Jac Schaeffer to Lead New 'Stargate' Series for Amazon After Gero Project Cancellation

Key points

• Jac Schaeffer is developing a new 'Stargate' series for Amazon Prime Video under her overall deal with Amazon MGM Studios.
• The project follows the cancellation of a previous 'Stargate' series led by Martin Gero, which was scrapped in June 2026 after a 20-week writers' room.
• Schaeffer will executive produce alongside Joby Harold and Tory Tunnell, with a writers' room expected to open soon.
• No plot details or connections to previous franchise entries have been confirmed, but the project aims to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.
• The franchise has been dormant for 16 years, with the last series, 'Stargate Universe,' ending in 2011.

Background

The 'Stargate' franchise has been dormant for 16 years, with the last series, 'Stargate Universe,' ending in 2011. Amazon acquired MGM in 2022 for $8.5 billion, and 'Stargate' was among the first titles identified for adaptation. The previous attempt at a new series, led by Martin Gero, was cancelled in June 2026 after a 20-week writers' room, reportedly due to concerns about broad appeal. Schaeffer's involvement marks a second attempt by Amazon to revive the franchise, with the project falling under her overall deal with Amazon MGM Studios.

How outlets are covering it

Variety, Deadline, and Gizmodo all report on the development of the new 'Stargate' series, but they emphasize different aspects. Variety focuses on Schaeffer's overall deal with Amazon MGM and the executive producers involved. Deadline highlights the cancellation of the previous project and the writers' room opening in New York. Gizmodo notes the concerns about broad appeal that led to the cancellation of the previous project and the potential for the new series to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers. Empire provides a broader context, noting the current state of sci-fi TV and the potential for the new series to succeed.

Why it matters

The development of a new 'Stargate' series is significant for several reasons. First, it marks a second attempt by Amazon to revive a dormant franchise, indicating the studio's commitment to the property. Second, the involvement of Jac Schaeffer, a creator known for her work on 'WandaVision' and 'Agatha All Along,' suggests a potential shift in the tone and style of the series. Third, the project's development under Schaeffer's overall deal with Amazon MGM Studios indicates a strategic move to leverage her reputation and experience in the genre. Finally, the series's potential to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers could help expand the franchise's audience and relevance in the current landscape of sci-fi TV.

What to watch

The next steps for the new 'Stargate' series include the opening of a writers' room, which is expected to happen soon. The project's development will likely involve further announcements regarding the cast, plot, and connections to previous franchise entries. The series's progress will also depend on its ability to secure funding and meet the expectations of both longtime fans and newcomers. Additionally, the project's success will likely influence Amazon's future decisions regarding other dormant franchises and adaptations.