TODAY’S PAPER | March 16, 2026 | EPAPER

Nathan Fillion confirms Firefly animated revival with original cast expected

Nathan Fillion reveals an animated ‘Firefly’ revival is in development with the original cast set to reprise roles


Pop Culture & Art March 15, 2026 1 min read
Photo: 20thCentFox

A revival of the cult science fiction series Firefly is in advanced development as an animated project, with several members of the original cast expected to reprise their roles, according to star Nathan Fillion.

Fillion announced the project during a panel appearance at Awesome Con in Washington, D.C., where he appeared alongside fellow cast member Alan Tudyk. The announcement was also recorded for their podcast, Once We Were Spacemen.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The proposed animated series is currently being developed by 20th Television Animation and aims to reunite several actors from the original show. Cast members involved in the announcement included Gina Torres, Jewel Staite, Morena Baccarin, Sean Maher, and Summer Glau. Adam Baldwin is also expected to return as Jayne Cobb, while the late Ron Glass, who portrayed Shepherd Book, died in 2016.

The animated continuation will reportedly take place between the timeline of the original 2002 television series and the events of the 2005 film Serenity. This approach allows the show to revisit characters and storylines without conflicting with the film’s established narrative.

Writers and producers Marc Guggenheim and Tara Butters are attached as showrunners, and a script has already been completed. The original creator, Joss Whedon, is not involved in the project but has reportedly given his approval for the animated sequel to move forward.

Originally premiering in 2002, Firefly followed a renegade crew aboard the transport ship Serenity as they navigated life on the fringes of a futuristic society. Despite being canceled after one season, the series developed a strong cult following and later continued with the 2005 film Serenity.

Further updates about the animated revival, including distribution plans and a potential release window, are expected as development continues.

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