Amazon Prime has announced the cancellation of the military sci-fi franchise Stargate, which received a series order from Prime Video in 2025.
The series is centred on an ancient ring-shaped device that creates a stable wormhole, allowing near-instantaneous travel around the cosmos.
Stargate was originally unveiled with the 1994 feature film by Roland Emmerich, with the franchise expanding across 30 years to include Stargate SG-1 running from 1997 to 2007, Stargate Atlantis from 2004 to 2009 and Stargate Universe from 2009 to 2011. The series includes Stargate Origins in 2018 and Stargate (2002-2003).
The series was created, written, and executive-produced by Stargate veteran Martin Gero. Other executive producers included Tory Tunnell for the Safe House picture, Joby Harold and Dean Devlin and Emerich. Additionally, Joe Mallozzi and Brad Wright served as the consulting producers.
Why did Amazon cancel Stargate?
According to Variety, executives at Amazon were concerned that Geros’s take on the series would not appeal to a larger fan base beyond the franchise’s fanbase.
In 2022, Amazon was set to develop new projects in the Stargate universe after acquiring MGM Studios. Amazon is still exploring new ways to further the franchise, although the series will not continue.
Further, Gero will continue to produce projects for the company, although no plot details were issued for Gero’s take on the show.
Additionally, the decision to cancel the series was made when the show was in pre-production and had completed a 20-week writers’ room.
How did fans react to Stargate’s cancellation?
Fans of Stargate reacted to the cancellation with a mix of disappointment, frustration, and suspicion about studio intentions.
“Sounds like Amazon wanted to do what Kurtzman did to Star Trek to Stargate. Glad they pulled the plug before they split the fanbase and ruined the franchise,” a user said.
“I honestly had a feeling this would happen. I’m sure they feel the IP is dated at this point. Plus, it sounds like Gero might have been pigeonholing things a bit with too much fan service.
Totally bummed though. I was really looking forward to seeing General Samantha Carter,” another user said.
Others were critical of Amazon’s reasoning, especially claims that the proposed vision might not appeal beyond existing fans.
“They specifically stated they didn’t think Gero’s vision would have appeal beyond existing fans (isn’t this what a show should want?). So they are likely just dropping him to get someone with no appreciation for the IP so they can market it to a broader audience by diluting the IP to the point it’s no longer a Stargate series. Much like the Halo TV show,” another user said.