Stargate Universe consulting producer Joseph Mallozzi confirmed in his weblog tonight that long-time fan favorite Peter DeLuise will be returning to Stargate to direct the fourth episode, “Fire”, written by Brad Wright.
DeLuise started with Stargate during Season Two of Stargate SG-1. His last episode to direct was Season Ten’s “Family Ties”. He was directing “Bad Guys” when the cancellation occurred, and he lamented in a video interview that he was out of a job.
He also wrote and directed episodes of Stargate Atlantis. Season One’s “The Defiant One” was one of his episodes that he both wrote and directed.
In Hitchcock fashion, the director often made brief cameos in the episodes that he helmed. It also wasn’t unusual to see him in a distinct role, such as the younger version of Urgo, played by his father Dom DeLuise, or as the cursing replacement actor in “200”. DeLuise also scripted several episodes, earning him the title of “Living God” because he was not only a writer and director, but also a fan.
Currently, not much is known about the plot for “Fire” other than what Mallozzi has stated in his weblog. Since it is one of the first ten stories broken, we know that it doesn’t include a Vancouver forest. In giving a progress report, Mallozzi said, “Brad is working on Fire and, from what I hear, is very happy with the way it’s coming along. It’s a great story and, as I’ve already said, right up Brad’s alley. Looking forward to reading the first draft. This episode will see a certain fan favorite retake the director’s chair.” Since that time, Wright has probably completed his first draft of the script.
Production is currently focused on the three-part opener “Air”, written by Wright and Robert C. Cooper and directed by Andy Mikita. Since DeLuise was in the offices recently, prep work has probably already started on his episode.
Hope MGM,and R.C. are smart enough to keep him on the payroll…..he was always one of the better directors in the Stargate Franchise…..