Stargate Atlantis: “Duet”
One fan favorite prop from Stargate Atlantis has to be Ronon Dex’s Satedan blaster, wielded by actor Jason Momoa throughout his four seasons on the show. So how did it come to be? To trace the line between idea, concept art, and production “Dial the Gate” turned to Atlantis property master Dean Goodine.
Goodine worked on Stargate Atlantis for two seasons (and also for two seasons on SG-1). After that he went on to other genre favorites like Sanctuary, Jason Momoa’s post-apocalyptic fantasy drama See, and the new Percy Jackson and the Olympians. In this conversation with “Dial the Gate” he talks about working on the iconic sci-fi weapon.
The process starts, of course, with the script and the director’s vision — which leads to the fantastic artwork of production designer James C.D. Robbins:
Concept art for Ronon’s blaster by James C. D. Robbins
“I went to James with my idea, after going to Martin [Wood] who was directing that episode, and talked about what it could be,” Goodine said. “[I] pulled out some images of six-shooters and kind of came up with the idea. And then James drew it. I gave him an idea of cowboy guns, [putting] the wrap on the grip and all that stuff. But James expanded on it — as James always did.”
Check out this clip from the conversation:
Momoa joined the cast of Stargate Atlantis beginning in the second season of its 5-year run. His character Ronon Dex was a “Runner,” hunted for sport by the Wraith from planet-to-planet. A former member of the Satedan military, Ronon proved a highly resourceful prey.
As the show went on the Atlantis team would meet another species, the Travelers, who were evidently the source of Ronon’s weapon (“Travelers”). Ronon may have traded for the blaster at some point during his time as a Runner — or one of the Travelers might have come up on the short end after a run-in with the Satedan.
In the conversation Goodine also reflects on going on to work with Jason on See for Apple TV+, and setting up that show’s amazing prop shop. And he tells the story of what happened when the actor saw him again, years after Stargate had ended.
“I was coming around the corner and I could see Jason was walking toward the prop shop with [director Francis Lawrence],” Goodine said. “And all of a sudden he saw me, and he came running. He sprinted toward me and gave me a big bear hug, which I think realigned my spine. So I guess he did remember me!”
Check out “Dial the Gate” on YouTube to find the full interview with prop master Dean Goodine. And while you’re there, subscribe to GateWorld’s YouTube channel for more Stargate.