Longtime sci-fi legend, Joe Mallozzi, answers a few questions about the legacy of Stargate: Atlantis on its 15th anniversary.

Stargate: Atlantis premiered 15 years ago. Can you believe it’s been that long?

It’s honestly hard to believe it’s been that long.

Even when discussions about SG-1 come up, I can’t believe it was about 20 years ago that my former writing partner and I landed on the franchise at the start of SG-1’s fourth season.

Joe Mallozzi is a prolific sci-fi producer best known for “Stargate” and “Dark Matter.” Photo provided by Joe Mallozzi

What do you hope is the legacy of Stargate:Atlantis?

I think the legacy of Atlantis will be fondly remembered for its sense of fun and camaraderie.

Like SG-1, the Atlantis expedition was like extended family members you visited with once a week.

It’s a grand tradition that made both Star Trek and Stargate so relatable – and, sadly, something a lot of newer sci-fi shows have forgotten.

Would you be willing to be involved if there is a fourth in-canon version of Stargate?

If Brad (Wright) or Robert (Cooper) were running a new Stargate series and asked me to be involved, I wouldn’t hesitate.

I have great memories of my time working on the franchise with them.

A script page from the unproduced ‘Stargate: Atlantis’ movie, ‘Extinction.’ Credit: Joe Mallozzi.

Share a memory about working with David Hewlett.

We almost launched a McKay-less Atlantis.

When we were first casting the showing, we were auditioning the role of a character called Dr. Ingram. When we couldn’t find the right actor for the role—and with time ticking down—Robert Cooper suggested bringing Rodney McKay on board.

At the time, I honestly wondered whether the character was just too annoying.

Of course David Hewlett did a brilliant job with the role, delivering a performance that was at turns humorous, touching and, yes, even a little vexing.

And, in the end, he became a fan – and writers’ room – favorite.

Check out more ‘Stargate’ interviews and stay tuned for a national article about the legacy of ‘Stargate: Atlantis’ featuring Joe Mallozzi, Jewel Staite, and David Hewlett.

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