As the SciFi Channels gets ready to launch the the 5th season of the original series Stargate Atlantis, the Sci Fi Wire is reporting a number of cast changes are on the event horizon.

On the Way Out

Col. Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping) shall be stepping down from the command of the Atlantis expedition and concentrating on her new SciFi Channel show “Sanctuary“. Premiering later this year, Ms. Tapping will be both star and executive producer of the new series.

A face that won’t be seen this season is Tori Higginson (Dr. Elizabeth Weir). Atlantis’ producers had thought to bring Dr. Weir back for several episodes, but the Higginson declined returning.

On the Way Up

The SG1 and Atlantis veteran Robert Picardo, as Richard Woolsey, will become a regular cast member this season. In an interesting twist, his roll will be to replace Carter as the commander of the of the Atlantis expedition.

Also being upgraded in status is Jewel Staite, who plays Dr. Jennifer Keller. She will be going from “recurring cast member” to “regular cast member”. Staite says fans can expect more from her character this season. “She steps up to the plate a little bit more,” Staite told Sci Fi Wire. “She’s becoming more courageous.”

The Doctor is Back

Paul McGillion, the former cast member and a favorite of fans, will be returning to play Dr. Carson Beckett (or at least his clone) in several episodes.

Currently six episodes of Stargate: Atlantis’ upcoming fifth season have already been produced, and filming is underway on the remainder. The fifth season begins this summer.