RichardHatch.com




RICHARD HATCH'S BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE SECOND COMING PROJECT

For more information on Battlestar Galactica:

Current overview

Articles and Interviews on Battlestar Galactica

Classic Battlestar Galactica Episode Guide

Richard's Battlestar Galactica updates (via the News & Insights section)

Richard's Battlestar Galactica novels

More on Richard's Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming project

Battlestar Galactica cgi artwork by Mike McAdams. Copyright 2000. All rights reserved. May not be reused or modified without prior written permission.

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.

Battlestar Galactica cgi artwork of Agro Ship and Colonial Shuttle by Dave Williams and Randy Moroz. Copyright 2000. All rights reserved. May not be reused or modified without prior written permission. 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 cgi artwork by Mike McAdams. Copyright 2000. All rights reserved. May not be reused or modified without prior written permission. 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.

Members of the original cast of Battlestar Galactica show.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 as Commander Apollo, from his "Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming" trailer. Image copyright Su-Shann Productions. May not be reused or modified without prior written permission. 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

Click to enlarge
Baltar and Apollo meet again.
(This was John Colicos's last living appearance as Baltar.)
Click to enlarge
John Colicos as Baltar.
(This was John Colicos's last living appearance as Baltar.)
Click to enlarge
Apollo, with other Colonial Warriors, searching a Cylon outpost for Starbuck.
Click to enlarge
A break during the filming for Richard Hatch, Don Hughes and Jerry Don Jones.
Click to enlarge
Eric Melson (Cylon), Richard Hatch and Don Hughes on a break during filming.
Click to enlarge
The Galactica leads the rag-tag fleet.
CGI artwork by Mike McAdams.
Click to enlarge
Colonial Vipers launch from the Galactica.
CGI artwork by Mike McAdams.
Click to enlarge
Cylon Raiders attack near the Livery Ship ("the Film Reel Cannister" ship)
CGI artwork by Lee Stringer and Da
ve Williams.

More images, interviews and trailer credits are
avalable on BattlestarGalactica.com.

 

Copyright 1995-2003. Richard Hatch Enterprises, MerlinQuest Entertainment.
All rights reserved.
The materials from this web site may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in
any form. Use of this site signifies your agreement to the terms of use.

Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Site Index