MGM and Warner Bros. are partnering with Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin to launch a new feature film trilogy that reimagines the 1994 movie “Stargate,” it was announced Thursday by MGM chairman/CEO Gary Barber.
Emmerich, who directed and co-wrote the original film with Devlin, is confirmed to direct, while Devlin will produce.
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“We couldn’t be more excited to once again partner with Roland and Dean, the world-class creators of the original ‘Stargate,’ to bring their reinvigorated vision of this wildly popular property to audiences of multiple generations. ‘Stargate’ is one of the biggest titles in MGM’s vast library, and we look forward to adding this great franchise to our slate,” said Barber.
“The ‘Stargate’ universe is one that we missed terribly, and we cannot wait to get going on imagining new adventures and situations for the trilogy. This story is very close to our hearts, and getting the chance to revisit this world is in many ways like a long lost child that has found its way back home,” Emmerich and Devlin said in a joint statement.
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MGM will be running production on “Stargate,” with Jonathan Glickman overseeing the project on behalf of MGM and Greg Silverman overseeing for Warner Bros., which will handle worldwide distribution, though MGM will handle select international territories.
“For us at MGM, there was no version of us further developing the ‘Stargate’ franchise without Roland and Dean at the creative helm. This is their baby, and we cannot wait to bring their reenergized universe to the legions of fans around the world,” said Glickman.
“‘Stargate’ created an expansive cinematic universe that has engaged fans for two decades. Under the guidance of Roland and Dean, these new films will build upon the creativity and popularity of the first film, while delivering an original film-going experience for fans and those new to the franchise,” added Silverman.
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At the time of “Stargate’s” release in 1994, the film set the record for the highest-grossing opening weekend in October and went on to gross nearly $200 million worldwide at the box office.
Emmerich is currently shooting “Stonewall,” a drama about a young man’s political awakening amid the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York, which sparked a fight for equality and paved the way for the modern gay rights movement. He is also in pre-production on “ID Forever Part I” and “Part II,” back-to-back sequels to his hit film “Independence Day.”
Devlin is currently in pre-production on his feature directorial debut “Geostorm,” which he co-wrote with Paul Guyot and is producing for Warner Bros. along with Skydance’s David Ellison and Dana Goldberg and his Electric Entertainment team of Marc Roskin and Rachel Olschan.