The Future of Battlestar

Last year NBC/Universal dropped the bomb that a new Battlestar was coming. Universal who owns the the intellectual property announced that the new series will be lead by Sam Esmail ( Mr Robot) and directed by Matt Flannery (Gangs of London ) and will stream on NBC new streaming service Peacock. 

Esmail  is a very successful producer that created shows like Mr. Robot, Homecoming and Briarpatch. He is also  a huge Battlestar fan that talked about the franchise:  “It was this sci-fi show that didn’t feel incredibly sci-fi-y,” Esmail said of the predecessor series in a Hollywood Reporter interview this past October. “It was grounded. I felt like I was watching a war film—so allegorical because it really was talking about 9/11 and the post-terrorist attack environment in a really human way. It was groundbreaking television in how serialized it was before that became popular among the other dramatic shows.”

The new show has already suffered a setback, sure to push back a launch date. Showrunner Michael Lesslie hired to get the show into production left to do a Handmaiden Tale spinoff series for Hulu, however Sam Esmail is no stranger to doing both jobs until a new showrunner is hired.

As to where and when the new Battlestar will take place Esmail Tweeted the day the project was announced:  We’ll explore a new story within the mythology while staying true to the spirit of Battlestar. So say we all!” and NBC executive Bill McGoldrick was quoted as: "Had seen the shows outline and everyone is very excited about it and although the show was a big undertaking it was progressing nicely.' 

The original premiere date was penciled in for late 2021, but with Covid-19 bringing most new

series production to a stand still and only now gearing up again this pause may have helped the new series recover from its early set backs.  As to the cast of the New Battlestar no names have been officially released yet, although actress Kiersay Clemons was leaked as a possible Starbuck. 

Seeing thought the ambiguous and lack of detail smoke screen of the new Battlestar Galactica is difficult, but one thing is for sure...It is coming. 

  by Ted Dolby

Staff Writer