RICHARD HATCH'S BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE SECOND
COMING PROJECT
Original
series star, Richard Hatch, has brought his vision
of the present day universe of Battlestar Galactica to the masses in the form of three recent novels, "Battlestar
Galactica: Armageddon", "Battlestar
Galactica: Warhawk" and "Battlestar
Galactica: Resurrection."
Additionally, Richard created a
visual proof-of-concept by executive producing, co-scripting,
co-directing, and acting in Battlestar Galactica:
The Second Coming. This is a 4-1/2 minute, professional
film trailer by Richard which illustrated his concepts
for a new Battlestar Galactica motion picture
and/or television series/telemovie. Started in 1998,
Richard completed the trailer in August 1999. He has
shown it to Universal Studios (owners of the Battlestar
Galactica licensing), hoping to get the green-light
to start production. While interested, Universal eventually
chose Tom DeSanto and Bryan Singer's production plans
in February 2001. (Note: Bryan Singer left in late 2001 to focus on the sequel to X-Men, titled X2.
Richard
still believes in the continuation of a compelling premise
which has endured 22 years with fans worldwide: The
original Battlestar Galactica series. The events
of Galactica: 1980 would be disregarded; the
Colonial fleet would still be searching for the Thirteenth
Tribe and planet Earth. Fans today want an epic adventure
which reaches into the hearts and souls of the viewers,
to identify with the characters and situations. Audiences
want more than snazzy special effects; they want storylines
which captivate and enrapture the mind. For example,
both Babylon 5 and The X-Files (among
other series) have set strong standards in quality science
fiction storytelling. Both creators (J. Michael Stracynzski
(jms) and Chris Carter, respectively) built fascinating,
intricate infrastructures and plot threads to the overarching
storyline. Richard firmly believes that a new Battlestar
Galactica series can also offer strong story arcs
and scripting.
Battlestar
Galactica explores humanity's mythologies and origins.
It delves into the core of humanity's spirit, the engrained
curiousity to learn more about themselves. Battlestar
Galactica: The Second Coming has storytelling potential
to surpass current science fiction productions.
Richard's new production departs
from the cheesy aspects of the original Battlestar
Galactica series, adds additional depth and drama,
and doesn't take the audience for granted. The production
isn't about stock footage Vipers blasting Cylons, or
humans outwitting their Cylon foes every week. There
is deeper intrigue between the Colonials and the Cylons
-- and newfound allies and enemies. Between the main
characters, the plight of the Colonials' situation,
the pursuing Cylons, their own problems, and explorations
as the fleets move through interstellar space, there
are a LOT of stories to tell. Fans are curious about
the human condition in the Colonial fleet: How have
these people adapted since their homelands were destroyed?
Are they holding together or dividing? How have the
characters grown? What new characters add to the chemistry?
How are the original characters faring?
It's been said that nothing is
original these days; everything is a retread/spin on
something else. Maybe so, but in production team discussions
about Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming,
there are stories ideas which aren't retreads/spins
on scripts which appear on other shows. The ideas are
fresh, exciting and haunting. You are dealing with the
survivors of a holocaust who are braving the mysteries
of deep space with the hope of finding their lost brethren.
The premise is dark, but hope springs eternal -- and
the characters will endure much through the show's run
as they search for the Thirteenth Tribe -- and Earth.
Excitement-wise,
it's a thrilling thought to see old cast favorites return
-- and witness their progress. And it's fascinating
to see how things might have changed over 22 years.
What's the condition of the fleet? What have they endured?
What has changed for their adversaries? How does the
new generation of space-born Colonials deal with their
plight? (They never knew the holocaust which consumed
their forefathers' worlds.) What new worlds will they
encounter? What mysteries in space will they find? (Let
it be said, Kobol was NOT the only place the Colonials
came from.) What of the Ships/Beings of Light? How is
Good and Evil being played out in the universe -- and
how are the Colonials/Cylons influenced by this? And
what binds the Colonials together, not merely for the
sake of survival?
Richard
Hatch wanted the chance to deliver this epic anew, building
on the foundation of the original Battlestar Galactica
series. He wants the original cast, characters,
premises and themes to live on -- with some new ones,
too. And his production plans were the ONLY ones (at
the time of this writing) which embraced the original
series in this way. Hopefully, Tom DeSanto will consider
this for the new Battlestar Galactica series.
Fandom is asked to signal their
support to the new executive producer, Tom DeSanto.
Please consider participating in the Battlestar
Galactica Revival Effort. You can--and
will--make a difference with your feedback
to them. They are listening.
Additional information about Battlestar
Galactica: The Second Coming can be found on Richard's
official Battlestar Galactica web site, BattlestarGalactica.com.
Images from the "making
of" the Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming
trailer
Baltar and Apollo meet again.
(This was John Colicos's
last living appearance as Baltar.)
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John Colicos as Baltar.
(This was John Colicos's
last living appearance as Baltar.)
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Apollo, with other Colonial
Warriors, searching a Cylon outpost for Starbuck.
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A
break during the filming for Richard Hatch, Don
Hughes and Jerry Don Jones.
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Eric Melson (Cylon), Richard
Hatch and Don Hughes on a break during filming.
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The Galactica leads
the rag-tag fleet.
CGI artwork by Mike McAdams.
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Colonial Vipers launch from
the Galactica.
CGI artwork by Mike McAdams.
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Cylon Raiders attack near
the Livery Ship ("the Film Reel Cannister" ship)
CGI artwork by Lee Stringer
and Dave Williams.
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More images, interviews and
trailer credits are
avalable on BattlestarGalactica.com.
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