Toggle menu
Toggle preferences menu
Toggle personal menu
Not logged in
Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits.

Editing Battlestar Galactica (SE)

From the only original and legitimate Battlestar Wiki: the free-as-in-beer, non-corporate, open-content encyclopedia, analytical reference, and episode guide on all things Battlestar Galactica. Accept neither subpar substitutes nor subpar clones.
Warning: You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you log in or create an account, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.
The edit can be undone. Please check the comparison below to verify that this is what you want to do, and then publish the changes below to finish undoing the edit.
Latest revision Your text
Line 1: Line 1:
{{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
{{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]].}}
 
{{shortcut|SE<br/>Esmail<br/>BSG20}}
 
{{Series Data
| image= Peacock.png
| image= Peacock.png
| title= Battlestar Galactica
| title= Battlestar Galactica
Line 26: Line 30:
==Summary==
==Summary==


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>
Announced on the 41st anniversary of the [[Original Series|1978 ''Battlestar Galactica'' series]], this new series was inspired by the [[Ronald D. Moore]]-lead [[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>


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>  
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>  
Line 48: Line 52:
=== Writing and Showrunner Changes ===
=== Writing and Showrunner Changes ===


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 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">{{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>


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>
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>
Line 56: Line 60:
=== Project Cancellation ===
=== Project Cancellation ===


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>
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">{{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>


== Official Statements ==
== Official Statements ==
Line 64: Line 68:
* ''Esmail clarifies the announcement:''
* ''Esmail clarifies the announcement:''


: 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>
: 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">{{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>


* ''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."''
* ''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."''
Line 72: Line 76:
* ''Esmail espouses his fondness for the Re-imagined Series:''
* ''Esmail espouses his fondness for the Re-imagined Series:''


: 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>
: 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">{{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>


* ''Esmail notes his conversation with Re-imagined Series' developer, [[Ronald D. Moore]], on the concept of a "reboot":''
* ''Esmail notes his conversation with Re-imagined Series' developer, [[Ronald D. Moore]], on the concept of a "reboot":''


: 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>
: 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">{{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>


* ''Esmail on his approach to contemporary themes and AI consciousness:''
* ''Esmail on his approach to contemporary themes and AI consciousness:''
Line 145: Line 149:
[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Behind the Scenes]]
[[Category:Behind the Scenes]]
[[Category:SE| ]]
[[de:Battlestar Galactica (SE)]]
[[de:Battlestar Galactica (SE)]]
[[Category:Revival Efforts]]

To edit this page, please enter the words that appear below in the box (more info):

Refresh
Cancel Editing help (opens in new window)

  [] · [[]] · [[|]] · {{}} · · “” ‘’ «» ‹› „“ ‚‘ · ~ | ° &nbsp; · ± × ÷ ² ³ ½ · §
     [[Category:]] · [[:File:]] · [[Special:MyLanguage/]] · <code></code> · <nowiki></nowiki> <code><nowiki></nowiki></code> · <syntaxhighlight></syntaxhighlight> · <includeonly></includeonly> · <noinclude></noinclude> · #REDIRECT[[]] · <translate></translate> · <languages/> · {{#translation:}} · <tvar|></> · {{DEFAULTSORT:}} · <categorytree></categorytree> · <div style="clear:both;"></div> <s></s>


Your changes will be visible immediately.
  • For testing, please use the sandbox instead.
  • On talk pages, please sign your comment by typing four tildes (~~~~).