The cast of “Stargate Universe” is shaping up – and we’re seeing more and more names of people that you may actually know.

Originally it was thought that Robert Carlyle was going to be surrounded with a group of unknowns, but as casting news comes in, we’re seeing a different picture.

First Lou Diamond Phillips has joined the team. Now “ER” vet Ming-Na will be joining the cast as well.

If things continue this way, Stargate Universe may feature a pretty high profile cast.

I have to say, as a relative “Stargate” noob I’m looking forward to this show as a jumping on point for the franchise. It’s looking like its off to a good start.

Sc-Fi’s next incarnation of the “Stargate” franchise is ramping up production, and the first bit of casting has been released. Robert Carlyle, who was recently rumored to be a candidate to replace David Tennant as the next “Doctor Who” will be playing the lead role of Dr. David Rush.

The series, entitled “Stargate: Universe” will follow a group of soldiers, scientists, and civilians who are left to fend for themselves after they are forced through a Stargate when their base comes under attack. They find themselves on an ancient ship lost in the far reaches of space. They work together to solve the mysteries of the ship, and to hopefully find a way home.

Sure, it sounds a lot like “Lost in Space” and “Star Trek: Voyager” – but the series is attempting to skew younger and attempt to bring new viewers into the “Stargate” franchise. I’m looking forward to checking it out, and seeing where it leads.

Well Sci-Fi is saying good by the “Stargate Atlantis” (as a regular series anyway, tv movies should continue) team next year, but yesterday afternoon they announced that the network isn’t done with “Stargate” just yet.

A third series “Stargate Universe” is going to be launching early in 2009. The premise seems a big…familiar…but we’re going to keep an open mind here at TV Jab.

Basically the series will introduce us to a team of explorers who find an ancient unmanned ship called “The Destiny”. Once on board the ship they find that they are unable to return to Earth, and they will have to fend for themselves aboard the ship which is on a pre-programmed mission taking them to the far reaches of the universe to make contact with each of the previously launched Stargates.

On the surface, the show sounds a lot like the first incarnation of the Star Trek: TNG era “Star Trek: Voyager”…but we’ll give the team the benefit of the doubt. I’m sure they have something interesting up their sleeves.

We’ll first be introduced to “Stargate Universe” in early 2009 via a 2-hour tv-movie. A series will follow in the summer.