Well, now we can definitely say who will not be taking over Doctor Who when David Tennant leaves next year. SCI FI has just announced that the brilliant Scottish actor Robert Carlyle has been cast in the lead role of Dr. David Rush in the latest addition to their popular franchise, Stargate Universe. This is actually a surprise as I never figured Carlyle as someone interested in a regular stint on an ongoing series. I didn’t seriously consider him a contender for Doctor Who for that very reason, although this explains where that rumor may have come from since his character will be a doctor. I will say that I have greatly enjoyed several of Carlyle’s films and he’s the caliber of actor that instantly raises the quality of any project he’s involved with. The trick now will be to round out the cast with people that can rise to the level set by Carlyle’s talents and to write scripts that are worthy of him. I am confident the Stargate folks can accomplish both.
New York, NY – December 15, 2008 – Award-winning Scottish actor Robert Carlyle (Trainspotting, The Full Monty) has been cast in the leading role of Dr. David Rush on SCI FI’s highly anticipated new original series, Stargate Universe, the latest adventure in the Stargate franchise produced by MGM television. Production will begin in Vancouver in February ’09 with an eye toward a summer 2009 premiere. Additional casting is currently underway.
“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.
Edgier and younger in tone than the two previous series, 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.
Brad Wright and Robert Cooper, co-creators of Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis and who both currently serve as executive producers on Atlantis, will serve as executive producers and writers on the new series.
Carlyle is best recognized for his roles as Francis Begbie in Danny Boyle’s hit independent film Trainspotting and the stripper Gaz in The Full Monty, which earned him both a BAFTA and SAG Award for his outstanding performance. His career began in the UK where he gained attention in the British television series Cracker featuring Robbie Coltrane. He has starred in such films including 28 Weeks Later, The World Is Not Enough, Angela’s Ashes and The Beach, where he re-teamed with Boyle. His television credits include the Emmyâ-winning miniseries Hitler: The Rise of Evil, and Human Trafficking, which garnered him an Emmyâ Award nomination. He recently starred in 24: Redemption opposite Keifer Sutherland.
Stargate Universe will debut as a two-hour movie event on SCI FI and will be distributed by MGM Worldwide Television Distribution.
