Battlestar Galactica Star Katee Sackhoff Recalls 2003 Comic-Con Booing Amid Fan Backlash

Katee Sackhoff, who played Kara "Starbuck" Thrace in the 2003 reboot of Battlestar Galactica, faced significant fan backlash when the show first launched, including being booed at San Diego Comic-Con's Hall H. This negative reaction stemmed largely from fans' attachment to the original series' male Starbuck character and resistance to the gender swap, with early internet message boards filled with criticism that Sackhoff discovered only by purchasing time at an internet café. Despite the initial hostility, including public booing, Sackhoff maintained perspective due to her youthful optimism and the support of some fans, believing the show might not last. Over time, the negativity faded as the series gained critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase, with Sackhoff eventually being celebrated at later conventions. She reflected that such harsh public rejection might be more damaging today given social media's intensity but credited the early 2000s environment for allowing her to tune out much of the hate. Overall, the Battlestar Galactica reboot is now regarded as a classic, and Sackhoff's portrayal of Starbuck has become definitive and beloved by fans.