Imagine dedicating a decade of your life to a beloved sci-fi franchise, only to realize you missed a chance to capture its final moments forever. That's the bittersweet regret Christopher Judge carries about his time on Stargate SG-1.
Roland Emmerich's 1994 blockbuster Stargate was destined for sequels, or so Hollywood logic dictated. But instead of the planned trilogy, Brad Wright and Jonathan Glassner spun the story into a television phenomenon. Stargate SG-1 seamlessly continued the film's legacy, albeit with a new cast. Richard Dean Anderson stepped into the boots of Colonel Jack O'Neill, replacing Kurt Russell, while Michael Shanks took over as Dr. Daniel Jackson from James Spader. And then there was Christopher Judge, who introduced fans to the stoic Jaffa warrior Teal'c, a character who quickly became a fan favorite, his distinctive forehead symbol making him instantly recognizable.
Over ten seasons, Judge wasn't just a cast member—he was a cornerstone of the show's success. He relished his role, even becoming the character with the most on-screen appearances. But here's where it gets poignant: despite his love for the show and its fans, Judge has one lingering regret. And this is the part most people miss... It's not about his unproduced spin-off idea, which he described as Stargate's answer to Black Panther. Instead, it's about the end of an era he didn't see coming.
In an interview with GateWorld, Judge revealed his regret about the direct-to-video films Stargate: The Ark of Truth and Stargate: Continuum. These were essentially SG-1 sequels, and while a third film, Stargate: Revolution, was planned, it never materialized due to MGM's financial troubles and the crumbling DVD market. Judge and his castmates had no idea Continuum would be their final adventure together. But here's where it gets controversial... Was it fair for the cast and crew to be left in the dark about the show's true finale? Shouldn't they have had the chance to say a proper goodbye?
Judge's regret is simple yet profound: he wishes he'd taken more photos. 'If we had known that was going to be it, I wish I had taken more pictures,' he admitted. Yet, despite this, Judge remains deeply fond of his time on SG-1. Reuniting with the cast and crew for Continuum felt like a celebration, and today, conventions remind him of the special bond they shared. 'It's given me a real kind of perspective on what a great time we had for 10 years,' he reflected.
But here's the question that lingers... In an industry where endings are rarely clean, should creators and studios do more to honor the people who bring these stories to life? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments—let's keep the Stargate conversation alive!
