Richard Dean Anderson, Christopher McDonald And Grammy Nominated Recording Artist, Janelle Monae Set To Guest Star In SCI FI's Original Series, 'SGU: STARGATE UNIVERSE'

SCI FI Channel rounds out its stellar cast of the highly anticipated drama-adventure series, SGU: Stargate Universe with an array of celebrity guest stars, set to make appearances throughout the season including, Richard Dean Anderson, Christopher McDonald, Grammy nominated recording artist, Janelle Monae, Amanda Tapping, Michael Shanks, Gary Jones and Carlo Rota. The new original one-hour series stars Robert Carlyle, Lou Diamond Phillips and Ming-Na. Produced by MGM Television, the series is currently in production in Vancouver, BC and is set to premiere on SCI FI in October 2009 with a special two-hour episode.

Edgier and younger in tone, SGU will take the franchise in a dynamic new direction, appealing to longtime Stargate fans and first-time viewers alike. The two-part premiere of Universe is being directed by Andy Mikita (Stargate Atlantis, Stargate SG-1) and lensed by Rohn Schmidt (The Shield, The Mist). The series also stars Alaina Huffman, Justin Louis, David Blue, Jamil Walker Smith and Brian J. Smith.

SGU follows a band of soldiers, scientists and civilians, who must fend for themselves as they are forced through a Stargate when their hidden base comes under attack. The desperate survivors emerge aboard an ancient ship, which is locked on an unknown course and unable to return to Earth. Faced with meeting the most basic needs of food, water and air, the group must unlock the secrets of the ship's Stargate to survive. The danger, adventure and hope they find on board the Destiny will reveal the heroes and villains among them.

Guest Stars Include:

Richard Dean Anderson (Stargate SG1, Stargate Continuum, Stargate Atlantis) Anderson reprises his role as General O'Neil. O'Neil is the former leader of the elite military team SG-1.

Christopher McDonald (Superhero Movie, Rumor Has It) Stars as Senator Alan Armstrong. The U.S. Senator and head of the International Oversight Committee that governs the Stargate program. He is the father to Chloe Armstrong.

Janelle Monae (Bad Boy/Atlantic Records) The Grammy nominated artist plays herself in an upcoming episode. Janelle and her band will perform "Many Moons" and "Sincerely," two songs featured from her latest album titled "Metropolis."

Amanda Tapping (Sanctuary, Stargate SG1, Stargate Continuum, Stargate Atlantis) Reprises her role as Samantha Carter, an astrophysicist and United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.

Michael Shanks (Stargate SG1, Stargate Continuum, Stargate Atlantis) Reprises his role as Dr. Daniel Jackson, Stargate's archeologist and linguist.

Gary Jones (Stargate SG1, Stargate Continuum, Stargate Atlantis) Reprises his role as Chief Mst Sgt. Walter Harriman, commander technician of the team.

Carlo Rota (24, Saw V) Stars as Carl Strom, head of the International Oversight Advisory (IOA), the civilian oversight committee that heads up the Atlantis Expedition and all funding.