SGA S4 Spoilers: Casting for "Reunion"

Introduction

The following includes casting spoilers for Season Four’s third episode, “Reunion”, written by Joseph Mallozzi (and Paul Mullie) and directed by William Waring.

Details

In the episode “Reunion”, Ronon is reunited with some of his fellow Satedans who are among the few hundred survivors of the Wraith attack that occurred approximately eight years ago and that left the world desolate. These Satedans explain how they were caught inside a system of caves when the opening collapsed. After spending three days digging themselves out, they found that the Wraith had conquered their world.

Among Ronon’s friends is Tyre who, along with Ara, wants Ronon to rejoin them. Ronon is torn between his loyalty to the Atlantis Expedition and to his homeworld’s last survivors. But, Ronon discovers that his friends’ new lifestyle is not as inviting as originally perceived.

The role of Tyre required an actor who could expertly portray fight scenes. They found their man in Mark Dacascos who has both acting and martial arts experience. Executive producer and showrunner Joseph Mallozzi chronicled his day (April 18) with the following entry about the casting of Dacascos as Tyre:

9:00 a.m.: While Paul is sequestered in his office doing a pass on Seer, I’m in the conference room for the Reunion concept meeting. 1st AD Gordie Mac runs us through the script while director Will Warring presides. As things move along, Bam Bam, our stunt coordinator, grows increasingly anxious about the casting as he has fight scenes to choreograph. Producer John Lenic informs us that all is good because Mark Dacascos has signed on to play the role of Tyre. Mark was terrific in Brotherhood of the Wolf (and his stint as the host of Iron Chef America – hmmm, wonder if he can get me on as a guest judge), and is apparently a very, very sweet guy according to Bam Bam who worked with him on The Crow. When the meeting eventually wraps up, Executive Producer John Smith sounds the alarm: “This episode is going to be big!”.

Mark Dacascos, like Jason Momoa, was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. He started acting when he was literally approached off the street, but has studied the art ever since that first experience, which he said all ended up on the cutting room floor. Dacascos also says at his official website that martial arts has “always been a part of my life, and I’ll work hard to keep it that way.” His parents have influenced his career in the martial arts and he is now a world renowned martial artist. He has appeared in both television and film as both an actor and as a stunt professional.

• Season Four episode guide – spoilers
• Joseph Mallozzi’s April 18 blog entry
• Mark Dacascos Official Website
• Mark Dacascos at IMDB