Amazon Reboots Stargate with WandaVision Creator After Scrapping Veteran's Version

Amazon MGM Studios has revived its Stargate series project by hiring Jac Schaeffer, the creator of WandaVision, to develop a new show. This move follows the cancellation of a previous Stargate series led by franchise veteran Martin Gero in June 2026. A writers' room is now opening in New York, with Joby Harold and Tory Tunnell joining as executive producers. The new project aims to broaden the franchise's appeal beyond its existing fan base.
Key points
- Jac Schaeffer, known for WandaVision and Agatha All Along, is developing a new Stargate series for Amazon MGM under her overall deal with the studio.
- The project replaces a previous Stargate series led by Martin Gero, which was cancelled in June 2026 after receiving a series order in November 2025.
- A writers' room is currently opening in New York, with Joby Harold and Tory Tunnell from Safehouse Pictures serving as executive producers alongside Schaeffer.
- The previous Gero-led project was reportedly scrapped because Amazon executives felt it lacked broad appeal and was too focused on existing fans.
- No plot details have been released, but the new approach is expected to target both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise.
Background
The Stargate franchise originated with a 1994 film and expanded into multiple series, including Stargate SG-1 (1997-2007) and Stargate Atlantis (2004-2009). Amazon acquired MGM in 2022 for $8.5 billion, leading to the identification of Stargate as a key property for adaptation. The current development follows a brief period where the franchise was considered dormant after the cancellation of the Gero-led project.
How outlets are covering it
Variety and Deadline reported the news exclusively, confirming Schaeffer's involvement and the opening of a writers' room. Gizmodo highlighted the contrast between the new project and the previously cancelled Gero-led series, noting that Amazon executives had criticized the earlier version for being too 'inside baseball' and lacking broad appeal. Fan reactions, as seen in comments on Variety and Deadline, were largely negative, with many expressing disappointment that the original creators were not retained and questioning whether a creator known for Marvel properties could successfully adapt the Stargate universe. Some fans argued that the new approach might alienate core fans, while others acknowledged the potential for reaching a wider audience.
Why it matters
This development signals Amazon's commitment to reviving the Stargate franchise with a broader audience in mind, following the cancellation of a more fan-focused version. It also highlights the studio's strategy of leveraging high-profile creators to attract new viewers, potentially impacting the future of other legacy sci-fi properties.
What to watch
The next step is the development of the series by the newly formed writers' room. There are no announced dates for production or release, but the project is expected to move forward as part of Schaeffer's overall deal with Amazon MGM.
- Amazon’s ‘Stargate’ Series Is Back in Development, This Time With ‘WandaVision’ Creator Gizmodo
- ‘WandaVision’ Creator Jac Schaeffer to Develop ‘Stargate’ Series at Amazon (EXCLUSIVE) Variety
- ‘Stargate’ Series From ‘WandaVision’ Creator Jac Schaeffer In Works At Amazon Deadline
- Amazon Officially Resurrects Long-Awaited Sci-Fi Action Reboot After Failed Attempt MovieWeb
- WandaVision creator will be the latest to try to reopen the Stargate A.V. Club
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