The Legend of John Sheppard
Joe Flanigan starred as John Sheppard in 99 of Stargate Atlantis’s 100 episodes. The series, a spin-off from SG1, captured sci-fi fans by introducing a new team of explorers making the mythical city of Atlantis—hidden in the distant Pegasus galaxy—their new home.
The main cast included Dr. Rodney McKay, Teyla Emmagan, and Ronon Dex, led by Dr. Elizabeth Weir overseeing a mix of scientists and military personnel. Like Colonel Jack O’Neill from SG1, Atlantis relied on a charismatic leader. Flanigan gave John Sheppard a relaxed, often sarcastic style that hid sharp strategic thinking. Sheppard was a skilled, instinct-driven pilot who wasn’t afraid to take risks to protect his team.
Sheppard valued relationships, sometimes breaking the rules if it meant saving a life. His independence occasionally put him at odds with authority, but he was driven by loyalty, a strong sense of duty, and the ability to keep his cool during crises. Fans widely regard Sheppard as Flanigan’s standout role.
Joe Flanigan’s Path After Atlantis
After Stargate Atlantis ended, Flanigan appeared in brief roles on shows like Fringe, Metal Hurlant Chronicles, and SEAL Team. His career saw a revival between 2019 and 2022 when he joined General Hospital as Dr. Neil Byrne, appearing in 81 episodes. At 59, Flanigan also reunited with Jason Momoa (Ronon Dex) in 2021 for five episodes of See.
Lately, Flanigan has stepped away from acting on both TV and film. He has continued to engage with the Stargate fan community, making appearances at events like Paris Manga in 2025. In an interview on Marco Maldini’s YouTube channel in October 2025, he reflected, “It was great, and I knew it would be an exciting journey.”
An Unfinished Saga
Flanigan also shared insights into how Stargate Atlantis ended: “Let me tell you, the end of Atlantis was not really the end at all. In fact, the producers thought we’d do two or three movies after the last episode. They didn’t finish the story because they thought they’d make two or three films to wrap up the plotlines.”
He added, “The end of Atlantis is therefore incomplete. In the penultimate episode, ‘Vegas’, there’s a parallel universe between Earth and space. I would have loved to explore that for the conclusion. I think that would have been a great way to finish the series.” He made it clear he was disappointed Atlantis never received the closure he and fans hoped for.
Flanigan attempted to revive the Stargate franchise, even trying to bring back Ronon Dex (Jason Momoa); however, these efforts never materialized. Whether John Sheppard will return in the upcoming Stargate series currently in production remains unknown.
For Fans: GateCruise 2027
Superfans of the franchise have a unique chance to meet Joe Flanigan and other Stargate stars aboard GateCruise 2027—a dedicated Stargate event held on a cruise ship. Over the course of several days, participants join actors from Stargate SG1, Atlantis, and more. The cruise features Q&As, photo sessions, autographs, panels, themed discussions about the series, fan activities, and the full cruise experience.
This event offers a more immersive and relaxed atmosphere than typical conventions, with fans and actors sharing space throughout. It’s a highly regarded format among enthusiasts. The next GateCruise is scheduled for January 24–31, 2027.
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