Tapping, Wood Heading for Sanctuary?

As announced here at the Hollywood Reporter, Sci Fi Channel has “greenlighted” Sanctuary to become a TV series for the channel, and has ordered 13 new episodes of the series. The announcement also states: “The cast from the Web series will remain intact.” Relative to Stargate Atlantis, it states: “Tapping, who co-starred on that series last season, will return for several episodes.”

This is a clear indication Tapping will not be a regular on Stargate Atlantis for Season 5. She would only have part of February available to film on Atlantis, since filming of Sanctuary begins in March. Filming the 13-episode order will take nearly 5 months if a typical 7-day per episode shoot is used. Sci Fi could order more episodes, as well, keeping Tapping busy past the point of Atlantis S5 filming.

This news also puts into question the involvement of Stargate fan favorite director Martin Wood, who is strongly attached to Sanctuary. If he is gone from Stargate, fans will no doubt mourn his loss, both for his directorial skills and his exceptional DVD commentaries.

Fans may now begin speculating who might take over as commander of Atlantis. Torri Higginson told fans at the Pegasus 3 convention this weekend that she has not been approached to appear in Season 5 yet, so it’s a fair bet Weir will not be returning to lead the expedition. Will Rodney finally be given that leadership opportunity he feels he deserves? Only time and Sci Fi will tell. 🙂