The character was introduced in the "Stargate SG-1" episode "Enemy Mine". Kavan Smith had formed a close relationship with director Peter DeLuise before being cast. When the development of the episode was finished, there were no plans of expanding Lorne's role in the franchise. Smith himself felt the part would not "necessarily" lead anywhere big. Sometime after shooting "Enemy Mine", the producers wanted to talk to Smith about the possibility of having him return to the spin off series, "Stargate Atlantis". After the talk, Smith auditioned for a part, he won and received a different character. According to Smith, this character was more of a "military guy", but the producers eventually decided to give Smith back his old character, Lorne.