Lt. Colonel John Sheppard gives fans a peek at season four... Four three successful season, Joe Flanigan has been a key member on the cast of Stargate: Atlantis, appearing as Lt. Colonel John Sheppard. At this year's Comic Con, we were lucky enough to sit down and chat one-on-one with Mr. Flanigan about the upcoming season four of Atlantis and the many changes that are in store for fans of the long-running SciFi Channel franchise.
Figures.com: What would you like fans to know about Atlantis and your part in it?
JF: Well, the next season begins in September, so definitely watch it. There are lots of new things going on. There’s a new love interest, a new sexy woman played by Jill Wagner. Also Tayla is pregnant, which is… less fun. New twists are coming, including old enemies coming back. You’ll see Michael and more of the wraith.
Figures.com: What can we look forward to with regards to your character and his evolution?
JF: Well, my character has always had less of a back-story than the others. Finally, there’s been enough pressure on the executives to remedy that. Everyone wants to see what Sheppard’s life is all about. It’ll give thefans more of a connection to him.
Figures.com: What specific challenges, hardships, or joys have there been for you in filming Atlantis?
JF: Raising three kids. Now, I live a blessed life, but it’s not easy. I film for 12-14 hours each day in Vancouver, then I fly back here for the weekends to be with my kids.
Figures.com: What is it like coming to events like this one? How is it getting to meet your fans?
JF: This is my third SDCC and I’m finally becoming more comfortable with it. It’s really a way for us to pay respect to the fans, the ones who watch and keep us going. We couldn’t do it without the fans. If the network says “no 5th season” we think you all should send in water! Thanks to Charlie Cohen, senior executive VP at MGM for that line.
Figures.com: Anything you can tell the fans about what’s to come in this next season?
JF: The show will continue along the same lines as it always has. I’m hoping there will be more exploration of the city. It’s huge, and we’ve really seen so little of it! Also in this season we lose our main connection to Earth. That’s a major challenge we’ll have to overcome. It’s all very exciting.
Interview by Scott Rubin
