We couldn’t be more excited to set Robert Carlyle for Stargate Universe. He brings a depth, intelligence, and complexity to his roles, which will fit perfectly with the fresh, new reinvention of this franchise,” said Mark Stern, Executive Vice President, Original Programming for SCI FI & Co-Head Original Content, Universal Cable Productions.

The press release also gives some limited information about the role Carlyle will fill (Dr. David Rush). Emphasis mine.

SGU follows a band of soldiers, scientists and civilians, who must fend for themselves as they are forced through a Stargate when their hidden base comes under attack. The desperate survivors emerge aboard an ancient ship missing in the far reaches of space. As they fight to survive, Dr. Rush (Carlyle) works to unlock the mysteries of the ship and return the group home, but evidence of his ulterior motives soon arises.

And there might be even more news soon, since “additional casting is currently underway.”

Have you watched Robert Carlyle in any other television or movie roles? What do you think about him as the lead on Stargate Universe? Let me know in the comments.

Interesting bits include the following!

“Universe will continue the Stargate legacy of vibrant storylines and compelling adventures, but will re-invent the format in a whole new way.”

This is particularly scary, because hey, I happen to like Stargate just the way it is. It makes me nervous when anyone starts talking about re-inventing something I love.

Wright and Cooper said: “In ‘Universe,’ we plan to keep those elements that have made the franchise a success, such as adventure and humour, while breaking new ground in the relationships between mostly young and desperate explorers, thrust together and far from home. Above all, we believe the Stargate itself remains an enduring icon with infinite potential as a jumping off point for telling stories.”

All I can say is please don’t give me a space opera. Although I enjoy Battlestar Galactica, the relationships between the characters wears me out when I watch. I need a regular dose of the more adventure-focused Stargate shows just to keep myself from getting bogged down by all those messy relationships.

The next bit was my favorite, because it gives a hint of what I might expect when Stargate Universe premieres.

After unlocking the mystery of the Stargate’s ninth chevron, a team of explorers travels to an unmanned starship called the Destiny, launched by The Ancients at the height of their civilization as a grand experiment set in motion, but never completed.

What starts as a simple reconnaissance turns into a never ending mission, as the Stargate Universe crew discovers the ship is unable to return to Earth, and they must now fend for themselves aboard the Destiny.

The crew will travel to the far reaches of the universe, connecting with each of the previously launched Stargates, thus fulfilling the Destiny’s original mission. Challenges will arise though as the ship comes into range of Stargates placed centuries ahead of the Destiny and the crew is unable to control the ship’s navigational schedule. If someone is left behind, there is no way to go back for them, adding to the drama of encountering new races, enemies and adventures.

Finally, the details, such as when Stargate Universe will debut and how.

Stargate Universe will debut as a two-hour movie event on SCI FI. Following its premiere, Universe will assume a regular hourly slot in Summer 2009.

Not that I didn’t expect a 2-hour premiere, but it’s nice to have it confirmed.

Read the press release