Stargate: 10 Behind The Scenes Secrets You Never Knew About Children Of The Gods
1. Richard Dean Anderson Had No Interest In Playing Jack O'Neil
Richard Dean Anderson was actually brought on as a producer initially, though he was always eyed for taking on the lead role of Jack O'Neil from the movie. There was an issue with this. Anderson had no interest in playing the same part that Kurt Russell had originated.
In the movie, O'Neil is a grief-stricken man who has recently suffered the loss of his son. Tyler (later changed to Charlie in the series) accidentally shot himself. He was recalled to active duty to take point on the Stargate program, even before the military officially knew what the device did. Throughout the film, O'Neil gradually warms, largely thanks to Skara, played by Alexis Cruz.
Anderson was concerned that having to play such a dour character would end up being, simply put, absolutely no fun at all. However, he was told that the show had already been ordered for 44 episodes and that he would have plenty of opportunities to adapt the character as he saw fit. This would allow him to introduce humour to the role, something that had been lacking from the film.
In the first episode, it is clear early on that this O'Neill (now with TWO Ls) was both a warmer character while remaining just as competent. As time went on, with all respect to Kurt Russell, Richard Dean Anderson became Jack O'Neill, without question.