It’s been almost two years since X-Men ‘97 aired its Season 1 finale, and fans around the world are still waiting to see how the story continues in Season 2. It’s been confirmed that X-Men ‘97 Season 2 will premiere this summer, but Marvel has yet to assign the animated series a slot on its Disney+ calendar for the year. It’s safe to say X-Men ‘97 is one of the most anticipated new releases of 2026, though, especially considering the show is still the highest-rated Marvel project ever, despite not taking place in the MCU. It holds a nearly flawless 99% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and a 91% on the audience-driven Popcornmeter, and it’s already been renewed for Season 3 before the Season 2 premiere. It’s a textbook example of a successful show.

There may still be a few months until X-Men ‘97 is playing on Disney+ around the world, but Marvel has just given a gift to fans of its most popular mutants. Marvel has officially announced a new prequel comic book, X-Men ’97: Season Two, which will take place between the events of X-Men ‘97 Seasons 1 and 2. The book was written by Steve Foxe with art from Salva Espin and a cover from Todd Nauck, and there will be variant covers available from Jhony Caballero, Natacha Bustos, and Dan Jurgen. The comic goes on sale on June 3, likely around the same time that X-Men ‘97 will premiere, and the official synopsis for the new story reads as follows:

“X-MEN ‘97: SEASON TWO will lead directly from the end of the acclaimed first season to the start of the upcoming season two, setting the stage for the time-sprawling saga that awaits viewers, exploring the season’s biggest plot threads, and spotlighting the major new characters—and teams—joining the cast.

Extinction-day has come and gone, and your favorite X-Men are lost in time! Spinning out of Marvel Animation’s X-Men ’97 series, follow the X-Men left behind in a world that hunts and hates mutantkind! Can they survive? And just where – or when – are the X-Men now?! No X-Men ‘97 fan can miss this one!”

Advertisement

When Will ‘X-Men ‘97’ Season 3 Come Out?

Image via Marvel

There’s been a two-year gap between the first and second seasons of X-Men ‘97, but fans can rest assured that this won’t be the case between seasons two and three. X-Men ‘97 star Lenore Zann, who voices Rogue in the hit Disney+ series, confirmed to Collider last year that she was about to head to the voice booth to begin recording lines for Season 3. The most likely window of release for X-Men ’97 Season 3 is likely sometime in 2027, only one year after Season 2.

Stay tuned to Collider for more updates on the new X-Men ‘97 prequel comic and updates on Seasons 2 and 3 of the hit Disney+ series.

Advertisement

Release Date

March 20, 2024

Advertisement

Directors

Jake Castorena

Writers

Advertisement

Beau DeMayo

Advertisement

• 
• 

Advertisement

Advertisement

Sofia Vergara appears to be getting into the Oscars spirit early after posting two throwback videos from the 2025 Oscars after-party.

The actress shared the clips on her Instagram Story, including one of her dancing with her “America’s Got Talent” co-star Heidi Klum.

In another video, the “Modern Family” alum showed off solo moves on the makeshift Oscars dance floor.

The two television personalities have built a close friendship both on and off the screen during their time on “AGT.”

Vergara’s post comes just two days before the 2026 Academy Awards are held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

Sofia Vergara Turns Back The Clock With Oscars Dance Throwbacks

Hours before sharing the two #TBT clips on her Instagram Story, Vergara attended “An Unforgettable Evening,” a charity gala aimed at raising money for the Women’s Cancer Research Fund (WCRF).

The actress posted a series of updates from the event on her Story, including a brief snippet of a speech she delivered to attendees.

After the more serious posts, Vergara then took a trip down memory lane, revisiting last year’s Oscars and the joyful moments she shared with Klum at the after-party.

Neither “America’s Got Talent” alum was nominated or scheduled to present at the 2025 Oscars. Still, it is not uncommon for major stars to attend the celebrity events surrounding Hollywood’s biggest night.

Sofia Vergara And Heidi Klum Went Viral On The Oscars Dance Floor In 2025

Vergara and Klum attracted significant online attention for their looks and moves at the 2025 Oscars after-party, hosted by Vanity Fair.

Both videos from the night showed the TV stars dancing along to Michael Jackson hits, with the pair grooving to “Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough” in the first clip.

Klum shared that moment on her own Instagram at the time, accompanied by three emojis in the caption.

Fans quickly filled the comments section with compliments, many praising the pair for their beauty and chemistry.

“OMG, you girls are just gorgeous,” one user wrote, while another added, “The cutest,” alongside a heart emoji.

In the second clip shared on Vergara’s IG Story, the actress was seen dancing solo to “Billie Jean.”

Vergara Said Klum Is ‘Like A Latin Girl Trapped In A German Body’

In a 2023 interview with Extra correspondent Terri Seymour, Vergara explained how the differences in her and Klum’s backgrounds actually helped her realize how similar they are.

“It was a surprise because you know I’m Latin, Heidi’s German,” Vergara said. “I was like, ‘Oh, I don’t think I’m gonna have anything in common with her.’ And then suddenly I realized she’s like a Latin girl trapped in a German tall model!”

Vergara went on to elaborate on the qualities in Klum that gave her that impression.

“She can dance, sing, go to a crazy party,” the actress added. “Energy, it’s like crazy. I want to be her when I grow up.”

Sofia Vergara’s Bikini Snap Prompted A Playful Reply From Klum

Vergara and Klum’s unique friendship was once again on full display when the “Griselda” star shared a bold Instagram photo of herself sunbathing poolside in a thong bikini back in June 2025.

Klum playfully jumped into the comments, joking that Vergara should join her because she was also sunbathing wherever she happened to be at the time.

For Vergara, the extra attention on the photo likely signaled success, as the post was part of a promotional campaign for her Toty sunscreen brand.

In an interview with E! News, the actress explained her company’s “suncare first” philosophy.

“Once I learned the sun not only causes cancer but also aging, I made suncare my first priority,” Vergara said.

Vergara Still Waiting On An Oscar Nomination

While Vergara continues to show an affinity for the Academy Awards, she has yet to earn an Oscar nomination for any of her work.

The Colombian-born star has spent most of her career dominating television rather than film, and her accolades reflect that trajectory.

Vergara is a five-time Emmy and Golden Globe nominee, with all ten nods recognizing her performances in “Modern Family” and, more recently, “Griselda.”

Intriguingly, the one small “chink in the armor” of her friendship with Klum came when the supermodel told ET Online she was “upset” that Vergara did not cast her in “Griselda.”

Blake Lively’s legal dispute with her “It Ends With Us” costar Justin Baldoni is entering a crucial stage as the case edges closer to trial.

The actress is now asking a federal judge to reject efforts to dismiss her claims, arguing that the evidence already collected should be considered before the lawsuit can be thrown out.

Blake Lively Urges Court To Consider Evidence Already Gathered

Blake Lively is pushing back against attempts by Justin Baldoni and other defendants to have her claims dismissed before trial.

Her legal team recently filed a letter in federal court urging Judge Lewis J. Liman to allow the lawsuit to continue rather than ending it through legal motions.

In the court filing obtained by PEOPLE, Lively’s attorneys referenced a recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

They argued that the ruling supports their position that courts should examine the evidence gathered during litigation rather than relying solely on the wording of the complaint.

Quoting the appeals court decision, the lawyers wrote that dismissing a complaint under such circumstances “would hardly serve the efficient or just resolution of disputes” if evidence collected during the case may be enough to support the claims.

Lively’s legal team maintains that the same reasoning should apply to her lawsuit.

They say the court should consider the full body of evidence already collected during the discovery process, including documents and testimony, before deciding whether the claims should move forward.

Lively And Baldoni’s Legal Fight Moves Toward Trial

The filing marks the latest development in the ongoing legal dispute tied to the film, “It Ends With Us,” where Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni worked together.

Baldoni and other defendants have filed several motions asking the court to dismiss Lively’s claims.

One of those motions seeks summary judgment, which would allow the judge to decide the case based on the evidence already gathered without sending it to a jury trial.

However, Lively’s attorneys argue that the case deserves to be evaluated through a full trial rather than being resolved prematurely.

If the case proceeds as currently scheduled, both Lively and Baldoni are expected to take the stand.

According to their attorneys, each actor may testify when the trial begins.

For now, the case remains on track for a trial date set for May 18.

Blake Lively Case Heads Toward Critical Pretrial Phase

Even though the courtroom showdown appears to be approaching, legal experts say there are still several steps remaining before the trial begins.

Brian C. Stewart, a trial attorney at Parker & McConkie who is not involved in the case, explained that preparations will soon intensify if the case continues toward a jury trial.

“With a trial scheduled to begin on May 18, the parties and the court will move into final pretrial preparations, deciding on witness lists, exhibit lists, and arguing about what evidence the jury will be allowed to hear,” Stewart said.

He also noted that both legal teams will begin building their courtroom strategies as if a trial is guaranteed.

“A settlement can still happen, right up to and even during trial, but both sides will want to prepare as if trial is inevitable. Both sides will do their best to look like they are confident and ready to convince the jury,” Stewart told PEOPLE last month.

Settlement Talks Could Continue Behind The Scenes

Despite a recent mediation session that ended without an agreement, legal experts say settlement discussions could still happen at any time.

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni spent approximately six hours in federal court earlier this year for a court-ordered mediation session with Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave.

The meeting is a common step in civil litigation designed to encourage both sides to resolve disputes without going to trial.

Although the session ended without a deal, attorneys say that does not necessarily mean negotiations are over.

Steven Jensen, another trial attorney at Parker & McConkie who is not connected to the case, explained that settlement talks often continue quietly while both sides prepare for trial.

“Settlement talks will likely continue informally all the way up until the eve of trial,” Jensen said.

He also outlined the type of work attorneys will now begin behind the scenes.

Jensen explained, “Each side will resume discovery and begin preparing pre-trial motions, which set the stage for permissible evidence at trial. Additionally, each side will need to map out a plan for trial – witnesses to call, cross-examinations of defense witnesses, exhibits to use, jury consulting and questionnaires, opening and closing arguments, and other preparations. Many cases do settle before trial despite multiple failed attempts at settlement. There is still a likelihood the parties [will] settle the case before trial.”

Judge Decision Could Shape Blake Lively Case Outcome

Another major development could arrive when Judge Lewis J. Liman rules on the pending summary judgment request.

Greg Doll, an attorney not involved in the dispute, said the judge’s decision could determine whether the lawsuit moves forward to trial or ends sooner.

“The next step in the case is that Judge Liman will issue his summary judgment order, which he is no doubt holding in abeyance until after the settlement conference to increase the chance of settlement based on the parties’ uncertainty about how he intends to rule,” Doll explained.

He added that if the judge allows the claims to continue, the case will likely move directly into the final stage before trial.

“Unless Judge Liman disposes of Lively’s case on summary judgment, the next step will be pre-trial motions and trial,” he added.

For now, Blake Lively’s legal team is pressing the court to allow the case to proceed, setting the stage for what could become one of the most closely watched celebrity legal battles of the year.

Over the years, Shakira has built a remarkable singing career, earning global recognition with chart-topping songs, record-breaking performances, and numerous awards. Now, the Colombian superstar has another milestone to celebrate after being nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, adding to her ever-growing list of achievements.

Shakira Says Being Nominated Feels ‘Surreal’

In February, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced the 17 nominees for the 2026 class. Some of the artists included in the list are Shakira, Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Mariah Carey, Luther Vandross, and Jeff Buckley.

On March 12, AP News caught up with Shakira to talk about her ongoing Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, her decades-long career, and her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination.

The 49-year-old singer shared her elation, saying, “I feel really humbled and excited at the same time. It’s incredible to be nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a little bit surreal as well.” She added that although she has “experimented” with different genres of music throughout the years, she started as a rock artist.

Shakira has released 12 studio albums since the start of her career in 1991, when she was just 15 years old. As she told the outlet, all her albums have rock songs. “That’s an intricate part of my artistic persona. And everything that I listen to is rock music,” she added.

The Singer Feels Like All Her Wishes Are Coming True

Shakira rose to fame in the late ’90s, but it wasn’t until the release of her first English-language album, “Laundry Service,” in 2001 that she achieved global recognition. Since then, she has released several chart-topping songs, including “Hips Don’t Lie,” Whenever, Wherever,” “Underneath Your Clothes,” and the 2010 FIFA World Cup anthem, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).”

After more than three decades in the music industry, Shakira said 2026 has been amazing so far. “I don’t know what’s going on. But this year, like, all my wishes are coming true, and I think this nomination is one of those things that you probably fantasize about sometime in your career but try not to get too fixated on it,” she said.

Shakira Is Proud To Represent The Latin Community

As of 2026, there are almost 400 key figures in the music industry who have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame since its first induction class in 1986. According to reports, there are only a few inductees from the Latin community, including Carlos Santana, Richie Valens, and Linda Ronstadt.

If inducted, Shakira will make history as the first Colombian artist to join the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. “I feel very proud as a Latina… I think it might be the first time for a Latino woman, someone born and raised in Latin America,” she shared, adding that it’s an honor to be nominated, especially since she has been devoted to the rock genre since she was a teen.

The singer shared that she’s ecstatic for the Latin community. “I’m happy to feel that I’m representing a part of my community there,” she said.

Shakira’s Dream Performance

Shakira will be performing at the Pyramids of Giza on April 7, decades after she first performed in the same location in 2007. The singer will also be performing at a free concert on Copacabana Beach in May. As she said, visiting different cities around the globe has been exciting for her.

When asked about her dream location, Shakira mentioned Paris. “I’ve always thought it would be pretty crazy to sing at the Eiffel Tower or the Champs-Élysées in Paris. That would be like the ultimate concert as well.”

Advertisement

The singer shared that her accomplishments this year have energized her, adding that making and performing music has brought her “so much joy.”

Shakira Broke A Guinness World Record In January

Shakira holds several Guinness World Records, and in January, she added another one to her list. As previously reported by The Blast, the singer set the record for the highest-grossing tour by a Hispanic artist of all time, generating $421.6 million for the Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour.

Shakira was ecstatic about her achievement and thanked her fans, crediting them for their enthusiasm for her music. “I can only be grateful for the loyalty and passion of my fans, who give meaning to everything I do, and without them, none of this would be happening,” she said.

Singer and actress Demi Lovato is delving into the world of cooking. Ahead of the release of her new cookbook, Lovato is revealing how her journey with an eating disorder inspired the creation of her project, sharing the struggles she faced to overcome the challenge.

Demi Lovato Had A Complicated Relationship With Food

Lovato is releasing her first cookbook, “One Plate at a Time: Recipes for Finding Freedom with Food,” and in a conversation with People, the singer revealed the inspiration behind the project.

Lovato has been open about her struggles with an eating disorder in the past, and her relationship with food was a “complicated journey.” As she recalled, it was tough to be around food in the early stages of her recovery. “I was so overwhelmed by food that stepping into a grocery store would make me break down into tears,” the singer shared.

Her therapists suggested cooking to help in her recovery process, but it was challenging to do at first. Several years later, however, Lovato tried cooking with friends, and she had fun making spaghetti squash salad. “I actually stepped foot into the kitchen and had so much joy come from it, and I was proud of what I made,” she added.

The Singer Battled Bulimia

Lovato sought treatment for her eating disorder at 18, but her struggles began as early as 8 years old, as she shared in 2011. “I was compulsively overeating when I was eight years old. So I guess, for the past 10 years I’ve had a really unhealthy relationship with food,” she explained then, per ABC News.

According to the Mayo Clinic, bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder where the patient binge-eats and then purges their intake afterward by drinking laxatives or throwing up. Many who have bulimia are body-conscious, often focusing on what they see as flaws in their appearance.

In an interview with American Way in 2016, the singer opened up about her bulimia, sharing that her mother and grandmother struggled with it as well. As a toddler, she said it was difficult growing up around a person who struggled with bulimia.

Lovato became even more insecure as she entered beauty pageants, where she was judged for her appearance. That was when she began binge-eating.

Demi Lovato’s Recovery

In 2018, Lovato shared a photo of herself in a swimsuit on Instagram and talked about being insecure about her legs. “I’m posting it because I look so happy and this year I’ve decided I’m letting go of my perfectionism and embracing freedom from self-criticism,” she wrote.

The singer then said that overcoming her eating disorder was extremely challenging, but she was working toward “solid recovery” despite some missteps.

In 2024, Lovato sat down with Penn Badgley on “Podcrushed,” where she opened up about her ongoing recovery from her eating disorder. The singer said she had a treatment team that helps her stay on track with her recovery.

“I’m trying to learn body acceptance rather than body positivity, because body positivity feels like, ‘I can’t even reach that yet.’,” she explained, adding that she also has a therapist and nutritionist who specialize in eating disorders.

The Singer Made The Cookbook Accessible For New Cooks

Lovato told People her goal for the cookbook, which is to make it accessible to a certain group of people. “I wanted to create a cookbook that was for people who may have had disordered eating in the past or are just intimidated to step foot into the kitchen for the first time,” the singer said.

As she noted, the cookbook starts with basic recipes, which will help provide a foundation for more complicated ones. Moreover, the recipes only require simple ingredients and do not involve complicated cooking techniques. The book consists of more than 80 recipes, some of which include spaghetti bolognese, pulled pork, salads, tacos, and a cheeseburger.

When Is The Cookbook’s Release Date?

Lovato has been teasing her cookbook since 2025, and she has even tackled some recipes and shared them on Instagram. There are recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as soups, salads, and desserts.

In addition, the cookbook features some photos from Lovato’s home life, as well as hacks, tips, tricks, and personal stories from the singer. “One Plate at a Time: Recipes for Finding Freedom with Food” will be available starting March 17.

Advertisement

After just one episode, Steve Carell’s Greg Russo is already well over his head in HBO’s Rooster. What started as a stopover in a quiet college town to talk about his titular beloved detective novel series, as well as a check-in with his daughter, quickly turned into an absolute mess of a time for the star author. In the show’s debut installment, audiences followed along with Greg as he tried to be a shoulder to cry on for his daughter Katie (Charly Clive) after she was left by her husband, Archie (Phil Dunster), for a grad student. But, things quickly took a turn for the criminal when, at the tail end of the episode, Katie tossed one of Archie’s prized literary collections into the fireplace and inadvertently (maybe!) burned down the house. Today, ahead of the second episode, which streams on HBO Max Sunday, March 15, Collider is excited to unveil a sneak peek of the fallout of last week’s dramatic ending.

Continuing to be a proud and supportive father, our sneak peek sees Greg standing in the living room of Katie’s home, where she’s allowing herself to feel her feelings on the couch with a Monster energy drink. The cops are waiting to talk to them, Greg explains to his adult child, who doesn’t seem to be the slightest bit alarmed that she could be charged with arson. Even with the implications surrounding her, Katie hardly raises an eyebrow, telling her dad that the case wouldn’t hold up in court before rolling off the couch and accompanying him to the police department.

The latest project to come from Scrubs, Shrinking, and Ted Lasso creator Bill Lawrence, Rooster has already marked itself as a standout hit for HBO. In addition to Carell, Dunster, and Clive, the primary ensemble includes the talents of Danielle Deadwyler (The Woman in the Yard), Lauren Tsai (Terrace House: Aloha State) and John C. McGinley (Scrubs), with additional supporting work done by Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights), Annie Mumolo (Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar), Scott MacArthur (The Mick) and Robby Hoffman (Hacks).

Related

Eruption of Corruption: Flashing Back to The Shield — The Collider TV Quiz!

The Shield premiered on this date in 2002. Even if you never watched it, you might do better on this quiz than you think. The show changed television.

What Else Is Coming to HBO Max in 2026?

Already off to a terrific start with overnight favorites including Rooster, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and DTF St. Louis, HBO Max has plenty to keep audiences entertained throughout the year. Just around the corner is the return of Lisa Kudrow’s cult-classic comedy, The Comeback, while further down the line, Euphoria Season 3 and The Gilded Age Season 4 will step into the spotlight.

Check out our exclusive first look at the upcoming Rooster episode above and get caught up on the series premiere now on HBO Max.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

March 8, 2026

Network

HBO

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Conan O’Brien shared a glimpse into how late director Rob Reiner will be honored at this year’s Academy Awards, though he didn’t reveal any details. Each year, the Oscars pay tribute to those in the industry who have passed, celebrating their contributions to film and entertainment.

Conan O’Brien Did Not Disclose Details Of The Tribute

O’Brien, the host of the 2026 Academy Awards, is gearing up for the 2026 Oscars, which will take place on March 15. On March 11, Extra caught up with the comedian as he helped roll out the red carpet days ahead of the ceremony.

O’Brien was asked about the tribute to Reiner, to which he replied, “It would be hard to sum up in this environment… I think it would be inappropriate,” referring to the hectic scene with cameras, reporters, and people moving around. However, he did offer a bit of information, saying, “It’s gonna be a very powerful part of the show.”

The comedian and Reiner had been long-time friends, and O’Brien was one of the few people who last saw the director and his wife before their untimely deaths in December 2025.

Conan O’Brien’s Second Time Hosting The Oscars

This year’s Academy Awards will be O’Brien’s second time hosting. His hosting gig in last year’s ceremony garnered a high viewership, prompting his return to the Oscars stage.

The host started coming up with ideas a while ago and even started testing out jokes in comedy clubs. As he told Extra, he had “a lot of fun” hosting last year’s Oscars and wanted to do it again. “The movies this year have been insane. It was such a great year for movies that I’m excited to be even a small part of it,” he explained.

Advertisement

O’Brien teased that he and his team of writers have been working on “more ambitious” ideas for the show, and if it doesn’t land, he jokingly said he could just “skip town if I have to and lay low for a while.”

The Oscars In Memoriam Segment Will Be Longer

The Oscars started honoring deceased entertainment industry members at the Oscars in 1994, and as the producers shared, this year will have a longer segment.

Producer Katy Mullan told Variety that it has been “an incredibly tough year of losses,” and they are extending the segment to take the time in honoring each person. “So many titans have passed away, and there are so many people who care so deeply for a lot of the people we’ll be tributing and honoring,” she explained.

Apart from Reiner, others who have passed in the last year include Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall, Robert Redford, and Val Kilmer.

“It’s a chance for people to say goodbye. It’s a chance for them to see some of their favorite people one more time, and it’s a memory. We don’t take it lightly,” Mullan said.

Advertisement

Inside The Deaths Of Rob And Michele Reiner

On December 14, 2025, Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, were found deceased in their Los Angeles home, riddled with stab wounds. Their son, Nick, was later arrested for the crime.

Less than 24 hours before the murders, the Reiners and Nick attended O’Brien’s holiday party. As previously reported by The Blast, Nick interacted with some celebrity guests and asked them strange questions.

Nick is currently being held without bail in a Los Angeles correctional facility. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and has pleaded not guilty. He is scheduled to go back in court on April 19.

Conan O’Brien Spoke Out About The Reiners

In a February interview with The New Yorker, O’Brien broke his silence on the deaths of his dear friends. The comedian said he and his wife were close to the Reiners, whom he described as “such lovely people.”

As for their passing, O’Brien had difficulty processing the bad news. “To have that experience of saying good night to somebody and having them leave and then find out the next day that they’re gone… I think I was in shock for quite a while afterward,” O’Brien said, adding that he had no words for what he felt.

In March, O’Brien also addressed the fact that his name was associated with Reiner and his wife’s deaths because they were last seen in public at his party. “Very simply, we had a party, we invited our really good friends, and then, the next day, this terrible thing happened,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.

Advertisement

The comedian said that whatever “difficulties” he experienced amid the reporting of his friends’ murders, it was nothing compared to the tragedy Reiner’s family is facing. “There’s only sadness that they’re gone,” he added.

With Peacock’s long-gestating Battlestar Galactica reboot no longer moving forward, it’s worth looking back at the version that actually worked. There are few better arguments for the merit of rebooting a television show than Ronald D. Moore’s acclaimed reimagining of the sci-fi franchise. While the original series of the same name from 1978 was certainly a fun, Star Wars-related space adventure, it retained little more than a cult following after being cancelled after its first season.

Compared with the original Battlestar Galactica, the rebooted series developed a far richer, more expansive universe that addressed modern themes, including the war on terror, political corruption, and fears of artificial intelligence. Best of all, the reboot series created new and dynamic characters that made it all the more compelling; there wasn’t another hero in Battlestar Galactica whose arc was more satisfying overall than Katee Sackhoff’s Lieutenant Kate Thrace.

Set in the distant future, Battlestar Galactica is centered on the crew of the titular spacecraft as it searches for a new home for mankind. The last established civilization of humanity, known as the Twelve Colonies, was destroyed in a critical attack by the Cylons, a malevolent group of man-made androids. While there is tension between the new President Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell) and the military Commander William Adama (Edward James Olmos), the fleet is reliant on brave pilots like Thrace, who goes by the callsign “Starbuck.” The boldness of Sackhoff’s casting was very beneficial to Battlestar Galactica, ensuring its place among the greatest television dramas of all time.

Katee Sackhoff’s ‘Battlestar Galactica’ Casting Earned Backlash

Although Moore’s reboot drew some inspiration from the original 1978 series, the two shows were unique in their narrative complexity. While some characters were brought back and reinterpreted, they were only similar in name. The original Battlestar Galactica featured Dirk Benedict as Lieutenant Starbuck, a womanizing fighter pilot who could be compared to Harrison Ford’s Han Solo in the Star Wars franchise. Battlestar Galactica had already been hit with comparisons to George Lucas’ space opera; in order to differentiate the two, Moore decided that “making Starbuck a woman was a way of avoiding” what” he “felt would be ‘rogue pilot with a heart of gold’ cliché.’”

Many characters from the original Battlestar Galactica were radically changed from the original series; while the 1978 shows featured John Colicos as an entirely malevolent version of Gaius Baltar, James Callis turned the character into a somewhat sympathetic, far less competent anti-hero. However, Sackhoff’s casting was met with backlash from those who opposed the gender swapping of Starbuck. Benedict himself even chimed in, posting a tirade expressing his dismay that “Starbuck would go the way of most men in today’s society.” Unfortunately, Benedict’s opinion was shared by many of the show’s doubters; Sackhoff was booed during her first appearance promoting the show at the 2004 Comic Con in San Diego and even received some death threats prior to the show’s airing.

Although Moore was insistent that the gender swap was essential to distinguish the new series, Sackhoff wasn’t the first choice to play Starbuck. Moore revealed that the show’s producers were originally looking for an actress in her mid-30s who had a tough demeanor, as they wanted someone who had believable military experience. However, it was Sackhoff’s acting ability that ultimately won them over; Moore stated that Sackhoff “auditioned for the role along with many other actresses, and simply blew them all away,” admitting that they were “lucky” that she agreed to play the role.

Starbuck Became a Fan-Favorite Hero in ‘Battlestar Galactica’

Image via SYFY

Advertisement

Starbuck was quickly established as one of Battlestar Galactica’s most complex characters. Like many of the Galactica’s pilots, Starbuck is brave to a fault; she’s willing to put herself in danger for the sake of her crew and consistently goes on risky missions in an attempt to cheat death. While her hot-headed personality added energy to the series, there was a deeper reason for Starbuck’s erratic personality; she is still grieving the loss of Zak Adama (Tobias Mehler), her secret fiancé, as well as a pilot under her command whose death hangs over her. This speaks to Starbuck’s selflessness; although she isn’t as interested in the political machinations in the fleet, she is completely loyal to those who serve alongside her. Starbuck’s empathy becomes more powerful in later seasons that reveal her backstory as an abused child.

Starbuck’s relationship with the Adama family is among the show’s most profound dynamics; despite her involvement with Zak’s death, Kara begins to develop romantic feelings for his brother, Lee (Jamie Bamber). It’s a romance that’s doomed from the start, as both characters end up finding different romantic partners in the aftermath of the occupation by Cylon forces in the third season. However, their on-again, off-again affair indicated that the two couldn’t deny their feelings for each other; similarly, Bill Adama comes to view Starbuck as a daughter, giving her important guidance over the course of the series.

Katee Sackhoff’s Performance Succeeded Even When ‘Battlestar Galactica’ Didn’t

Despite the acclaim that the series received in its initial seasons, Battlestar Galactica declined in quality, significantly thwarting Starbuck’s story arc. Her romantic relationship with Samuel Anders (Michael Trucco) grew much more compelling, particularly upon the revelation that he was one of the “Final Five” Cylons hidden within the fleet. Unfortunately, Starbuck’s strange departure and miraculous recovery made for an uneven storyline that didn’t reflect her trajectory up until that point. Nonetheless, Sackhoff certainly committed to the material; her emotional performance almost made these strange plot twists tolerable.

While it could be said that Battlestar Galactica ended on a disappointing note, Sackhoff has since become an icon in multiple sci-fi franchises. After voicing the character Bo-Katan Kryze on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Sackhoff was able to portray the live-action version in The Mandalorian’s second and third seasons. She also delivered a scene-stealing performance alongside Vin Diesel in the sci-fi sequel Riddick.

Battlestar Galactica is streaming on Prime Video in the U.S.