Originally posted on:
http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/art-main.html?2001-01/26/12.00.sfc

(Mysteriously removed around 3:20pm PST, 27 January 2001 without explanation.)

Updated 8:19pm ET on 25-January-2001
9:00am ET, 26-January-01

SCI FI Eyes New Galactica

A spokesman for The SCI FI Channel confirmed to SCI FI Wire rumors that the network is considering reviving the 1970s series Battlestar Galactica--but without original producer Glen A. Larson or actor Richard Hatch (Apollo). The series would resemble its predecessor in name only, offering new characters, a new villain to replace the Cylons and a new ship, the spokesman confirmed.

If true, SCI FI's initiative could spell the end of efforts by Larson and Hatch to revive the series on their own. Larson earlier told SCI FI Wire that he was working with Universal Studios to create an IMAX version of the series, the first step in reviving the show as either a feature film or TV series. For his part, Hatch has been trying to win Universal's support for his own feature film or television series proposal based on the original show. Hatch has won a following among Internet fans, who have written to Universal supporting Hatch's idea for projects that would involve the series' original actors. Hatch, who doesn't own any rights to Galactica, has nevertheless been showing a homemade trailer for a proposed feature film at comic-book and SF conventions.

SCI FI has been airing reruns of the original series, winning good ratings. A group of Galactica fans has also posted an open letter to SCI FI, urging it to consider adopting Hatch's ideas.

SCI FI is owned by USA Networks, which also owns SCIFI.COM. SCIFI.COM is the official Web site of The SCI FI Channel.

In a response to an inquiry by Ken Thomson, Jr. over the proposed all-new Battlestar Galactica production by the Sci-Fi Channel (U.S.), the Sci-Fi Channel U.K. division issued this:

Subj: RE: Battlestar Galactica
Date: 1/28/01 2:51:25 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: mail@uk.scifi.com (Sci-Fi)
Reply-to: mail@uk.scifi.com
To: Raymar3d@aol.com

Many thanks for your message.

The proposed new version of Battlestar Galactica is being produced by the US Sci-Fi Channel with who we have no connection. You can e-mail them at program@www.scifi.com.

Kind regards,

John Ainsworth
Viewer Liaison
Sci-Fi
http://www.uk.scifi.com

Ken's original message, which garnered the response above:

-----Original Message-----
From: Raymar3d@aol.com [mailto:Raymar3d@aol.com]
Sent: 28 January 2001 06:30
To: mail@uk.scifi.com
Subject: Battlestar Galactica

Regarding the rumors of a new show without the original cast, ship or enemies, the cylons....

What are they thinking? The fans DEMAND the original be honored. A poor substitute will be shot down by us faster than you can possibly imagine.

Galactica 1980 sounds better than the new Sci-fi Channel plan to lobotomize the integrity of a classic science fiction series, beloved by fans for more than twenty years.

Thank you for your time. Please forward this to the appropriate decision-makers, and have a fantastic day!

Thanks,

Kenneth Thomson Jr.

Original Alert and Information
Sci-Fi Channel Statements
Richard "Apollo" Hatch Statement
Jack "Bojay" Stauffer Editorial and Update
Bryan Singer Story

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