EXCLUSIVE: Michael Shanks Confirms New Project Rage of Angels

I just got off the phone with actor Michael Shanks, who starred in the long-running sci-fi series Stargate SG-1, about his new Stargate straight-to-DVD movie, Stargate: The Ark of Truth. During that interview, the actor confirmed he has a new project called Rage of Angels that's been greenlit by MGM, and that his Stargate SG-1 co-star Christopher Judge (Teal'c) wrote the pilot and will star.

I see you've written and directed a couple of episodes of Stargate SG-1 in the past. Are you planning on doing anymore writing or directing for TV or film somewhere down the line?

Michael Shanks: Well, Chris Judge and I have a project that's going forward with MGM called Reach of Angels, that Chris wrote the pilot script for. If it goes to series, which is our belief and wish, we'll both be writing for that as well as acting in it. Whether or not I decide to direct is another whole ball of wax, but we definitely want to create the mythology of that program if it goes to series. So, definitely it's something I plan on doing in the future, if not for that project then for something else.

Is this another sci-fi project?

Michael Shanks: I would call it more in the fantasy realm. It's basically about the angel Gabriel who comes to Earth to start a war with Lucifer for control and... well, we'll just leave it at that. Much shennanigans ensue (Laughs).

Do you have an idea on when you'll have any word on that?

Michael Shanks: Well, MGM gave the green light. They purchased the rights to the script. They've done the contract deal for both the script and the actor deal for Christopher, who's going to be playing Gabriel in it. That part is out of the way. We're just waiting to set a timeline, and start doing some casting for it.

Keep your eyes peeled for my full interview with Michael Shanks about the new Stargate: The Ark of Truth DVD, and we'll definitely keep you posted on this new development as well.