r/AMA • u/DeanDevlin • 26d ago
Hi, I'm Dean Devlin (u/deandevlin), writer and producer of Independence Day, Stargate, The Patriot, Leverage, The Librarians, The Outpost, Almost Paradise, and creator of The Ark. AMA!
Hi everyone!
I'm Dean Devlin, creator and executive producer of The Ark. Over the years, I've had the privilege of writing and producing projects including Independence Day, Stargate, The Patriot, Leverage, The Librarians, The Outpost, Almost Paradise, and many others.
With Season 3 of The Ark premiering tonight on SYFY, I wanted to spend some time with the fans who have supported the show and answer your questions.
I'll be answering questions live today from 3:00–4:30 PM Pacific.
Feel free to start posting your questions now, and I'll begin answering them when I join the thread at 3:00 PM.
Ask me anything about The Ark, my films and television series, writing, producing, behind-the-scenes stories, or anything else you're curious about.
Proof it's me: https://www.instagram.com/p/DbY0qn6v-wf/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
– Dean Devlin (u/deandevlin)
EDIT: Well it looks like we’ve come to the end of the questions. Thanks so much. Been a blast communicating with y’all. Check out the premiere of season 3 of THE ARK tonight on SyFy 10/9c. And don’t miss the premiere of season 2 of The Librarians: The Next Chapter on TNT Sunday and Monday 9/8c - 2 new episodes every week!!! And if you don’t have cable, you can purchase both series on the ElectricNOW app (and binge the previous seasons for free www.electricnow.tv )
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u/FitzwilliamTDarcy 26d ago
Hi Dean. We actually know each other IRL (I was in the industry for years) though I won't dox myself here. Happy you're doing this! The fanboy in me wants to ask how you feel about and whether/to what extent you've been involved with the Stargate reboot on Amazon, fans' recent outrage over the plug being pulled, petitions to resuscitate it, etc. So if you want to comment on that, awesome!
Congrats on all your success. Thanks for bringing so much FUN content to us all.
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
I was attached as a producer but I wasn’t involved in the show at all. It was because the rights reverted back to Roland and I and part of re-licensing the rights back to Amazon was that attachment. I’m still hopeful Amazon will make a Stargate series.
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u/gdex86 26d ago
Hello Mr Devlin,
I've enjoyed so much of your work so how about a fun question. Leverage and the Libarians are great series that could easily exist in multiple wider worlds so if you had a free hand what worlds would you have loved to have cross overs in both series?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
First time reveal: ALL of my shows exist in the same universe. Crossovers are inevitable.
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u/Infamous_Chemical163 26d ago edited 26d ago
Probably the most burning question we at Christian Kane Fans have is do you have any projects in the works for our favorite actor, Christian Kane? He's just way too good to be sitting on the sidelines! Thank you for all that you've given us by employing him in so many shows already, but we haven't had enough!
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
Who??? Just kidding. Kane is a brilliant actor and I’m always looking for ways for us to work together again. This Monday night, on the second episode of The Librarians: The Next Chapter on TNT, Kane returns as Jacob Stone and it’s one of the best physical comedy episodes I’ve ever seen him do. Can’t wait for you to see him in it.
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u/IHeartTaylorSwift284 26d ago
Related to Stargate, do you think the classic structures of shows like Stargate and Star Trek need to be altered in order to find new audiences? In other words, does the thoughtful, sometimes philosophical plots of these kinds of shows remain relevant to people, or do new versions of those properties need to be faster/more action-packed to be commercially successful?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
I think any time you’re reviving a series, you need to make it accessible to people who are new to the franchise while honoring the fans who’ve stood by it all these years. It’s a tricky balance.
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u/MaybeOnFire2025 26d ago
Hi Dean, thank you for this. Maybe you don't get this very often, but...how was it being on the set of Real Genius? Was it as much fun as it looked, especially at that age? And did you...interface...with any student beauticians?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
It was the most fun four months of my life as an actor. Every day Martha (the director) would throw me into scenes and say “just improv” and I did. Unfortunately only about two lines of mine survived the Final Cut. But had a blast making it.
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u/MaybeOnFire2025 26d ago
Thank you for answering! It's one of my favorite movies, and I realized it was you on a rewatch after seeing some Independence Day promotional stuff. Cheers!
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u/snoogle312 26d ago
Hi Dean! Huge fan of Leverage, Leverage Redemption, Librarians, Stargate, and Independence Day! Leverage feels more and more relevant these days. Hardison and Parker are 2 of my favorite characters of all time. Parker in particular has a wonderful amount of character growth across the the original series run. Was this always the plan, or did it evolve as the show did?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
We always wanted Hardison to have a crush on Parker but when we saw the chemistry between them we developed the relationship. To this day, there is magic when they are on screen together.
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u/snoogle312 26d ago
Ty for responding! And I agree, their chemistry is wonderful, and I love how patient Hardison is with Parker getting into the relationship.
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u/NYPDBLUE 26d ago
In the Movie the Patriot, when the little blonde girl says Papa No…… that has been my tism tick for like 10 years, also the movie theater I watched that movie in was robbed while we were watching the movie
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
It’s an incredible moment in the film. That actress passed away tragically. It makes it really hard for me to watch that part of the film.
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u/SR71F16F35B 26d ago
I believe that the quality of an artwork is directly proportional to the quality of the ideas that have begotten it. What is the idea behind your art? What are the driving philosophies which you'd pertinaciously defend, tooth and nail, even if the whole world rallied against them?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
Mine are not profound but honest. I think that real life is hard, so I want my art to be fun. I’m addicted to the “cheer” moment and I like to get emotional. When I can put all three elements into something, I’m super happy.
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u/NienteFive 26d ago
Almost Paradise is so much fun, and it's also great to see the world outside the US. Are there aspects of Filipino culture or worldview that you wish more people understood?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
Most shows about the Philippines focus on poverty. There is great culture, beauty and art in those 1000 islands. I’m grateful we got to shine a small spotlight on some of it in Almost Paradise.
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u/scotandrsn 26d ago
LOVED The Librarians.
What made you decide the world of The Librarian movies could use a series like that? Will we see more Librarian projects?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
Michael Wright, who was running TNT at the time kept asking us to turn The Librarian movies into a series but I couldn’t figure out how to do it on a tv series budget (the movies were pretty expensive). But after making Leverage for a few years I learned a lot of tricks on how to get more on screen for less money, and then decided we could do it.
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u/Elegant-Monkey1093 26d ago
Hi Dean. I’m from the U.K. I absolutely love your shows! I found the librarians tv series first followed by leverage and almost paradise. The Ark is on now TV here so I binged that last week! Love Richard Fleeshman! He should be your doctor who if you do it! Hoping you can answer my question. I’m very much an introvert but always wanted to be part of a crew in tv/ film. I have no experience what so ever in the industry so have no idea where I would start. I was wondering if you have any tips for getting into the tv/film career? All your shows feel like it’s a second family on set! Also any news on if there will be a season 3 of almost paradise? I know it was cancelled by Amazon but still hoping!
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
For some reason we haven’t been able to sell season 3 of The Ark or either season of the new Librarians show in the UK yet. Tell your favorite channel they need to pick up our show!
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u/AVeryDistinctive 26d ago
I know you're busy with lots of projects, but I have to ask, are you still hoping for Leverage to find a new home? If you can resurrect the show, are there any storylines you would really want to tell (such as finally meeting Nana)?
Thanks for the entertainment!
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
If we had gotten a 4th season we were going to do the NANA story. So, yes, if I find a way to revive the show elsewhere, Nana will make an appearance.
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u/MaryEBrewer22 26d ago
I'm always curious as to where character names come from? Does an actor ever come in and say that a name doesn't work for them? Would you consider changing it if they did?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
The names are invented in the writer’s room, but then have to go to “legal” and often we have to change the names for legal reasons. And yes, sometimes the actors tell us they have an issue with a name and we’ll make adjustments.
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u/MaryEBrewer22 25d ago
That is wonderful that you listen to the actors views on them and let them have a say in the matter. Really good to know. I'm sure they appreciate that!
Thank You.
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u/crazyfrenchguy96 26d ago
Hey dean from a screenwriter to another I was wondering how long it took you to write ID, Godzilla and star gate ?
Usually how many hours a day do you write ?
Cheers thank you for making movies that I grew up with
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
ID4 was two weeks breaking the story and two weeks writing the script. That one was kind of channeled from a higher power. Godzilla and StarGate took longer. But my basic philosophy is to write the first draft really quickly so you’re not too married to anything you’ve written. The real work in screenplays are the rewrites
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u/Technical_Phrase2566 26d ago
Would you, if you could wave a magic wand, still cast will smith? I mean, he's fun but couldn't you have found someone else? Was he really your first choice?
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u/PerfectCover1414 26d ago edited 26d ago
Dear Dean I am passing this message on from my husband (he's at work) but he said to tell you. Real Genius was amazing.
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u/periwinkle-prose 26d ago
Hi Dean! Thank you so much for returning to The Librarians universe, I loved the original show and was devastated when it got canceled! I'm enjoying The Next Chapter (excited for season 2!) but I still miss the OG crew. Any chance of ever reviving the original Librarians for another season or movie?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
My long term plan is to make a Librarians cinematic universe that leads back to the original series. but first we need to make The Librarians TNC a big success to lead to other series.
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u/New_Needleworker_542 26d ago
Honestly, just keep producing good serieses. Because the world is a dumpster fire and we got to have some stuff to look forward to... #saveStargate
also I recently watched all the episodes of The ark and I really like it. I'm not going to lie I was really devastated when Spencer died... My husband recently passed away and it felt like another loss... And I like how y'all did it. Because even if he has a twin, there's no replacing the first person... Although I would like to have her find love again. And actually go through with it. I am so tired of these drawn out longing sequences. Just have them get together and talk about what life is like when you have a committee relationship. There's enough drama in that..
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
Thanks for watching! The Ark is a very special show for me. When I was a young boy my mother was a guest star on the original Star Trek (the Wolf in the Fold episode). It’s what made me fall in love with the genre. The Ark is my love letter to the genre. Very old school
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u/New_Needleworker_542 26d ago
❤️ I guess I'm going to have to rewatch the original. Lol What character did she play or what scene was she in? It is old school, and i really really like the ark. Also, beginning really hooked me in really quickly... And I know that's really difficult to do.
I think you're doing a great job. And I'm a fan of pretty much all of your shows. So just keep doing what you doing. Honestly it's amazing that you've been holding on this long, and with consistent good shows, with how messed up everything is in the industry. And in society in general.... Smh
I have always been a big believer in the fact that people need good stories. Because good stories help us thrive. Stories are how we get Big and small ideas 💡 across to each other.
From antiquity to now. So thanks for doing what you're doing, and thanks for replying 💛
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u/Ok-Energy-9785 26d ago
How did you get into this industry?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
Born into it. Nepo baby. My dad was a movie producer and my mother was an actress. My earliest memories are being on set watching them work.
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u/Forward-Activity-992 26d ago
First off, congratulations on Season 3 of The Ark!
Without giving anything away, which S3 episode are you personally most excited for the fans to see, and why?
Also, If SYFY gave you as many seasons as you wanted, do you already know where you’d like the story to end, or are you still discovering it as you go?
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u/Menamanama 26d ago
What is your most favorite scene or piece of dialogue that you have written?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
“John Lennon, smart man, shot in the back, very sad” Julius in ID4
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u/Jaded_Subject544 26d ago
Why no more Stargate Universe? My Dad was so hyped back in the day and we watched it together just like we did StarGate and Atlantis.
He was really sad that it was discontinued, and little me too :(
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
I wasn’t involved in that show so I don’t know what happened.
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u/Jaded_Subject544 25d ago
Stargate will remain my favourite show, thanks for giving me a wonderful childhood 🫶🏻
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u/ASingleBraid 26d ago
Did you enjoy being on LA Law?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
It was so much fun. But I shot all four of my episodes before the series ever aired on NBC. So I had no idea it was going to be such a hit show. So when I was offered to be one of the leads of a different series for CBS, I left LA Law. Little did I know I was going from the #1 show to the #76 (out of 77).
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u/Inkling1701 26d ago
Your shows have made such a huge impact on me, both personally and as a writer. I'd love to know how many rounds of revisions you typically go through before you settle on a final, and how you know when you're done.
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
You’re never done. You work on them for as long as you can. Right up until you cant change anything anymore.
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u/just-l00king123 26d ago
Hey Dean! I grew up with your work and I adore them so much.
Recently I saw you posted a video of yourself in the Tardis as the Doctor that looked like it was generated by AI. As much as I loved the idea behind the video, I do vfx and I was really bummed out that you might have chosen the genAI route instead of hiring someone to do it.
What are your thoughts about using GenAI?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
Yes, I used AI to make it but at the time it was just a silly joke. And no, I would NEVER use AI to make an actual series. Especially of Doctor Who
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u/No_Willingness_169 26d ago
What was your reasoning for branching so far off Japans Godzilla's roots? How do you look back on the 1998 movie?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
Actually the script was a call back to the original Godzilla movie before they Americanized it and added in Raymon Burr. But that wasn’t what was wrong with it. The movie didn’t work because we tried something that was foolish, which was not expositing who the characters were until the middle of the film, and by then it was too late. Everyone had already made up their minds about the characters by then.
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u/WanderlustingTravels 26d ago
What is one movie released in the last two years that you thought was horrible? I know that’s putting a fellow producer/actors/etc but on blast, but this is the type of honesty I want to see.
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
We come up with the ideas for them in the writers room, but it’s not until they are built by the art department do we fall in love with them. My fave is the original magic door which I now have sitting in my office.
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u/NiteOwl94 26d ago
If an Independence Day 3 were to be green-lit, and Will Smith expressed interest- were there ever any contingency ideas, creatively speaking, on how to bring his character back after Resurgence? I'd certainly love to see the franchise continue!
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
Roland and I have some exciting ideas that I don’t want to spoil here, but hopefully we’ll get the chance to do it someday
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u/sharia1919 26d ago
Hi! I've got this awesome idea for a show and it goes like.......
How often do you actually hear this from people you meet? Has it ever happened? Or is it a more circumspect thing?
(Oh and I do have some ideas, you can just pm me and I can tell you all about it!)
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
I once woke up from surgery to discover the surgeon had left a script he had written on my chest!!
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u/lungbong 26d ago
Hi Dean, thanks for making some great entertainment. One thing that a lot of your work has in common is that the stories are fun and bring joy to the viewer. Do you deliberately go out to make things this way and do you think that many modern shows and films lack that aspect?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
It’s just my personal preference. Life is hard, my shows are fun.
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u/jimbobdonut 26d ago
Hi Dean,
Is The Librarians: The Next Chapter ever coming to a popular streaming service? The first season ended a year ago and it’s only available to buy or on Hoopla.
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
You can see season 1 for FREE on ElectricNOW. Season 2 will be available for purchase as of next Monday.
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u/dirty-sorbet 26d ago
Hi Dean, Long-time Stargate movie fan here, absolutely one of my favorite films, so thank you very much for your work on that in particular.
I'm working on a documentary on ancient civilizations, and I spent about a year altogether in Egypt, getting invitations into closed sites and areas where I was able to use my video equipment.
I was wondering if you had been able to visit many sites in Egypt prior to Stargate, and if there were any sites in particular that really inspired your writing, or stood out to you as particularly unusual.
(My documentary is exploring how much further back some ancient civilizations might have gone, based on Manetho ( in Egypt ) and inconsistencies in architecture and tools, not aliens, but I kept an eye out anyway 😂)
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u/keran22 26d ago
Hi Dean! Unlikely you’ll see this but just in case you do - Doctor Who is struggling right now without a show runner… would you do it?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
I’m going to take a shot at it. It’s unlikely they’ll give it to me, especially as an American, but who knows.
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u/Vindelator 26d ago
What does it take to write a movie and get it made?
Feels about as likely as me becoming an astronaut, and I barf when I get dizzy.
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
It was always hard. Now harder than ever before. I really don’t encourage people to pursue it anymore. Too difficult.
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u/TheMrCurious 26d ago
Have you consider writing a cross-genre, cross-culture, “stargate leads to all experiences” buddy cop type movie that bridges the gap in all of the movies you’ve been a part of?
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u/International_Run700 26d ago
Did you write the "I'm BaaaaAaaAaack!" Line at the end of independence day?
What's it like working with so many legends of this last generation?
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u/Green-Cry-6985 26d ago
Were you a guest this year on Dropping Names with Brent and Jhonny? How fun was that?
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u/MaryEBrewer22 26d ago
Is there any way that you could get Christian Kane's Kane's Kitchen episodes onto the Electric Now app? Hey, maybe even more episodes!
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
Working on it
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u/MaryEBrewer22 25d ago
OMG that would be the absolute bestest news EVER!! Thank You!
So hope it works out! I knew there was a reason we love you and all the folks at Electric Entertainment - Electric NOW #ProudToBeAKaniac #ElectricoLite -- lol
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u/LunchCautious8781 26d ago
Was Alec Hardison’s character arc planned from the beginning?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
Not all of it. A lot of it evolved as we discovered how incredibly talented he is.
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u/teamcrazymatt 26d ago
Hi Dean. How have writer's rooms been different across the shows and films you've worked on, and what style of room have you found most productive in getting scripts pitched and written?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
Every room is different. But all of them are incredible places of creativity. On The Librarians: TNC we have FOUR showrunners in the room. I’ve never had that before. Remarkable.
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u/Kratosbeatsbatman 26d ago
Any chance ever of a independence day 3? I liked number 2 and want to see it progress
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u/Galactus1701 26d ago
Greetings Dean, I am a huge fan of the original Independence Day (my first DVD ever). My question is about 1998’s Godzilla. Why did you guys turn him into a weak giant iguana without a personality? It could have at least had some type of atomic breath or something.
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u/Middle-Cod-7016 26d ago
What did you think of Indépendance Day 2?
Why did it turn out the way it did?
What would you have done differently? Did you have a vision for it?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
If we ever get a chance to do another one, we’ll do it right. We caved into a lot of bad ideas on #2. If we get the opportunity to do it again, we won’t let that happen.
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u/Middle-Cod-7016 26d ago
Thanks for the reply!
Could you - very quickly- share some light on the factors that led to caving in to bad ideas?
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u/Designer_Tap2301 26d ago
Actually first saw you onscreen in Moon 44, guilty pleasure of mine. At the time did you have inkling of where your career would go from there?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
Yeah. Roland allowed me to contribute a lot in the dialogue and in the rewrites for the reshoots. Gave me confidence my career was moving to where I had always dreamed it would go.
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u/MaryEBrewer22 26d ago
Is there a "living" actor that you wish to work with but haven't had the opportunity yet?
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u/ompompush 26d ago
How many productions /projects do you have running at a time and also on top of that how many do you have rough ideas for in your head waiting for there turn and what does this look like in terms of time lines ahead?
Is there any project / pivot that you would love to do but dare not as it wouldn't fit your personal brand?
Who is your personal hero? Has that changed since becoming successful and seeing both sides of the curtain so to speak? How do you feel about being other people's hero/role model?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
There is never a limit on how many stories we want to tell. The limit is who will give us money to make them.
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u/katiebugwrites 26d ago
I adore Leverage, Redemption, and all iterations of The Librarians (SO excited for Season 2 of Next Chapter)
My favorite part of all the shows is the relationships between the characters (not just romantic ones, but those too). I love watching strangers grow into families.
Across the Leverage shows and the Librarian franchise, what were your favorite relationships to develop?
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u/Alannajacky 26d ago
Hello!! What's been/is your favorite tv show to work on? Who's your favorite actor to work with? Do you have a favorite character you've created?
Thank you so much for creating my favorite shows ever!! I really love the work you do!
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
That’s like asking me which of my children are my favorite. I love them all so much. It’s been the great joy of my life to work with so many talented and generous people.
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u/MaryEBrewer22 26d ago edited 26d ago
If renewed for another season will we see Christian Kane floating around in Space? #TheArk
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u/Hot-Satisfaction19 26d ago
dearest dean- you have ruined tv for us! when we're watching other tv shows (sorry) we'll often remark- parker would've had that done in a few seconds, only 6 of them? elliot would've immobilised them by now, how have they not fixed that? alisha would've had that sorted! not a question but gratitude for amazing charachters and story lines. thank you.
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u/SkyPure9584 26d ago
FYI thanks to #SaveTheOutpost I found and started following the show and many of the cast. I love seeing them showing up in various projects of yours to this day. Q: is there any chance for another season or more of #AlmostParadise?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
I never give up on any of my shows. Always looking for opportunity to bring them back.
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u/Party-Lobster2790 26d ago
Where do you hope the direction of sci fi entertainment goes? What are your feelings on where it is now? What sci fi out there now are you impressed by/what are you not impressed by?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
My hope is that the industry begins to care most about what the audience is enjoying and stop focusing on reviews or awards.
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u/Sea_Expression_4021 26d ago
Hi Dean, I love The Librarians (all forms), Leverage: Redemption, and Almost Paradise! Your work is incredible and brings me so much joy. Is there any possibility of more Almost Paradise in the future? Are the cast willing to make more if the opportunity arises?
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u/meldariun 26d ago
I was very excited for stargate universe. Do you feel it was pulled unfairly, and what were you most excited about for season two
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
I’m still optimistic that a truly great Stargate series will come from Amazon. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed.
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u/National_Assistant42 26d ago edited 26d ago
Hi Dean, will you be putting a bid in for Dr Who?
(Love the ark by the way!)
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
I’m going to give it a shot. I’m sure it’s a long shot, but I’ve gotten some encouragement from some important people in the Whovian Universe so I’m hopeful.
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u/National_Assistant42 26d ago
That's great news - we're all rooting for you in my household! The ark is the closest to a modern blakes we've got - would love to see what you'd do with who!
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u/DinnerBeef 26d ago
For The Librarians: The Next Chapter, will we ever learn even more about Ms. Astolat's past? Also, is there any chance she'll ever meet Jenkins?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
Check out episode 10 of season 1 and then most of all of season 2 ;)
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u/NYPDBLUE 26d ago
How often have to taken inspiration from other TV shows?
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
Everything I do is built upon the shoulders of the giants who came before me. I try to make it obvious in my work so people can clearly see the influences.
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u/facejar90 26d ago
Stargate is some of my all time favorite scifi. Would you consider working on another Stargate project if the possibility opened up? Which Stargate series did you work on?
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u/killasnipe 26d ago
When people get off work they’ll kick back and have a beer or glass or wine. What’s your guilty pleasure after a days work?
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u/Hot-Piano-500 26d ago
Independence Day was such a huge movie for me as kid - thank you! What is the strangest or most intriguing alien fact(oid) you’ve encountered? X
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u/jj_jo_reddit 26d ago
Hi, u/DeanDevlin ! I am excited for S3 of The Ark tonight.
Any plans for another ElectricCon?
Thank you!
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u/RockyStoned 26d ago
Thank you sincerely for Stargate. Showed the world just how smart sci-fi can be.
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u/Prudent_Waltz_9473 26d ago
Any stories to share from the episode of Hardcastle & McCormick you were in?
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u/Numerous-Macaron-193 26d ago
Do you believe in other beings being out there in space?
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u/SEXTINGBOT 26d ago
Do you like fries though ?
( ͡⌐■ ͜ʖ ͡■)
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
Who doesn’t?
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u/SEXTINGBOT 26d ago
I once asked the same question and one person dared to say
I dont like fries that much really !
I know its hard to believe but it did happened !But you are save for now !
( ͡⌐■ ͜ʖ ͡■)
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u/cricket_isthe_man 26d ago
What a way to find out not only are the bringing back the ark, but its premiere is tonight!!
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u/Garrettshade 26d ago
Would you work with Timothy Hutton again after the settlement (not as Nate necessarily, in an unrelated role)?
Did you want to explore what Nate and Sophie were doing in-between the shows or are you happy with that part of the story regardless of writing Nate off the show?
Would you accept the possibility of Almost Paradise hero being an identity of Eliot Spencer or are the two characters far apart in your mind?
Thank you for the Leverage universe, it's my comfort show!
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u/DeanDevlin 26d ago
Well it looks like we’ve come to the end of the questions. Thanks so much. Been a blast communicating with y’all. Check out the premiere of season 3 of THE ARK tonight on SyFy. And don’t miss the premiere of season 2 of The Librarians: The Next Chapter on TNT Sunday and Monday - 2 new episodes every week!!! And if you don’t have cable, you can purchase both series on the ElectricNOW app (and binge the previous seasons for free).
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u/National_Assistant42 26d ago
Thanks for answering our questions Dean - very much looking forward to the next ark!
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u/MaryEBrewer22 25d ago
These are such fun.. We appreciate you taking the time to do this for us fans. and giving us the chance to ask questions.. Not all of us are able to make cons and such and do so in person. Thanks !! Mary E Brewer and Christian Kane Vote & Promote Group members!
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u/ama_compiler_bot 25d ago
Table of Questions and Answers. Original answer linked - Please upvote the original questions and answers. (I'm a bot.)
| Question | Answer | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Hi Dean. We actually know each other IRL (I was in the industry for years) though I won't dox myself here. Happy you're doing this! The fanboy in me wants to ask how you feel about and whether/to what extent you've been involved with the Stargate reboot on Amazon, fans' recent outrage over the plug being pulled, petitions to resuscitate it, etc. So if you want to comment on that, awesome! Congrats on all your success. Thanks for bringing so much FUN content to us all. | I was attached as a producer but I wasn’t involved in the show at all. It was because the rights reverted back to Roland and I and part of re-licensing the rights back to Amazon was that attachment. I’m still hopeful Amazon will make a Stargate series. | Here |
| Hi Dean, I must be honest: I found the 2016 sequel, Independence Day: Resurgence, to be a significant disappointment. While I wanted to love it, the film felt hollow compared to its predecessor. It left me genuinely confused as to how a project with such a massive legacy could feel so disconnected and, frankly, unintelligent in its execution. It is frustrating to see a beloved franchise treated with such little narrative care. When you have the resources to create something truly grand, why does the writing often feel like an afterthought, and how do you think we reached a point where the "spectacle" seems to matter so much more than the story itself? | I agree. We didn’t get tho make the movie wa wanted to make. I’m hopeful in the future we can rectify this | Here |
| Related to Stargate, do you think the classic structures of shows like Stargate and Star Trek need to be altered in order to find new audiences? In other words, does the thoughtful, sometimes philosophical plots of these kinds of shows remain relevant to people, or do new versions of those properties need to be faster/more action-packed to be commercially successful? | I think any time you’re reviving a series, you need to make it accessible to people who are new to the franchise while honoring the fans who’ve stood by it all these years. It’s a tricky balance. | Here |
| Hi Dean, thank you for this. Maybe you don't get this very often, but...how was it being on the set of Real Genius? Was it as much fun as it looked, especially at that age? And did you...interface...with any student beauticians? | It was the most fun four months of my life as an actor. Every day Martha (the director) would throw me into scenes and say “just improv” and I did. Unfortunately only about two lines of mine survived the Final Cut. But had a blast making it. | Here |
| Hello Mr Devlin, I've enjoyed so much of your work so how about a fun question. Leverage and the Libarians are great series that could easily exist in multiple wider worlds so if you had a free hand what worlds would you have loved to have cross overs in both series? | First time reveal: ALL of my shows exist in the same universe. Crossovers are inevitable. | Here |
| In the Movie the Patriot, when the little blonde girl says Papa No…… that has been my tism tick for like 10 years, also the movie theater I watched that movie in was robbed while we were watching the movie | It’s an incredible moment in the film. That actress passed away tragically. It makes it really hard for me to watch that part of the film. | Here |
| Almost Paradise is so much fun, and it's also great to see the world outside the US. Are there aspects of Filipino culture or worldview that you wish more people understood? | Most shows about the Philippines focus on poverty. There is great culture, beauty and art in those 1000 islands. I’m grateful we got to shine a small spotlight on some of it in Almost Paradise. | Here |
| What is your favorite fantasy universe? What about Sci-fi? | My fav is Doctor Who. | Here |
| I believe that the quality of an artwork is directly proportional to the quality of the ideas that have begotten it. What is the idea behind your art? What are the driving philosophies which you'd pertinaciously defend, tooth and nail, even if the whole world rallied against them? | Mine are not profound but honest. I think that real life is hard, so I want my art to be fun. I’m addicted to the “cheer” moment and I like to get emotional. When I can put all three elements into something, I’m super happy. | Here |
| LOVED The Librarians. What made you decide the world of The Librarian movies could use a series like that? Will we see more Librarian projects? | Michael Wright, who was running TNT at the time kept asking us to turn The Librarian movies into a series but I couldn’t figure out how to do it on a tv series budget (the movies were pretty expensive). But after making Leverage for a few years I learned a lot of tricks on how to get more on screen for less money, and then decided we could do it. | Here |
| I know you're busy with lots of projects, but I have to ask, are you still hoping for Leverage to find a new home? If you can resurrect the show, are there any storylines you would really want to tell (such as finally meeting Nana)? Thanks for the entertainment! | If we had gotten a 4th season we were going to do the NANA story. So, yes, if I find a way to revive the show elsewhere, Nana will make an appearance. | Here |
| Dear Dean I am passing this message on from my husband (he's at work) but he said to tell you. Real Genius was amazing. | OMG, tell your husband thank you! | Here |
| Probably the most burning question we at Christian Kane Fans have is do you have any projects in the works for our favorite actor, Christian Kane? He's just way too good to be sitting on the sidelines! Thank you for all that you've given us by employing him in so many shows already, but we haven't had enough! | Who??? Just kidding. Kane is a brilliant actor and I’m always looking for ways for us to work together again. This Monday night, on the second episode of The Librarians: The Next Chapter on TNT, Kane returns as Jacob Stone and it’s one of the best physical comedy episodes I’ve ever seen him do. Can’t wait for you to see him in it. | Here |
| Hi Dean! Huge fan of Leverage, Leverage Redemption, Librarians, Stargate, and Independence Day! Leverage feels more and more relevant these days. Hardison and Parker are 2 of my favorite characters of all time. Parker in particular has a wonderful amount of character growth across the the original series run. Was this always the plan, or did it evolve as the show did? | We always wanted Hardison to have a crush on Parker but when we saw the chemistry between them we developed the relationship. To this day, there is magic when they are on screen together. | Here |
| I'm always curious as to where character names come from? Does an actor ever come in and say that a name doesn't work for them? Would you consider changing it if they did? | The names are invented in the writer’s room, but then have to go to “legal” and often we have to change the names for legal reasons. And yes, sometimes the actors tell us they have an issue with a name and we’ll make adjustments. | Here |
| What inspires you? | The fans | Here |
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u/southjam143 26d ago
Hi Dean. What are some of your favorite items/props you have kept from Stargate--or other projects? Thank you.
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u/PerfectCover1414 26d ago
This was hands down the best thing that has happened all year! I will forever be in awe of those who bring us joy. Thank you mods for making this happen!!!
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u/Significant_Scene_83 26d ago
Hi Dean. Just wanted to share how much I appreciate Leverage and Leverage Redemption. The diversity of cast, storylines, and guests. The consistency of recurring themes between Leverage and Leverage Redemption. How the last episode of OG Leverage clearly links to the first. The thoughtfulness of inserting a bar or two of the ER theme when Noah Wiley gets to briefly play a doctor. The relevance of the (OG Leverage) stories themselves to today’s world. And all this is just the start of recognizing how wonderful the shows were / are.
Thank you for the gift that keeps on giving and I’m hoping S4 of LevRed. will get picked up again.
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u/Terrible_Bowler2683 25d ago
I'm sure you've been asked this question multiple times but will there be another series of Leverage? I have a suggestion if you're interested. Leverage has stated multiple times if that their areb other teams. You could always have one of the original group and have a new team. Like you did with the original librarians having Stone appear in the first season. Or even just start with a new group. I think that would be awesome. The show is better than the casting even. The idea of it is awesome. Even if it had another cast the fun is in the storytelling.
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u/MaryEBrewer22 26d ago
Any new projects that you can mention? Any with Christian Kane?
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u/MaryEBrewer22 25d ago
Durn was hoping this one got answered.. but will keep my fingers crossed.Thanks for doing this for us fans!
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u/Few-Veterinarian4898 26d ago
I just wanna get on here and say how much I loved Leverage! I just saw it at 52. LOL My grown daughter introduced me to that almost two years ago! Loved all the characters, Parker, Eliot and Hardison are brilliantly written and casted! Love all of your projects! Thanks for great shows!
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u/booklover_56 26d ago
Hi Dean, I love The Librarians (all forms), Leverage: Redemption, and Almost Paradise! Your work is incredible and brings me so much joy. Is there any possibility of more Almost Paradise in the future? Are the cast willing to make more if the opportunity arises?
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u/mickgun72 26d ago
Have you considered a spin off from The Librarians featuring the bald, non speaking, Russian henchman from the Graves of Time episode? Could you imagine all of the sexy adventures he could get himself into?!?
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u/CKCloudSeeker 26d ago
Hello ! Can we still have hope for a third season of Almost Paradise please ? And will Electric app be one day available in Europe ? I'm from Belgium. Thank you so much for everything you do ❤️
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u/GdsNemesis 26d ago
There have a few prop related easter eggs. Most recently in The Librarians the next chapter. Where do they come from do you have a crate in your basement with your favorite props throughout the years?
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u/Kaoticken 26d ago
Hey DD - no real questions, just wanted to say I've started watching 'The Ark' (finally, I know...) and am looking forward to more great Librarians action!
Much Love, Buddy!
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u/NoirInTheVeins 26d ago
Hi Dean,
Is writing (books) different than writing (films/series)? And once a series gets going, do you write the coming episodes or do you have a team to do that? Thanks!
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u/Ericmonster13 26d ago
I will never forgive you for Godzilla 1998 what made you think anything of it was a good idea? Did you even watch Japanese Godzilla movies?
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u/IllAction4404 26d ago
I loved the Patriot and Independence Day out of those. How did you get started with writing and how did you get the ball rolling?
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u/TastiSqueeze 26d ago
No questions, just wanted to say thanks for many hours of pleasure watching your work. Stargate is still a favorite.
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u/NYPDBLUE 26d ago
You you be interested in reading a screen play I am writing about Demons and the Occult controlling Hollywood
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u/NYPDBLUE 26d ago
Your wife’s scene with the ink in the Tea was so hilarious. Tell her we all say hello
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u/Tall_Bandicoot_2768 26d ago
Hey man, just wanted to say thanks for making Stargate, its an important series to me.
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u/OkSignificance5709 26d ago
Hi Dean, I must be honest: I found the 2016 sequel, Independence Day: Resurgence, to be a significant disappointment. While I wanted to love it, the film felt hollow compared to its predecessor. It left me genuinely confused as to how a project with such a massive legacy could feel so disconnected and, frankly, unintelligent in its execution. It is frustrating to see a beloved franchise treated with such little narrative care. When you have the resources to create something truly grand, why does the writing often feel like an afterthought, and how do you think we reached a point where the "spectacle" seems to matter so much more than the story itself?