Bryan Singer’s BATTLESTAR GALACTICA reboot has found a writer in the shape of Emmy nominee John Orloff. His credits are impressive, including two episodes of the great BAND OF BROTHERS, and serious Angelina Jolie film A MIGHTY HEART. If that sounds a little heavy for a guy now involved with a sci-fi film, fans needn’t be alarmed, as Orloff is clearly a BATTLESTAR devotee. ‘I have wanted to write this movie since I was 12 years old’, he told Deadline, adding ‘I love BSG, and I would pass on the job rather than frak it up.’ (even using BSG-related slang to endear himself to a potentially vociferous fanbase.)
Lovers of the 2004 series who think this is a terrible idea can perhaps take solace in the fact that Singer is rebooting the 1978 series. The ’78 series ran for just 24 episodes due to its high budget, but attracted a number of devoted supporters. Among this fanbase was general sci-fi practitioner Ronald D. Moore, who developed a new incarnation of BSG . This version prided itself on being very, very serious, discussing in depth present day issues like war and religion. It was a critical smash, lasting four seasons and winning a Wikipedia page’s worth of awards.
So, Singer and Orloff clearly have big shoes to fill. The BSG community contains the type of fan that will never accept a new reboot, regardless of who’s involved. However, with the quality writer and director the film has already found, it could be a worthwhile outing. So say we all? Probably not, but it could be alright.
