The Fox TV network has ordered a two-hour pilot based on the classic television series Battlestar Galactica, which was originally broadcast by ABC from 1978 through 1980.  Bryan Singer, who directed the highly successful X-Men film, will direct the pilot and serve as executive producer for the series if Fox decides to pick up the option and add Galactica to its regular schedule (see 'X-Men Helmer Spaces Out').  If the series is picked up by Fox, it is likely that it would begin its run during the 2002-2003 season.

According to Singer, his goal in reviving the series is 'to take the Galactica franchise and move it forward both in style and character while bringing the scope and sensibility of epic science fiction filmmaking to the small screen.'  The presence of Singer is key to the revival of Galactica.  Singer did a superb job of adapting the X-Men comic to the big screen, and the reason for his success was the respect that he showed for the property and its fans.   Singer told Variety, 'The lesson I learned on X-Men is to have a healthy respect for the fan base of sci-fi fantasy franchises, and I'm confident that the 'Galactica' brand is a sleeping giant.'