmail's passion for Moore's show."<ref group="development" name="deadline_moore_blessing_franchise">{{cite_web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/09/battlestar-galactica-reboot-drama-series-sam-esmail-nbc-streaming-service-peacock-1202736127/|title='Battlestar Galactica' Reboot From Sam Esmail Headed For NBCU's Peacock Streaming Service|date=17 September 2019|accessdate=19 September 2019|last=Hipes|first=Patrick}}</ref> This was clarified by Esmail himself in an interview October 2019, wherein he notes that he spoke to Moore and asked: "A, are you OK with this? And B, if you are, how do we proceed?" Esmail also noted that Moore "said he was OK with it as long as it wasn't a reboot — which was in line with what I was thinking."<ref group="commentary" name="esmail_thr_moore_conversation_reboot">{{cite_web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sam-esmail-battlestar-galactica-life-mr-robot-1244397#:~:text=I%20talked%20to%20him%20and%20said%2C%20%E2%80%9CA%2C%20are%20you%20OK%20with%20this%3F%20And%20B%2C%20if%20you%20are%2C%20how%20do%20we%20proceed%3F%E2%80%9D|title=Sam Esmail on 'Battlestar Galactica' and Life After 'Mr. Robot'|date=03 October 2019|accessdate=03 October 2019|last=O'Connell|first=Michael}}</ref>
| | While the design of the battlestar ''Galactica'' was probably the most familiar element derived from the Original Series, many elements of the new show were altered. The commander, [[William Adama]], is a battle-hardened, secularly-minded commander on the eve of retirement for himself and his [[Cylon War|combat-decorated]] old battlestar. The names of Original Series characters are now the pilot call signs for his son, [[Lee Adama|Lee "Apollo" Adama]] and the crack pilot, [[Kara Thrace|Kara "Starbuck" Thrace]]. Starbuck's change into a female character initially became a torrid issue to Original Series fans who feared this and other changes would render an inferior series. |
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| To date, Moore himself has not commented publicly on the series' development.
| | However, some fans became pleasantly surprised of the quality of the miniseries and the regular series. Unlike its Original Series counterpart, the new series has not only survived to prepare for a [[Season 4|fourth and final season]] in 2008, but has received many awards and nominations, including several Emmy nominations, a Peabody Award, a Saturn Award, and a Hugo Award. Its popularity has even given the show its own spin-off series, [[Caprica (series)| Caprica]]. In addition, the series has been sold to many other countries across the world. |
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| Meanwhile, fan reaction is understandably mixed, with some questioning publicly as to why another ''Battlestar Galactica'' series is necessary to some even voicing doubt on Esmail's claims.
| | == Series development == |
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| Reaction from cast and crew members is also fairly positive, with initial responses posted to social media by [[Katee Sackhoff]] ({{callsign|Starbuck}}), [[Aaron Douglas]] ([[Galen Tyrol]]), [[Sam Witwer]] ([[Alex Quartararo]]), [[Rekha Sharma]] ([[Tory Foster]]), and others. (See: the [[#Official Statements|Official statements]] section.)
| | After the miniseries, the regular series itself was not immediately approved due to financial considerations. Initially, Universal Studios and Sci Fi Channel both deemed that the series was unaffordable, despite [[David Eick]]'s and David Kissinger's attempts to secure funding for the series. Fortuitously, the UK network [[Sky One]] was looking to fund "high-profile American shows", "ultimately making up the difference between what Universal felt it could afford and what we needed to make the show", according to Eick.<ref name="pg 41">{{cite_book|last=Bassom|first=David|authorlink=|authorlinkurl=|coauthors=|year=2005|title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]]|pages=41|editor=ed. Adam "Adama" Newell|publisher=Titan Books|location=|id=ISBN 1-84576-0972}}</ref> |
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| Executive produced by [[Sam Esmail]] under an overall deal with [[Universal Content Productions]] that itself was renewed February 2019, this series was intended to leverage the ''Battlestar'' brand for NBC's own specialty streaming service called [[Peacock]] and was originally planned to launch as early as April 2020.<ref group="development" name="peacock_launch_timeline_2020">{{cite_web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/nbcuniversals-streaming-strategy-name-programming-lineup-revealed-1240157|title=The Hollywood Reporter: NBCUniversal's Streaming Strategy, Name, Programming Lineup Revealed|date=17 September 2019|accessdate=17 September 2019|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley}}</ref>
| | Once funding was secured, the official announcement for the series' launch was given on 10 February 2004.<ref name="pg 41"/> Moore, a majority of the production staff, as well as every principal cast member from the miniseries returned to work on the series. Moore also hired the show's writing staff, including [[Toni Graphia]], [[David Weddle]], [[Bradley Thompson]], and [[Carla Robinson]]. <ref>{{cite_book|last=Bassom|first=David|authorlink=|authorlinkurl=|coauthors=|year=2005|title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]]|pages=41-43|editor=ed. Adam "Adama" Newell|publisher=Titan Books|location=|id=ISBN 1-84576-0972}}</ref> |
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| The project remained in development for five years before being formally cancelled by Peacock in July 2024.<ref group="production" name="variety_peacock_cancellation_july_2024">{{cite_web|url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/battlestar-galactica-reboot-canceled-peacock-1236091898/#:~:text=The%20long-gestating%20reboot%20of%20%E2%80%9CBattlestar%20Galactica%E2%80%9D%20is%20no%20longer%20in%20development%20at%20Peacock|title='Battlestar Galactica' Reboot No Longer in the Works at Peacock|date=31 July 2024|accessdate=31 July 2024|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley}}</ref> According to sources, UCP will shop the project to other outlets.<ref group="production" name="deadline_ucp_shopping_other_outlets">{{cite_web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/07/battlestar-galactica-reboot-dead-peacock-1236028405/#:~:text=According%20to%20an%20individual%20with%20knowledge%20of%20the%20situation%2C%20UCP%20will%20shop%20the%20project%20to%20other%20outlets|title='Battlestar Galactica' Reboot Dead At Peacock, Will Be Shopped|date=31 July 2024|accessdate=31 July 2024|last=Kroll|first=Justin}}</ref>
| | Principal shooting on the [[Season 1 (2004-05)|first season]] was from 19 April to 15 September 2004, with each episode taking eight days to shoot. In an interesting twist, the series was first broadcast on a European network, Sky One, between 18 October 2004 to 24 January 2005.<ref>{{cite_book|last=Bassom|first=David|authorlink=|authorlinkurl=|coauthors=|year=2005|title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]]|pages=43|editor=ed. Adam "Adama" Newell|publisher=Titan Books|location=|id=ISBN 1-84576-0972}}</ref> As part of the funding agreement, Sky One was given the opportunity to play the new series first, leaving Americans to wait several months before the series would debut in the Americas. |
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| == Series development ==
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| The series was conceived as a passion project by Sam Esmail,<ref group="development" name="esmail_passion_project_ucp_deal">{{cite_web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/01/battlestar-galactica-reboot-derek-simonds-showrunner-peacock-sam-esmail-1235695526/#:~:text=has%20been%20a%20passion%20project%20for%20Mr.%20Robot%20creator%20Sam%20Esmail|title='Battlestar Galactica': Derek Simonds Set As New Showrunner Of Peacock Reboot In Works From Producer Sam Esmail|date=6 January 2024|accessdate=6 January 2024|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie}}</ref> who secured an overall deal with Universal Content Productions in 2019. The series was designed to exist within the same continuity as the 2003 ''Battlestar Galactica'' series but tell a new story.<ref group="development" name="variety_same_continuity_2003_series">{{cite_web|url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/battlestar-galactica-reboot-canceled-peacock-1236091898/#:~:text=the%20show%20was%20said%20to%20be%20set%20in%20the%20same%20continuity%20as%20the%202003%20%E2%80%9CBattlestar%20Galactica%E2%80%9D%20series|title='Battlestar Galactica' Reboot No Longer in the Works at Peacock|date=31 July 2024|accessdate=31 July 2024|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley}}</ref>
| | == Noted changes from the [[Original Series]] == |
| | The basic story is still present: robotic [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]] conduct a [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|surprise attack on the Colonies]], thus forcing several stranded spaceships to coalesce around the last surviving [[Galactica type battlestar|battlestar]], ''[[Galactica]]'', to seek a mythical [[Thirteenth Tribe (RDM)|Thirteenth Tribe]] where the survivors hope to find shelter from the Cylons. |
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| === Writing and Showrunner Changes ===
| | Many of the fine details changed from the Original Series. |
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| The project experienced multiple changes in its writing leadership during its five-year development period. Michael Lesslie was initially brought aboard in May 2020 as writer, creator, and executive producer.<ref group="production" name="lesslie_attached_may_2020_showrunner_2">{{cite_web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/05/battlestar-galactica-michael-lesslie-showrunner-peacock-reboot-1202923668/#:~:text=Michael%20Lesslie%2C%20who%20was%20the%20lead%20writer%20and%20showrunner%20of%20AMC%E2%80%99s%20spy%20drama%20The%20Little%20Drummer%20Girl|title='Battlestar Galactica': Michael Lesslie To Oversee Peacock Reboot From Sam Esmail|date=4 May 2020|accessdate=4 May 2020|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie}}</ref> Lesslie, known for his work on AMC's ''The Little Drummer Girl'' and films including ''Macbeth'' and ''Assassin's Creed'', expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating he was "beyond excited to be taking on this iconic and inspirational show."<ref group="commentary" name="lesslie_statement_beyond_excited_iconic">{{cite_web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/05/battlestar-galactica-michael-lesslie-showrunner-peacock-reboot-1202923668/#:~:text=I%20am%20beyond%20excited%20to%20be%20taking%20on%20this%20iconic%20and%20inspirational%20show|title='Battlestar Galactica': Michael Lesslie To Oversee Peacock Reboot From Sam Esmail|date=4 May 2020|accessdate=4 May 2020|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie}}</ref> | | * The Cylons were created by humanity itself and not by a [[Cylons (TOS)|separate alien race]].<ref>This shift in antagonists mirror similar dystopian man/machine stories found in such popular films as the ''[[Wikipedia:The Terminator|Terminator]]'' and ''[[Wikipedia:The Matrix|The Matrix]]'' movie series.</ref> |
| | * ''Galactica'' is a 50 year old relic on the verge of decommission. |
| | * The names of "Apollo", "Boomer", and "Starbuck" are changed to call signs. Most characters have standard first and last names; some first names were not given until later in the series, such as [[Felix Gaeta|Felix Gaeta's]] or [[Anastasia Dualla|Anastasia Dualla's]]. |
| | * The alien (and often confusing) terminology used to denote units of measurement, such as distance and time, in the Original Series has been replaced with understandable terminology, such as "year" and not "[[yahren]]". |
| | * The ship designs, save for some revisions to the [[Viper Mark II]] and ''[[Galactica]]'' and a few noteworthy background ships (such as the ''[[Astral Queen]]'' and the [[Botanical Cruiser]]), have been redone. |
| | * The government of the Colonies resembles the United States' democratic republic, with a president, vice president, and secretaries. The [[Quorum of Twelve (RDM)|Quorum of Twelve]] appears later, revised as a senatorial body, in the episode "[[Colonial Day]]". |
| | * Instead of the other-worldly, Egyptian-esque clothing and city designs (i.e. pyramids) seen in the Original Series, objects are more contemporary in design and function. Indeed, many aspects of contemporary society are very common throughout the new series. |
| | * The [[Religion in the Twelve Colonies (RDM)|religion]] for the Colonials revises the Lords of Kobol to be analogous in name to many of [[w:Greek mythology|the gods in real-world Greek mythology]], making the Colonial religion of the Re-imagined Series truly polytheistic (the Original Series' religion was more monotheistic as [[God (RDM)|God]] is referenced in tandem with the Lords of Kobol, who were more akin to [[w:saint|saints]].) |
| | * The Cylons themselves [[Cylon Religion|celebrate a monotheistic religion]] with a deity similar to the God of the [[w:Abrahamic religion|Abrahamic religions]]. The Cylons and Colonials consider each other's religions to be false, reflecting the current Islam/Christianity/Judaism strife between the Western world and the Middle East, or clashes between colonizing forces and many indigenous or native populations throughout the age of exploration and modernity. |
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| However, in March 2021, Lesslie departed the project to work on Hulu's adaptation of Margaret Atwood's ''Maddaddam'' trilogy.<ref group="production" name="lesslie_departure_march_2021_maddaddam">{{cite_web|url=https://screenrant.com/battlestar-galactica-reboot-show-loses-writer-michael-lesslie/#:~:text=As%20Deadline%20reports%2C%20Lesslie%20has%20officially%20left%20the%20Battlestar%20Galactica%20show%20on%20Peacock%20to%20instead%20work%20on%20Maddaddam%20at%20Hulu|title=Battlestar Galactica Reboot Loses Writer|date=29 March 2021|accessdate=29 March 2021|last=Lesnick|first=Silas}}</ref> The exact reasons for Lesslie's departure remain undisclosed.<ref group="production" name="lesslie_exit_reasons_unknown">{{cite_web|url=https://boundingintocomics.com/2024/01/08/battlestar-galactica-peacock-reboot-lands-new-showrunner-in-the-sinner-creator-derek-simonds/#:~:text=the%20exact%20reasons%20as%20to%20Lesslie%E2%80%99s%20exit%20remain%20unknown|title='Battlestar Galactica' Peacock Reboot Lands New Showrunner In 'The Sinner' Creator Derek Simonds|date=8 January 2024|accessdate=8 January 2024|last=Baculi|first=Spencer}}</ref>
| | Characters are altered significantly from the Original Series. |
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| In January 2024, Derek Simonds, creator of USA Network's ''The Sinner'', was named as the new writer, executive producer, and showrunner.<ref group="production" name="simonds_new_showrunner_january_2024">{{cite_web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/01/battlestar-galactica-reboot-derek-simonds-showrunner-peacock-sam-esmail-1235695526/#:~:text=The%20Sinner%20creator%20Derek%20Simonds%20has%20come%20on%20board%20as%20writer%2C%20executive%20producer%20and%20showrunner|title='Battlestar Galactica': Derek Simonds Set As New Showrunner Of Peacock Reboot In Works From Producer Sam Esmail|date=6 January 2024|accessdate=6 January 2024|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie}}</ref> Simonds' appointment came after Esmail expressed optimism about the project's status following the resolution of the 2023 WGA strike, telling ''Deadline'' in October 2023: "We are working on it. And in fact, I just read a great outline and it's in great shape."<ref group="commentary" name="esmail_great_outline_shape_october_2023">{{cite_web|url=https://boundingintocomics.com/2024/01/08/battlestar-galactica-peacock-reboot-lands-new-showrunner-in-the-sinner-creator-derek-simonds/#:~:text=We%20are%20working%20on%20it%2C%E2%80%9D%20Esmail%20told%20Deadline%20in%20October%202023%20when%20asked%20about%20the%20status%20of%20project.%20%E2%80%9CAnd%20in%20fact%2C%20I%20just%20read%20a%20great%20outline%20and%20it%E2%80%99s%20in%20great%20shape|title='Battlestar Galactica' Peacock Reboot Lands New Showrunner In 'The Sinner' Creator Derek Simonds|date=8 January 2024|accessdate=8 January 2024|last=Baculi|first=Spencer}}</ref>
| | * [[Boomer (TOS)|Boomer]], played by [[Herb Jefferson Jr.]], is now the callsign of a female, Lieutenant [[Sharon Valerii]] ([[Grace Park]]). |
| | * [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]], played as a male character by [[Dirk Benedict]], is now the call-sign of a female lieutenant named [[Kara Thrace]] ([[Katee Sackhoff]]). |
| | * "Adama", "Tigh", and "Baltar" are now surnames. |
| | * The character of [[Adama (TOS)|Adama]], portrayed by [[Lorne Greene]] in the Original Series, becomes [[William Adama]] ([[Edward James Olmos]]). Adama's beliefs are far more secular than his Original Series counterpart. |
| | * [[Apollo (TOS)|Apollo]], portrayed by [[Richard Hatch]] in the Original Series, becomes the call sign of [[Lee Adama]] ([[Jamie Bamber]]). |
| | * [[Baltar (TOS)|Baltar]], who was willingly complicit in the destruction of the Colonies due to his thirst for power, became [[Gaius Baltar]], an arrogant scientific genius that is tricked into working with the Cylons. |
| | * Colonel [[Tigh (TOS)|Tigh]], portrayed by [[Terry Carter]] in the original series, becomes Colonel [[Saul Tigh]] ([[Michael Hogan]]), a grumpy alcoholic plagued by marital and psychological problems. |
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| === Project Cancellation ===
| | The show has taken a more realistic turn, scientifically. [[Science in the Re-imagined Series|Realistic science]], which was absent in the Original Series, is applied in this series as best as cinematic and storyline requirements permit. |
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| Despite the creative team changes and apparent progress, Peacock officially cancelled the project in July 2024.<ref group="production" name="variety_peacock_cancellation_july_2024">{{cite_web|url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/battlestar-galactica-reboot-canceled-peacock-1236091898/#:~:text=The%20long-gestating%20reboot%20of%20%E2%80%9CBattlestar%20Galactica%E2%80%9D%20is%20no%20longer%20in%20development%20at%20Peacock|title='Battlestar Galactica' Reboot No Longer in the Works at Peacock|date=31 July 2024|accessdate=31 July 2024|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley}}</ref> The project had been in development for five years but never received a formal series order.<ref group="production" name="variety_never_formally_ordered_five_years">{{cite_web|url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/battlestar-galactica-reboot-canceled-peacock-1236091898/#:~:text=It%20was%20never%20formally%20ordered%20to%20series%2C%20though%2C%20and%20has%20been%20in%20development%20ever%20since|title='Battlestar Galactica' Reboot No Longer in the Works at Peacock|date=31 July 2024|accessdate=31 July 2024|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley}}</ref> No specific reason was given for the cancellation,<ref group="production" name="screenrant_no_reason_given_cancellation">{{cite_web|url=https://screenrant.com/battlestar-galactic-reboot-release-date-story-updates/#:~:text=No%20reason%20was%20given%20for%20the%20cancelation|title=The Battlestar Galactica Reboot: Will It Happen? Everything We Know|date=2 August 2024|accessdate=2 August 2024|last=Foutch|first=Haleigh}}</ref> but it was reported that UCP would continue to shop the project to other streaming platforms and networks.<ref group="production" name="deadline_ucp_shopping_other_outlets_2">{{cite_web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/07/battlestar-galactica-reboot-dead-peacock-1236028405/#:~:text=That%20version%20of%20the%20project%20from%20Simonds%20will%20now%20be%20shopped%20to%20other%20platforms%20by%20its%20studio|title='Battlestar Galactica' Reboot Dead At Peacock, Will Be Shopped|date=31 July 2024|accessdate=31 July 2024|last=Kroll|first=Justin}}</ref>
| | Certain models of Cylons [[Humanoid Cylon|appear human, right down to the blood]], which generates some very disturbing problems in distinguishing friend from foe. This mirrors terrorist methods of infiltration and delivering destructive results to heavy population centers (akin to suicide bombers). |
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| == Official Statements == | | == Official Statements == |
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| === [[Sam Esmail]] ===
| | * ''[[Ron D. Moore]] discusses using the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] as a template:'' |
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| * ''Esmail clarifies the announcement:''
| | : I approached the original show and looked at what worked and what didn't work. I tried to keep as much of the original show as possible. I kept all the essential elements of ''Battlestar Galactica'': the aircraft-carrier-in-space; the rag-tag fleet; the Cylon attack, the escape and the search for Earth; Commander Adama; Adama's son "Apollo", who's the ''Galactica'''s lead fighter pilot; the rogue pilot, "Starbuck"; their friend, "Boomer"; and Baltar, the traitor. Those were the main things I knew I had to keep – it wouldn't have been ''Battlestar Galactica'' without them. |
| | : I changed the things I knew didn't work. The original [[Baltar (TOS)|Baltar]] didn't have a motivation for betraying his race<ref>Moore's statement is subjective. Some readers may feel that Baltar's motivations were power-based. By deliberately making a deal with the Cylons, he believed that the Cylons would spare his colony and subjugate the human species under him ([[Saga of a Star World]]).</ref>, so I knew I'd have to change that character. I also never understood why the Cylons were so intent on pursuing these humans across the galaxy<ref>For detail on the Original Series Cylons and their motivations, see [[Cylons (TOS)]].</ref>, so I changed the background of the Cylons and their relationship with the human beings. Making the Cylons the creation of humanity enabled the Cylons to have a much more complicated love/hate relationship with humans, and also provided us with a way to use humanoid Cylons in the series, which was something we knew we wanted to do because there would be limits on how much we could use CGI Cylons. |
| | : [[Athena (TOS)|Athena]] didn't seem to serve any function in the original show other than look beautiful and be a love interest for Starbuck, so I just got rid of that character.<ref>The series would transfer the daughter-figure aspects of the Original Series Athena to [[Kara Thrace]] and [[Sharon Agathon]], who [[Torn|later]] receives the callsign of "Athena."</ref> And while I thought [[Boxey (TOS)|Boxey]] was part of the family and decided it would be nice to [[Boxey (RDM)|include him in some peripheral way]],<ref>The character of Boxey in the Re-imagined Series was intended to be part of a family unit with [[Galen Tyrol]] and [[Sharon Valerii]], but a place for the character within story arcs were eventually dropped, and the character has essentially been dropped from the series.</ref> I never considered keeping [[Muffit|Boxey's dog]] for a second. The dog was just absurd! it was right out from the moment I took the show.<ref>{{cite_book|last=Bassom|first=David|authorlink=|authorlinkurl=|coauthors=|year=2005|title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]]|pages=13-14|editor=ed. Adam "Adama" Newell|publisher=Titan Books|location=|id=ISBN 1-84576-0972}}</ref> |
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| : BSG fans, this will NOT be a remake of the [[Re-imagined Series|amazing series]] [[Ronald D. Moore|@RonDMoore]] launched because... why mess with perfection? Instead, we'll explore a new story within the mythology while staying true to the spirit of ''Battlestar''. [[So say we all]]!<ref group="development" name="esmail_twitter_clarification_not_remake_2">{{cite_web|url=https://twitter.com/samesmail/status/1173987378894999552#:~:text=BSG%20fans%2C%20this%20will%20NOT%20be%20a%20remake|title=Sam Esmail's Tweet - Re: Reboot|date=17 September 2019|accessdate=17 September 2019|last=Esmail|first=Sam}}</ref> | | * ''Moore discusses the religious aspects of the series:'' |
| | : The religious aspects of the show developed naturally out of my intention to reflect every aspect of the human experience. I was delighted because I'm fascinated with this notion of monotheism versus polytheism, and I felt its addition to the show enriched it and helped make it unique.<ref>{{cite_book|last=Bassom|first=David|authorlink=|authorlinkurl=|coauthors=|year=2005|title=[[Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion]]|pages=18-19|editor=ed. Adam "Adama" Newell|publisher=Titan Books|location=|id=ISBN 1-84576-0972}}</ref> |
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| * ''Esmail discusses topical political commentary in response to a fan's plea to refrain from the inclusion of "identity politics or anti [[w:Donald Trump|Trump]] comentary (sic)," wherein they state that "the equilibrium between conservative AND liberal views" made "the <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[Re-imagined Series]]<nowiki>]</nowiki> so special."'' | | * ''Moore discusses using the series as allegory to current events:'' |
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| : Please try to remember that Trump doesn't represent liberal or conservative values. All he represents is ignorant narcissism via his banal assholery. My attacks on trump (sic) aren't on any political affiliation, just on the shittiness of his pathetically low character.<ref group="commentary" name="esmail_twitter_trump_political_commentary">{{cite_web|url=https://twitter.com/samesmail/status/1174428056569569280#:~:text=Please%20try%20to%20remember%20that%20Trump%20doesn%E2%80%99t%20represent%20liberal%20or%20conservative%20values|title=Sam Esmail's Tweet - Re: Battlestar Politics|date=18 September 2019|accessdate=19 September 2019|last=Esmail|first=Sam}}</ref> | | : The original "[[MemoryAlpha:Star Trek: The Original Series|[Star] Trek]]" series ... dealt with a lot of hot-button issues at the time: It dealt with racism, and it dealt with war, and it dealt with a lot of ideas that were very, very timely and very important. And this was a chance to make a science fiction show that wasn't purely escapist, but actually dealt with the world that we live in.<ref>{{cite_web|url=http://www.thestreet.com/_tsclsii/funds/goodlife/10276628.html|title=Delve Into 'Battlestar Galactica'|date=5 April 2006|accessdate=9 Feburary 2007|last=Wolverton|first=Troy|format=|language=}}</ref> |
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| * ''Esmail espouses his fondness for the Re-imagined Series:'' | | * ''[[Jamie Bamber]] talks about the discussions that the cast and crew have regarding the show's content:'' |
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| : It was this sci-fi show that didn't feel incredibly sci-fi-y. It was grounded. I felt like I was watching a war film — so allegorical because it really was talking about 9/11 and the post-terrorist attack environment in a really human way. It was groundbreaking television in how serialized it was before that became popular among the other dramatic shows.<ref group="commentary" name="esmail_thr_moore_conversation_reboot_2">{{cite_web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sam-esmail-battlestar-galactica-life-mr-robot-1244397#:~:text=It%20was%20this%20sci-fi%20show%20that%20didn%E2%80%99t%20feel%20incredibly%20sci-fi-y|title=Sam Esmail on 'Battlestar Galactica' and Life After 'Mr. Robot'|date=03 October 2019|accessdate=03 October 2019|last=O'Connell|first=Michael}}</ref> | | : We discuss everything. We even do try to discuss the sci-fi techie stuff, but we're just not very good at it. When [[A Day in the Life|the script]] throws out something like [[Cally Tyrol|Callie]] [''sic''] and [[Galen Tyrol|the Chief]] in space without any protection, lots [of us discuss] around the set if that was really possible. In the end, we all bow down to the experts who tell us it is. That shuts us up very quick. The political stuff, that's the juice of the show with the cast. That's pretty much what we like to inhabit, those social-political dilemmas and what they mean morally and legally, and how they pertain to the world that we're in now. The interesting thing about this show is that a lot of people come up to me and say, "Is it really liberal, or something?" but everyone across the political spectrum can find a view that they can side with. We don't cast moral judgment on any of them. It is all shades of gray that are out there to be interpreted, and that's the beauty of the writing, I think.<ref name="TV Guide">{{cite_web|url=http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Interviews-Features/Article/default.aspx?posting=%7BAC4FC1D4-115F-457C-8E4A-01A539D77D39%7D|title=''Galactica'''s Jamie Bamber Visits a Heavenly ''Ghost''|date=23 February 2007|accessdate=23 February 2007|last=Cohn|first=Angel|format=|language=}}</ref> |
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| * ''Esmail notes his conversation with Re-imagined Series' developer, [[Ronald D. Moore]], on the concept of a "reboot":'' | | * ''Bamber discusses being sympathetic to the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]]:'' |
| | : The Cylons do garner your empathy gradually, as you see more and more from their point of view. That's a bold move. There is a lot about them that should be sympathetic to a Western American audience. They are monotheists, they kind of believe in redemption and rebirth and all these things that a lot of us believe in. The humans are polytheists and are a bit more anachronistic.<ref name="TV Guide"/> |
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| : The word "reboot" was used when we were first talking about it, and I cringed. [Showrunner] Ronald Moore, he just hit it out of the park with his series, so why would I even want to touch that? I talked to him and said, "A, are you OK with this? And B, if you are, how do we proceed?" He said he was OK with it as long as it wasn't a reboot — which was in line with what I was thinking. But the world of ''Battlestar Galactica'' is so rich, the mythology is so interesting, that I think there is a lot to pick from and explore.<ref group="commentary" name="esmail_thr_moore_conversation_reboot_3">{{cite_web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sam-esmail-battlestar-galactica-life-mr-robot-1244397#:~:text=The%20word%20%E2%80%9Creboot%E2%80%9D%20was%20used%20when%20we%20were%20first%20talking%20about%20it|title=Sam Esmail on 'Battlestar Galactica' and Life After 'Mr. Robot'|date=03 October 2019|accessdate=03 October 2019|last=O'Connell|first=Michael}}</ref>
| | * ''[[Edward James Olmos]] discusses what the series is to him, referencing [[Sharon Agathon]]'s birth of [[Hera Agathon|Hera]]:'' |
| | : No, I think it was [<nowiki></nowiki>[[Sharon Agathon]]'s] [[Hera Agathon|baby]] that really pushed her to the point of being more human than android. The love of a child is really the premise of this story. [[William Adama|My [character's]]] love of my children, [[Laura Roslin|Roslin]]'s love of humanity — all of us are her children. I have my son [Major [[Lee Adama|Lee ''Apollo'' Adama]]], and of course I just [[Maelstrom|lost]] my [surrogate] daughter [Captain [[Kara Thrace|Kara ''Starbuck'' Thrace]]], which was brutal. <ref name="ew ejo">{{cite_web|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20036782_20037403_20015932_2,00.html|title=Four-ward, Cylons: EDWARD JAMES OLMOS|date=|accessdate=31 May 2007|last=|first=|format=|language=}}</ref> |
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| * ''Esmail on his approach to contemporary themes and AI consciousness:'' | | * ''Moore discusses mapping out the series:'' |
| | : Each season, we mapped out where we wanted to go by the end of that season. That’s how I like to approach things. At the beginning of [[Season 1 (2004-05)|season one]], we talked about where the end of the first year would be. And then, into the [[Season 2 (2005-06)|second year]], we broke it up into groups of the first 10 and the second 10, and kept that style of planning, all through the show. I would say, somewhere mid-way through the second season, I started thinking seriously about what the end of the series itself might be. Ideas for where we were headed and what it all meant started to coalesce over the course of the third season. In season three, we started talking in earnest about, “Well, okay, if we do end it next year, what would it really be?,” and it just felt like, “Yeah, this is the right time to do it.” In terms of whether we’ve had enough time, I feel like we have. We’re really taking our cues from the story itself, and it just feels like the story has moved forward aggressively. What I’m proud of about the series is that it’s been unafraid to take risks and it’s been unafraid to move strongly forward, instead of trying to tread water. It just feels like the momentum of the series is now moving towards a conclusion. <ref name="crave">{{cite_web|url=http://www.craveonline.com/filmtv/articles/04648062/battlestar_galactica_ronald_moore_talks_about_earth.html|title=Battlestar Galactica: Ronald Moore talks about Earth|date=13 June 2007|accessdate=15 June 2007|last=Topel|first=Fred|format=|language=}}</ref> |
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| : The world is changing way too fast for us. I mean, when we started working on it, I obviously was aware of AI, but now, four or five years later, it's in the public consciousness and now that's so influential in how we're going to tell the story. The allegory piece is something that is crystallized in a different way, too. The focus is the same, which is the fear of tech and how it might take over, but this idea of just 'the robots are going to be our overlords' is a very facile and overly simplistic way of looking at it.<ref group="commentary" name="esmail_ai_consciousness_changing_world">{{cite_web|url=https://www.joblo.com/battlestar-galactica-reboot-series-showrunner/#:~:text=The%20world%20is%20changing%20way%20too%20fast%20for%20us|title='Battlestar Galactica': Derek Simonds Set As Showrunner Of Reboot|date=12 January 2024|accessdate=12 January 2024|last=Agar|first=Chris}}</ref>
| | ==Notes== |
| | | * In the finale of ''Battlestar Galactica'', it was revealed that the series took place more than 150,000 years before the present day. Therefore, unlike most space opera series, the reimagined ''Battlestar Galactica'' was a saga of ancient history rather than future history. |
| === [[Re-Imagined Series]] Cast & Crew Statements ===
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| * ''[[Katee Sackhoff]] ([[TRS]]'s {{callsign|Starbuck}}) replies to Esmail via Twitter:''
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| : Good to know 👍🏻😉 Excited to see what you come up with. 🚀<ref group="external" name="sackhoff_twitter_excited_see_what_come_up_with">{{cite_web|url=https://twitter.com/kateesackhoff/status/1174164332080271361|title=Katee Sackhoff's Twitter - Re: Esmail's Clarification|date=17 September 2019|accessdate=19 September 2019|last=Sackhoff|first=Katee}}</ref>
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| * ''[[Rekha Sharma]] ([[TRS]]'s [[Tory Foster]]) initial reaction to the news via Twitter:'' | | == See Also == |
| | * [[Themes in Battlestar Galactica (RDM)]] |
| | * [[Philosophy in Battlestar Galactica]] |
| | * [[Sexuality in Battlestar Galactica (RDM)]] |
| | * [[Music of Battlestar Galactica (RDM)]] |
| | * [[Opening credits]] |
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| : Dear BSG fans, I think @samesmail @NBCUniversal are gonna do something great with BSG: not a remake! So lay down your sidearms and grab the ambrosia...
| | ==Cast== |
| :And if it goes sideways, don't worry. | | [[Image:Image lg bgcast.jpg|thumb|Season One cast photo.]] |
| :I mean, have you met us?
| | ===Stars=== |
| :Cylons are NOT to be trifled with.
| | * [[Edward James Olmos]] as [[William Adama]] |
| :End of line.
| | * [[Mary McDonnell]] as [[Laura Roslin]] |
| :😘😘💃🏽💃🏽💪🏽💪🏽<ref group="external" name="sharma_twitter_initial_reaction_not_remake">{{cite_web|url=https://twitter.com/kateesackhoff/status/1174052752177029121|title=Rekha Sharma's Twitter - Re: BSG - Not a Remake|date=17 September 2019|accessdate=19 September 2019|last=Sharma|first=Rekha}}</ref>
| | * [[Katee Sackhoff]] as [[Kara Thrace|Kara "Starbuck" Thrace]] |
| | * [[Jamie Bamber]] as [[Lee Adama|Lee "Apollo" Adama]] |
| | * [[James Callis]] as [[Gaius Baltar]] |
| | * [[Tricia Helfer]] as [[Number Six]] |
| | * [[Grace Park]] as [[Number Eight]] |
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| * ''[[Rekha Sharma]] ([[TRS]]'s [[Tory Foster]]) replies to Esmail via Twitter:'' | | ===Co-stars=== |
| | | * [[Michael Hogan]] as [[Saul Tigh]] |
| : Looking forward to it, Sam! And maybe you've got a place for some [[Cylon (RDM)|cylons]] (sic)...? I'd love to revisit that exquisite mythology 😘 <ref group="external" name="sharma_twitter_reply_cylons_exquisite_mythology">{{cite_web|url=https://twitter.com/kateesackhoff/status/1174164332080271361|title=Rekha Sharma's Twitter - Re: Esmail's Clarification|date=18 September 2019|accessdate=19 September 2019|last=Sharma|first=Rekha}}</ref>
| | * [[Aaron Douglas]] as [[Galen Tyrol]] |
| | | * [[Tahmoh Penikett]] as [[Karl Agathon|Karl "Helo" Agathon]] |
| * ''[[Aaron Douglas]] ([[TRS]]'s [[Galen Tyrol]]) replies to Esmail via Twitter:'' | | * [[Kandyse McClure]] as [[Anastasia Dualla]] |
| | | * [[Paul Campbell]] as [[Billy Keikeya]] (2003-2006) |
| : Hi Sam. I'm available & I'm very familiar with the mythology of Battlestar…. 😉 @samesmail <ref group="external" name="douglas_twitter_available_familiar_mythology">{{cite_web|url=https://twitter.com/theaarondouglas/status/1174100959548461056|title=Aaron Douglas' Twitter - Re: Esmail's Clarification|date=17 September 2019|accessdate=19 September 2019|last=Douglas|first=Aaron}}</ref>
| | * [[Alessandro Juliani]] as [[Felix Gaeta]] |
| | | * [[Nicki Clyne]] as [[Cally Tyrol|Cally]] (2003-2008) |
| * ''[[Sam Witwer]] ([[TRS]]'s [[Alex Quartararo|Alex "Crashdown" Quartararo]]) replies to Esmail via Twitter:'' | | * [[Samuel Witwer]] as [[Alex Quartararo|Alex "Crashdown" Quartararo]] (2004-2005) |
| | | * [[Michael Trucco]] as [[Samuel Anders]] (2008-) |
| : We breathe a sigh of relief, sir.
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| : <nowiki>#CrashdownWasACylon</nowiki><ref group="external" name="witwer_twitter_sigh_relief_crashdown_cylon">{{cite_web|url=https://twitter.com/SamWitwer/status/1174504250677719040|title=Sam Witwer's Twitter - Re: Esmail's Clarification|date=18 September 2019|accessdate=19 September 2019|last=Witwer|first=Sam}}</ref><ref group="footnotes" name="crashdown_not_cylon_clarification">Also, Crashdown was not a Cylon.</ref>
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| ==Production Crew== | | ==Production Crew== |
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| ===Producers=== | | ===Producers=== |
| * [[Sam Esmail]] - Developer / Executive Producer | | * [[Ronald D. Moore]] - Developer / Executive Producer / Writer |
| * Chad Hamilton - Executive Producer (Esmail Corp)<ref group="production" name="hamilton_exec_producer_esmail_corp">{{cite_web|url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/battlestar-galactica-reboot-canceled-peacock-1236091898/#:~:text=Chad%20Hamilton%20of%20Esmail%20Corp.%20was%20also%20an%20executive%20producer|title='Battlestar Galactica' Reboot No Longer in the Works at Peacock|date=31 July 2024|accessdate=31 July 2024|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley}}</ref> | | * [[David Eick]] - Executive Producer |
| | * [[Toni Graphia]] - Co-Executive Producer / Writer |
| | * [[Harvey Frand]] - Producer |
| | * [[Glen A. Larson]] - Consulting Producer |
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| ===Writers and Showrunners=== | | ===Directors & Writing Staff=== |
| * Michael Lesslie - Writer, Executive Producer (2020-2021)<ref group="production" name="lesslie_attached_may_2020_showrunner">{{cite_web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/05/battlestar-galactica-michael-lesslie-showrunner-peacock-reboot-1202923668/#:~:text=Michael%20Lesslie%2C%20who%20was%20the%20lead%20writer%20and%20showrunner|title='Battlestar Galactica': Michael Lesslie To Oversee Peacock Reboot From Sam Esmail|date=4 May 2020|accessdate=4 May 2020|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie}}</ref>
| | : ''To view the list of all the directors and staff, see the [[Portal:Battlestar Galactica (RDM)/Crew#Directors|Crew Portal]]. |
| * Derek Simonds - Writer, Executive Producer, Showrunner (2024)<ref group="production" name="simonds_new_showrunner_january_2024">{{cite_web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/01/battlestar-galactica-reboot-derek-simonds-showrunner-peacock-sam-esmail-1235695526/#:~:text=The%20Sinner%20creator%20Derek%20Simonds%20has%20come%20on%20board%20as%20writer%2C%20executive%20producer%20and%20showrunner|title='Battlestar Galactica': Derek Simonds Set As New Showrunner Of Peacock Reboot In Works From Producer Sam Esmail|date=6 January 2024|accessdate=6 January 2024|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie}}</ref>
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| ==Notes== | | == Episodes == |
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| * In lieu of a more distinct title, the initialism "SE" (for [[Sam Esmail]]) is to be used for any content in this series' continuity, per our [[BW:SEPCON|Separate Continuity]] policy.
| | :''For a complete list of all episodes, see the [[Portal:Battlestar Galactica (RDM)/Episode Guide - Season 1 Guide|Episode Guide]]''. |
| * The project represents the second major science fiction property that Esmail attempted to revive at UCP, following his work on a ''Metropolis'' series for Apple TV+ that was also cancelled during pre-production.<ref group="production" name="deadline_second_scifi_property_metropolis">{{cite_web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/07/battlestar-galactica-reboot-dead-peacock-1236028405/#:~:text=This%20is%20the%20second%20piece%20of%20famous%20sci-fi%20IP%20that%20Esmail%20has%20attempted%20to%20revive%20at%20UCP%2C%20along%20with%20Metropolis|title='Battlestar Galactica' Reboot Dead At Peacock, Will Be Shopped|date=31 July 2024|accessdate=31 July 2024|last=Kroll|first=Justin}}</ref>
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| == References == | | == References == |
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| === Footnotes ===
| | {{reflist}} |
| {{reflist|group=footnotes}} | |
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| === Development and Creative Process ===
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| {{reflist|group=development}}
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| === Production History ===
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| {{reflist|group=production}}
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| === Commentary and Interviews ===
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| {{reflist|group=commentary}}
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| === External Sources and Reviews ===
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| {{reflist|group=external}}
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| [[Category:A to Z]] | | [[Category:A to Z]] |
| [[Category:Behind the Scenes]] | | [[Category:Behind the Scenes]] |
| [[de:Battlestar Galactica (SE)]] | | [[Category:Series in the Re-Imagined Continuity]] |
| [[Category:Revival Efforts]] | | [[Category:RDM| ]] |
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| | [[de:Battlestar Galactica (RDM)]] |
| | [[fr:Battlestar Galactica (LSR)]] |
| | [[ms:Battlestar Galactica (RDM)]] |
| | [[zh:银河战星卡拉狄加 (RDM)]] |
