Nathan Fillion and the rest of the Firefly cast have been teasing us about a big announcement for days. And now we finally have the news. A Firefly animated series featuring the original cast, and taking place between the original Firefly series and the Firefly movie, Serenity, is on the way (at least we hope). IT does still need a home. While we were hoping for a new Firefly live-action series, this animated series announcement is more fun than, say, just some marketing gimmick for a new product or audiodrama or something of the like. We’re excited to get this new story and see how it evolves our characters. Here’s what we know.
Firefly Animated Series Features Returning Cast
At Awesome Con, Nathan Fillion revealed that an animated Firefly series is in advanced development. This is an ironic announcement on the day that we learned that the Buffy reboot was dead. But we accept this replacement nostalgia in our lives. Fillion shared the news on a panel alongside that also included Firefly stars Alan Tudyk (Wash), Gina Torres (Zoë), Morena Baccarin (Inara), Sean Maher (Simon Tam), Summer Glau (River Tam), Jewel Staite (Kaylee). It appears all of these original cast members will all lend their voices to their Firefly characters once more in the animated series. Adam Baldwin, who plays Jayne Cobb, is also on board.
Sadly, one member of the crew won’t be returning. Ron Glass, who played Shepherd Book, passed away in 2016. But Shepherd Book will return with a new voice. Fillion offered in an interview, “We’re bringing back Shepherd Book for certain. Ron Glass, unfortunately, is not available. Ron once joked that he didn’t get a part when they were looking for a Ron Glass-type, and here we are again. We’re looking for a Ron Glass-type, and it’s not going to be Ron Glass.”
Fillion also teases some new voices in the Firefly animated series, sharing, “Don’t think for a second I’m not going to pull favors from every friend I’ve ever had to come and do cameos and characters. That’s just been another fantastic thing, is that everyone I’ve spoken to has been fantastic about keeping it very hush-hush.”
Behind the Scenes
Marc Guggenheim and Tara Butters will be the showrunners of the Firefly animated series, and a script has been completed. As mentioned, Joss Whedon is not involved in this new series, but Fillion notes he has given it his blessing.
When Does the Firefly Animated Series Take Place?
According to Deadline, “The proposed series is set in the timeline between the original 2002 television run and its 2005 feature film continuation, Serenity, expanding the universe while preserving continuity with the established lore.” You can check out some concept art above.
When asked about the timing of the series, here’s what Alan Tudyk and Nathan Fillion had to say. Tudyk noted, “It’s called the ‘Wash Is Still Alive Time.’ We refer to it as that.”
And Fillion adds, “Exactly. You can’t bring back Firefly without bringing back all of Firefly. We toyed with the idea of spending some time in the show after the events of Serenity, and I honestly have no interest. I think Serenity was our wonderful farewell to what was an incredible opportunity. Had we only had one more chance to do something, that was it, and it was beautiful. I can’t compete with that. But what I can do is go back in time, bring the gang back together, and give people what they want, which is more Firefly. After Serenity, it’s not the same. I didn’t want to do this without my buddy Alan. And you know that’s a reason why animation is key, because Ron Glass is no longer with us. I like to think, in my heart of hearts, that this is something that he would have wanted.”
Is The Firefly Animated Series Definitely Happening?
So what does the animated Firefly series need to exist? Well, it needs a home. It sounds like Fillion and the rest have most of their parts assembled, but they’re still pitching the idea. But, fortunately, it ALSO sounds like there’s more than a little interest. Fillion notes, “I don’t think we’re having any difficulty getting the appointment now. You know what I mean? Our foot in the door.” And Tudyk confirms, “Conversations are being had.”
We’re crossing our fingers that the Firefly animated series find a home… We hear Hulu has vacancy for a nostalgic genre show.
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