So, Universal is making a movie based on Battlestar Galactica. This is good news for fans of the original series, but might seem disappointing to fans of the more recent, superior, television series.
See, they are rebooting the entire Battlestar Galactica franchise and it seems they are “re-inventing” the world. This makes no sense based on how incredibly awesome the SyFy series was, but the good news for fans of the original ’70s series is that original producer Glen A. Larson will produce the new Battlestar Galactica.
Hero Complex reported that the Battlestar Galactica reboot hired screenwriter Jack Paglen, following his work on the upcoming Wally Pfister movie Transcendence. There is no word on who will direct this reboot or when it will hit theaters.
The idea that the new Battlestar Galactica will be based on Glen A. Larson’s vision, and not the superior efforts of Ronald D. Moore, is discouraging. While Larson’s original series, starring Dirk Benedict and Lorne Greene, still has fans today, the fact is that it was slightly uninspired and was mostly a knock off of the science fiction of its era, such as Star Wars and Star Trek.
However, Moore’s much better Battlestar Galactica reboot of the franchise for the SyFy Network is better in every way. Replacing the shiny alien robot-looking Cylons were humanoid Cylons that were actually created by humans. It was much more complex and intriguing and was more than just a Star Wars rip-off.
While the original Battlestar Galactica is loved for its camp and nostalgia factors, the SyFy version is considered one of the finest television series of the last couple of decades, often spoken of in the same breath as shows like The Wire and Breaking Bad.
Glen A. Larson was never involved in any way with the production of Moore’s Battlestar Galactica reboot and has said on numerous occasions he wants to see the new movie be more like his original vision of the show. I guess he hates the political intrigue and adult drama that the SyFy show displayed.
Maybe Jack Paglen can bring something to the Battlestar Galactica reboot, but in the end, we will still have Ronald D. Moore’s Battlestar Galactica.