Galactica Prequel Gets Greenlight

It’s not over, Battlestar Galactica fans. Well, OK, Galactica is still over after this fourth and final season. But in what is becoming sci-fi tradition, we’ll learn how things all got started with a prequel.

Even as the runaway hit Peabody and Emmy-winning original series wraps up,   SCI FI Channel has greenlit production on Caprica, a two-hour Battlestar backdoor pilot prequel from executive producers Ronald D. Moore and David Eick.  Production is slated to begin in Vancouver this spring. 

“We couldn’t be more excited to see this long-anticipated project get off the ground. It’s an amazing script, and, though clearly inspired by the Battlestar mythology, it is not just a pale spin-off. This is a smart, thought-provoking, emotional, and compelling character drama in its own right,” said Mark Stern, Executive Vice President of Original Programming.

The prequel is set 50 years before Battlestar, Caprica follows two rival families: the Greystones and the Adamas.  Moore promises all the political intrigue and conflict that Battlestar has become famous for. 

“I’m thrilled with the chance to expand on the Galactica world and get deeper into the origins of the story we’ve been telling,”  Moore said.  “It’s also great to have a chance at doing a completely different kind of science fiction series, one that’s even more character-oriented and doesn’t rely on pyrotechnics to carry the story.”

In the press materials touting Caprica, Universal Studios talks about a “dream team” that will bring the show to life.

Moore and Eick will handle the production chores, while Moore and 24 writer Remi Aubuchon will write the prequel. Jeff Reiner (Friday Night Lights) will direct and Universal Media Studios will produce.

Prequels tend to make me nervous (bad Star Wars experience).