Source:SCI FI Channel

August 22, 2008

Building upon the successful "Stargate" franchise, SCI FI Channel today announced it has greenlit a two-hour movie based on the hit science fiction adventure series "Stargate Atlantis." SCI FI will have the exclusive worldwide television premiere of the yet to be titled "Stargate Atlantis" film, which will then be released on DVD by MGM. The movie will be written by "Stargate Atlantis'" executive producers Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie, who also serve as series showrunners. The movie is set to follow the fifth and final season of "Stargate Atlantis," as it draws to its thrilling conclusion in January 2009.

"We're excited to tell 'Atlantis' stories on a bigger canvas. The successes of the two original 'Stargate' DTV movies 'The Ark of Truth' and 'Continuum' have shown us the opportunities that the movie format offers. We have plans for both 'SG-1' and 'Atlantis' to remain vital as we expand the franchise," said Brad Wright and Robert C. Cooper, co-creators of "Stargate SG-1" and "Stargate Atlantis" and who both currently serve as executive producers on "Atlantis."

"We share in the producers' enthusiasm to move forward in this direction and we look forward to a strong and continued relationship on 'Stargate Atlantis' in this new format," said Thomas Vitale, Senior Vice President Programming & Original Movies.

"Stargate Atlantis" follows the adventures of an intrepid team of military and civilian explorers who travel the distant Pegasus galaxy by means of a Stargate, a portal created long ago by a highly advanced alien civilization called the Ancients. In their never-ending quest to seek out other technologies left behind by the Ancients, the Atlantis team encounters alien cultures some friend, some foe.

The series will reach a milestone with the 100th episode airing in January 2009. "Atlantis" is executive produced by Brad Wright, Robert C. Cooper, Joseph Mallozzi, Paul Mullie, Carl Binder, and Martin Gero. Mallozzi and Mullie share the reins as showrunners.