Recasting The Stargate Atlantis Reboot

Dr. Carson Beckett, played by Paul McGillion, was one of Atlantis' most popular side characters. Like most medical officers in a sci-fi setting, he had a lot of charisma, an unshakeable moral compass, a close connection with most of the main characters, and one of the saddest deaths for fans of the show.

Beckett's intelligence mixed with the seemingly limitless power of Ancient technology helped the crew of the Atlantis time and time again escape fates worse than death and also helped to steer the conscience of Atlantis' first commander Dr. Elizabeth Weir, in times of great uncertainty for her.

Beckett was also willing to sacrifice himself to save others, something that led to his tragic death. Yes, he did come back as a clone captured by Michael later in the show, but the reboot could probably avoid doing that.

Of course, there is no better Scottish actor to play a medical officer than beloved actor David Tennant. Tennant could give Beckett his classic charm and sense of humor, but could also portray the doctor as someone struggling with the pressures and decisions that come with such a difficult role.

Tennant could show how being a combat doctor in a sci-fi war could be overwhelming, how morality can easily be lost when fighting something not human, and how that morality is needed no matter what galaxy humans are in. He could show the importance of being a human doctor, and could also get in some great Scottish banter with the rest of the cast.