Imagine dedicating a decade of your life to a beloved sci-fi franchise, only to realize you missed a chance to capture its final moments forever. That's the bittersweet regret Christopher Judge carries about his time on Stargate SG-1.
Roland Emmerich's 1994 blockbuster Stargate was destined for sequels, or so Hollywood logic dictated. Originally envisioned as a trilogy, the film's success instead spawned a television phenomenon. Stargate SG-1, masterminded by Brad Wright and Jonathan Glassner, seamlessly continued the story, albeit with a new cast. Richard Dean Anderson stepped into the boots of Colonel Jack O'Neill, a role originally played by Kurt Russell, while Michael Shanks took over as Dr. Daniel Jackson from James Spader. But it was Christopher Judge's portrayal of Teal'c, a reformed Jaffa warrior, that became a fan favorite. His iconic forehead symbol and stoic demeanor made him instantly recognizable, solidifying his place in the hearts of viewers.
Judge's commitment to Stargate SG-1 spanned 10 seasons, during which he not only became an integral part of the show but also its most frequently appearing character. He even pitched a spin-off idea—a Stargate take on Black Panther—though it never materialized. So, what could he possibly regret about a show he clearly adored and that gave him his most iconic role?
Here's where it gets poignant: In an interview with GateWorld, Judge revealed his regret about the 2008 direct-to-video films Stargate: The Ark of Truth and Stargate: Continuum. While these served as SG-1 sequels, a planned third film, Stargate: Revolution, never came to fruition due to MGM's financial troubles and the declining DVD market. Judge and his castmates had no idea Continuum would be their final adventure together. He wistfully admitted, 'If we had known that was going to be it, I wish I had taken more pictures.'
And this is the part most people miss: Judge's regret isn't about missed opportunities or unfulfilled spin-offs. It's about the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing moments with colleagues who became family. As he reflected on Continuum, he fondly recalled the reunion with both cast and crew, calling it 'fifteen or seventeen days of just a reunion.' Now, he only sees his former castmates at conventions, which has given him a deeper appreciation for the 10 years they shared.
But here's where it gets controversial: Was MGM's decision to cancel Stargate: Revolution a missed opportunity for the franchise, or was it a necessary end to a story that had already run its course? And what does Judge's regret say about the transient nature of Hollywood projects? Does it highlight the importance of living in the moment, or is it a call to always be prepared for the unexpected?
Christopher Judge may still love Stargate SG-1, but his regret serves as a reminder that even in the vastness of sci-fi worlds, it's the human connections that truly matter. So, what do you think? Was Continuum the perfect ending, or did the franchise deserve one last cinematic hurrah? Let’s discuss in the comments!
