Joe Flanigan Talks Up Stargate Atlantis
Source SciFiPulse
11 August 2004
A new phenomena recently took flight in the USA, and that was the launch of Stargate Atlantis which is a spin off from the long running Stargate SG -1. As fate would have it Atlantis actually out performed SG-1 on its opening night back in July. In an interview for issue 119 of Dreamwatch magazine Joe Flanigan who portrays Major John Sheppard spoke of some of the difference between the two shows, and how he feels about having to pretty much follow in the footsteps of SG-1's lead character Jack O'Neill.
On thing that many fans noticed was a similarity between Sheppard who is played by Flanigan and the aforementioned Jack O'Neill, and Joe Flanigan is quick to point out that any similarities between his character and the character of Jack O'Neill were not deliberate.
"They haven't been written that way and they certainly haven't been cast that way.
"We're doing a different show, and we will probably find an additional set of viewers. Atlantis will have a different flavour thought it keeps some of the classic elements of Stargate."
Although fan feedback has already stated that the new show is vastly different to SG-1 in every way, there are certain character traits that Sheppard possesses which make him what many could relate to as a younger version of Jack O'Neill. One of the most glaringly obvious traits is that the character operates more on instinct as apposed to intellect.
"He doesn't necessarily want to get himself involved in all this stuff, and he's not entirely certain of the outcomes. He's both excited and holding on for dear life at the same time and he's also having a lot of fun in the process!"
Flanigan was very upbeat about his chance to appear in a genre show from the very beginning and still recalls his feelings when he first seen the sets upon his first visit to the Stargate Atlantis soundstages.
"I walked on the set, and first of all I was impressed by the size of the place," He recalls. "It's a very elaborate and beautiful set. And then it sank in that this is a very big production with a tremendous amount of people involved in creating this fictional world. It's really remarkable."
As many witnessed the premier of Stargate Atlantis was very much crossover show, which involved guest appearances from Richard Dean Anderson, (Jack O'Neill) and Michael Shanks, (Daniel Jackson). Flanigan said that it was a lot of fun to do and is not against the idea of there being other cross over shows in the future.
"It's always fun when there are crossovers." He revealed. "I'm hoping that there will be as many crossovers as possible, but when you watch the pilot you realise that having that cross - pollination is impossible."
As to whether Stargate Atlantis will still be around in another 9 years time the actor dares not make any projections about the shows future.
"I don't worry about it. I think 'Do I enjoy the role?' and 'Do I enjoy the people I'm working with?' in this case, the answer is 'Absolutely' in both categories. The results are going to be secondary, although hopefully the results are going to be great!"
You can read the complete version of this interview in issue 119 of Dreamwatch magazine which is available here.