Months after Amazon announced a new Stargate series from franchise veteran Martin Gero, the streamer has canceled the series, and the reaction from fans has been brutal.
Social media has exploded with criticism aimed at Amazon MGM Studios, with longtime fans, former cast members, and franchise producers all weighing in on the shocking decision.
Fans, Michael Shanks Blast Amazon Over Stargate Cancellation
The biggest point of contention revolves around reports claiming Amazon executives believed Gero’s vision wouldn’t appeal beyond existing fans.
According to Variety, Amazon leadership was concerned the series “would not have broad appeal beyond the franchise’s already dedicated fanbase.”
Many fans immediately mocked the reasoning.
X user Disparu summed up the sentiment in a viral post: “So because Stargate was going to be for Stargate fans they cancelled it. š¤£ GG Amazon.”
The post gained even more attention when Michael Shanks, who played Dr. Daniel Jackson throughout much of the franchise, responded to the post: “Fans be spittin’ truths today. And I’m here for it…”
Shanks later added another direct response regarding the reported reasoning behind the cancellation: “I also dispute their claim.”
Joe Mallozzi Pushes Back on Amazon’s Reported Reason
Longtime Stargate producer Joe Mallozzi has also publicly disputed the narrative that the series lacked mainstream appeal.
Responding to reports that Amazon executives felt the show would only appeal to existing fans, Mallozzi wrote: “Nope. No. Sorry. Gonna have to push back on this. We were ever mindful of creating a show that would have broad appeal.”
That statement aligns with what Mallozzi revealed when confirming the cancellation. He explained that Martin Gero spent more than two years developing a series designed to serve as a jumping-on point for newcomers while respecting existing continuity.
According to Mallozzi, the show embraced the core elements that made Stargate successful in the first place: “Action, adventure, exploration, wonder, heart, humor, and found family.”
Mallozzi Rips Article Defending the Cancellation
Mallozzi also responded to an article arguing that Amazon canceling the reboot may have saved the franchise from disaster.
The producer didn’t hold back.
“Well this is a hastily cobbled together sh-t-take of conjecture and misdirection,” he said.
Mallozzi criticized the article’s claim that marketing the announcement directly to fans somehow proved the series was being made exclusively for existing viewers.
“Announcing a series TO a fandom alongside its community leaders is standard PR; it’s not proof that the show was designed exclusively FOR fandom,” he continued.
He reiterated that the goal from the beginning was to create an accessible entry point for new audiences.
“It was made clear from the start that, first and foremost, the series would function as an accessible entry point for new viewers…while still respecting canon,” Mallozzi added.
Mallozzi also took issue with speculation about what the series might have been.
“What follows is a parade of clichĆ©s, a generic legacy-sequel checklist that the author has conjured up from nothing and pinned to the new show as predictive evidence,” he wrote.
Stargate Fans Feel Betrayed
Part of the reason the backlash has been so intense is because the project was already far along.
Reports state the series completed a 20-week writers room and had entered pre-production in the UK before Amazon abruptly canceled it.
Mallozzi previously revealed the show would have brought back familiar faces from the franchise while introducing new characters and stories.
Now fans are left wondering what could have been.
As one of the most beloved sci-fi franchises of the last three decades, many feel Stargate was finally getting a revival made by people who actually understood it.
Instead, Amazon appears ready to start over from scratch.
With news of the cancellation, Deadline reported thatĀ Amazon could eventually revisitĀ StargateĀ with a completely different creative team, possibly someone without ties to the original franchise who could offer what the studio considers a āfresh perspective.ā
Fans Want Stargate not AmazonGate
What fans think about Amazonās next attempt already seems clear. The reaction across social media shows many wanted Martin Geroās Stargate, not a replacement, and theyāre not happy itās gone.
The comments echo what Joe Mallozzi has been saying since news of the cancellation broke.
Both Mallozzi and Shanks reject the idea that the series was being made only for longtime fans. They argue Geroās vision was designed to welcome new viewers while still honoring the franchiseās existing canon.
Cosmic Book News has contacted Amazon MGM Studios seeking clarification on the cancellation after both Joe Mallozzi and Michael Shanks publicly disputed reports that the series lacked broad appeal. We also asked whether the decision was tied to recent executive turnover and whether Amazon intends to move forward with a different Stargate project. This article will be updated if Amazon responds.
