EXCLUSIVE: Derek Simonds Takes the Helm as Writer and Showrunner for Peacock’s Reboot of Battlestar Galactica

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Peacock’s reboot of the beloved sci-fi franchise Battlestar Galactica has found a new writer to take the helm. Derek Simonds, creator of The Sinner, has been brought on board as writer, executive producer, and showrunner, according to exclusive information obtained by Deadline.

Battlestar Galactica has been a passion project for Sam Esmail, the creator of Mr. Robot. Esmail Corp., his production company, is producing the reboot in collaboration with UCP. The project has been in development at Peacock since 2019 and was initially set to have Michael Lesslie as the writer and executive producer.

The new take on Battlestar Galactica will be executive produced by Simonds, as well as Esmail and Chad Hamilton from Esmail Corp. UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, will serve as the studio for the series.

In October, Esmail confirmed that the reboot was in progress and praised the current outline. He expressed optimism as the Writers Guild of America strike had ended, allowing them to focus on further developing the show.

The original Battlestar Galactica, created by Glen A. Larson, aired on ABC for one season in 1978-1979. It followed the story of the last group of humans searching for the fabled Thirteenth Colony, known as Earth, after a series of wars with the Cylons, a robotic race, almost wiped out humanity. Despite gaining a cult following, the show did not achieve commercial success.

A critically and commercially successful reboot of Battlestar Galactica was produced by UCP in 2003. It starred Edward James Olmos as Commander Adama and ran for four seasons, spawning a short-lived prequel, Caprica.

Simonds, who is represented by WME and Zaftig Films, is known for his work on the popular crime anthology series The Sinner. Esmail, represented by CAA and McKuin Frankel Whitehead, also co-created and executive produced the Amazon Prime Video series Homecoming.

Peacock’s Battlestar Galactica reboot continues to be highly anticipated by fans of the franchise. The involvement of Derek Simonds as writer, executive producer, and showrunner adds excitement to the project, which is expected to bring a fresh take on the beloved story.