More than two decades after it first aired, the cult sci-fi series Firefly could be making a comeback, this time as an animated project.
During a panel at Awesome Con, actor Nathan Fillion revealed that an animated continuation of the beloved franchise is currently in advanced development. Fillion, who originally played Captain Malcolm “Mal” Reynolds, is helping develop the project through his production company Collision33.
The announcement came during a reunion-style panel featuring several original cast members, including Alan Tudyk, Gina Torres, Jewel Staite, Morena Baccarin, Sean Maher, and Summer Glau. According to Fillion, the actors are expected to return to voice their original characters if the animated series moves forward. Adam Baldwin is also expected to be involved.
The project is being developed alongside 20th Television Animation, which holds the franchise rights. Writers Marc Guggenheim and Tara Butters are attached as showrunners, and a script for the series has already been completed.
While Joss Whedon created the original show, he is not involved in the new version. Fillion confirmed, however, that Whedon has given the project his blessing.
The animated series is expected to take place between the timeline of the original 2002 show and the 2005 follow-up film Serenity, expanding the story of the crew aboard the spaceship Serenity while maintaining continuity with the existing universe.
Along with the announcement, the cast has also begun rallying fans online. A video circulating on social media shows several members of the original cast encouraging viewers to like, share, and repost the clip in hopes of building momentum and helping the project find a network or streaming home.
Firefly aired for only one season when it debuted in 2002, but went on to develop a passionate fanbase that kept the series alive through streaming, DVD sales, and the theatrical release of Serenity. Fillion said that long-standing fan support is a major reason the team believes the franchise still has life left in it.
“The dedication of Firefly fans has kept this 25-year-old show relevant,” he said. “Clearly, the return of Firefly is something the fans want. More importantly, it’s something they deserve.”