In a setback for fans of the long-running science fiction franchise, Amazon MGM Studios has decided not to move forward with its planned new Stargate television series. The project, which had been greenlit in November 2025 and was in the early stages of pre-production, was scrapped due to concerns over its potential audience appeal.
The series was to be helmed by Martin Gero, a veteran of the Stargate universe who served as a writer and producer on Stargate Atlantis. Gero also created the NBC series Blindspot and worked on the 2022 revival of Quantum Leap. Joining him in key roles were franchise stalwarts Brad Wright and Joseph Mallozzi as consulting producers.
Amazon MGM Studios announced the project with fanfare in November 2025, positioning it as a “bold new chapter” in the Stargate saga. The show was designed to serve as an accessible entry point for new viewers while honoring the established continuity of the franchise, which includes the original 1994 film starring Kurt Russell and James Spader, followed by Stargate SG-1 (10 seasons), Stargate Atlantis, and Stargate Universe.
By early 2026, the project had gained momentum. A writers’ room was assembled in January, and in March, Gero announced the hiring of high-profile department heads: production designer Nathan Crowley and VFX supervisor Mohen Leo. Production was slated to base in the London area, with filming potentially beginning in fall 2026 (as early as September).
According to Variety, which first reported the cancellation, Amazon executives grew concerned that Gero’s vision leaned too heavily on franchise lore and would primarily attract the existing dedicated fanbase rather than drawing in a broader mainstream audience.
This decision reflects broader industry challenges in reviving legacy IPs. Many studios have struggled to balance nostalgia for core fans with the need to expand viewership for high-budget streaming projects, a trend seen across franchises like Star Wars, Star Trek, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Despite the cancellation, sources indicate Amazon MGM Studios remains interested in exploring other avenues to revive the Stargate universe.
Stargate has maintained a passionate global following since its debut. The franchise’s mix of military sci-fi, exploration, adventure, and humor built a dedicated community that has sustained it through multiple series, direct-to-DVD movies, and even a web prequel (Stargate Origins in 2018). The 14-year gap since Stargate Universe ended in 2011 only heightened anticipation for the new series.
Fan reaction to the news has been one of disappointment, with many expressing frustration on social media and forums. GateWorld, a leading Stargate news site, noted that “Stargate fans can’t seem to catch a break,” capturing the sentiment of a community that has seen multiple revival attempts falter over the years.
While this particular iteration is no longer advancing, the Stargate intellectual property—now under Amazon’s ownership following its 2022 acquisition of MGM—continues to hold potential. The studio has successfully developed other MGM properties for television, and industry observers will be watching to see if a different creative approach or format emerges for the iconic franchise.
For now, fans can revisit the classic adventures on streaming platforms, though availability of certain series has fluctuated in recent months. The hope remains that the Stargate will one day reopen for a new generation of explorers.
