Amanda Tapping, known for her role as Samantha Carter in Stargate SG-1, discussed her experience transitioning to the spin-off series Stargate Atlantis in an interview with Den of Geek. Tapping explained that joining the Atlantis cast required her to take a step back and portray a different character than the authoritative leader she played in SG-1.
“It felt like playing a totally different character. It was Sam Carter pulled back, and trying to show reverence to the people that she was in command of without being this didactic leader,” said Tapping.
She noted that the shift was a challenge as it involved trying to sit back and remain out of her comfort zone. Tapping recalled feeling a sense of unease when watching the cast go through the Stargate, a ritual that her character would have typically been a part of.
Despite the initial discomfort, Tapping emphasized that the Atlantis cast was incredibly welcoming, and she later took on a more significant role in the series during its fourth season.
Stargate Atlantis, which aired from 2005 to 2009, featured a diverse ensemble cast and explored new adventures in the Stargate universe, including the discovery of the mythical lost city of Atlantis.
