Robert Carlyle cast as lead in Stargate Universe

[wraithfodder]

Personally, I think this is a mistake for poor Robert Caryle. DOCTOR WHO is going to be remembered far past SGU :(

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ia42e757920d927798a19726f013538af

an excerpt:

"Described as edgier, darker and younger-skewing than its predecessors, "SGU" follows a group of soldiers, scientists and civilians left to fend for themselves when forced through a Stargate after their hidden base comes under attack. The survivors, who emerge aboard an ancient ship missing in the far reaches of space, are led by Dr. David Rush (Carlyle), who works to unlock the ship's mysteries and return the group home but also might have ulterior motives.

The network had said it was looking to cast a well-known actor as Rush and fresh faces to play the rest of the ship's crew.

"Robert Carlyle brings a depth, intelligence and complexity to his roles, which will fit perfectly with the fresh, new reinvention of this franchise," Sci Fi original-programming chief Mark Stern said.

    REST AT LINK ABOVE

I like Carlyle, but considering the same folk who penned the past Stargates are going to pen this, I don't expect any fresh new plots. And wow, there's Skiffy pushing the "fresh" crap, like they always do with all their programming and cast changes. I get the idea somewhere at Skiffy used to market laundry detergent...

So, what's everybody's opinion? I like Carlyle, but don't know if he'll be enough for me to watch the show.

Comments

[volaremn.livejournal.com]

I assume Carlyle accepting this SGU means he was not offered Doctor Who considering no one could possibly believe SGU is better for his career. It sounds like he wants a steady paycheck in a location that's good for raising children and this is his best option.

On the other hand, this is a hell of a coup for the franchise. I doubt they'll manage to fill out the cast with actors that match his acting caliber, not when they're looking for cheap, unknown, pretty young things. (And consider that his salary probably will be higher than Flanigan's as reported in that lawsuit, and that Scifi is now more tightfisted than in previous years as shown by Sanctuary's low licensing fee.) He's worked on a lot of high quality projects with actors that are much, much better than the Stargate median; I think he'll come to feel that he's earning every penny of his paycheck.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

It's a coup that they've got a very good actor, but... if they want to skew young, many young people have no idea who he is, but then again, they'll hire some hunks and Britney clones and that'll take care of the CW crowd ;);)

can't blame Carlyle for wanting a steady paycheck, if that's the case, but hope he realizes his character isn't gonna evolve. Sure didn't for Sheppard :(

[volaremn.livejournal.com]

I'm thinking they know Carlyle won't bring millions of young viewers, that they hired him hoping he would bring them respect. When BSG was announced people assumed it would be a typical SciFi cheesefest and were baffled that Mary McDonnell and Edward James Olmos were involved. Even though BSG's ratings were the same as SGA, there was considerably more awareness and admiration for it within the industry. Look at how much more successful the BSG cast has been in finding work and how quickly the showrunners got new projects off the ground. Stargate has a stodgy reputation and hiring Carlyle already has intrigued the press.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Hmm, that's pretty interesting. Makes sense!