Syfy continues to honor its science fiction roots by announcing a new series based off of Frederik Pohl’s classic first contact novel, ‘Gateway.’ A winner of both the Hugo and Nebula awards this tale is being turned into a scripted series with David Eick (‘Battlestar Galactica’) and Josh Pale (‘Falling Skies)’ on board to produce with Eick set as the series showrunner.
Sounds good so far, sadly though there is no word on directors or even a time frame for when the series will start to shoot let alone be released as of yet. Even so, with talent like these two you could something great.
Throw in what series’ they’ve worked on in the past and you can also expect a darker tone.
For those of you unfamiliar with the novel, it is actually considered some of Pohl’s darker work and if you go off the following synopsis it is clear that there will darker elements involves as well.
In Gateway, humanity discovers an asteroid teeming with the long abandoned spaceships of an advanced alien race — the Heechee – setting in motion a gold rush for alien artifacts and technology. The ships are preprogrammed, transporting their voyagers to distant worlds of riches — or certain death. Undaunted by the peril or the odds, prospector Robinette Broadhead gambles everything on a journey to Gateway. After one nightmare mission, he returns to extraordinary wealth and luxury, but is haunted by the loss of his crewmates, including the love of his life.
No word as to how many episodes will make up the first season of ‘Gateway’ but we do know that they will run an hour each. According to Bill McGoldrick, Executive Vice President, Original Content, Syfy:
“We’re delighted to develop this fascinating First Contact story with long-time partners Universal Cable Productions and Entertainment One. Gateway is thought-provoking and unsettling, raising profound questions about mankind’s possible relationship with alien life.”
While McGoldrick may be talking about the series we see that Pancho Mansfield, President of Global Scripted Programming, eOne Television is excited about their creative team:
“David and Josh are masters of telling authentic, multidimensional stories set in wholly unfamiliar worlds, and we are thrilled to collaborate with them and Syfy to translate Frederik’s beloved and timeless adventure saga into an equally exhilarating television series.”
Dawn Olmstead, Executive Vice President, Development at Universal Cable Productions chimes in that:
“Gateway is a science-fiction marvel weaving a great story of humanity and love. We’re excited to realize Frederik Pohl’s vision and bring it to life for Syfy- the ideal home for this compelling classic.”
With Syfy increasingly switching back to serious science fiction with an actual budget this is one that we can start to get excited about. Quite a bit of his work has become fan favorites over the years though not much has recived a big or small screen treatment. If the series is done right we might finally start to see that change.
Are you looking forward to ‘Gateway’ being turned into an ongoing series? Share your thoughts below!
