After some character descriptions of "Stargate: Universe" started to leak out, some fans -- especially those who have followed the Stargate franchise over the years -- lashed out calling the effort more of a move that should be found on the Lifetime network rather than SciFi Channel.

But executive producer Joseph Mallozzi is out to assure fans that any pre-conceptions they have of the show turning into a primetime soap opera have nothing to worry about.

"In spite of what the indicators may suggest, this will definitely not be a 'Voyager: 90210,'" Mallozzi said in his blog, according to GateWorld. "In fact, in many ways, it's a much more cerebral and mature addition to the franchise. While firmly entrenched in pre-established Stargate mythology, 'Stargate: Universe' definitely strikes out in an exciting new direction. It's a series that will delight veteran fans, but also appeal to newcomers who may not necessarily know the difference between an Alteran and an Asuran."

Mallozzi is part of the team that includes Brad Wright and Robert C. Cooper that is trying to get the show on SciFi Channel by next summer. They expect to have the pilot script completed by the end of the year, and filming is set to begin next February at Bridge Studios in Vancouver, B.C., where its predecessors were filmed.

The series is centered on an exploration vessel created thousands of years ago by the Ancients that has a pre-established course to visit planets where Stargates were installed. When the crew arrives, they find out that not only can they not return to Earth, but they can't alter the course of the ship, something that first started some of the comparisons with "Star Trek: Voyager" which focused on a ship lost in a quadrant some 70 years travel time from Earth.

Casting for the show is expected to be announced before the end of the year, and is already underway.

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