Topic / Subject

Nathan Fillion says a Firefly animated revival is in advanced development, with the original cast expected to return. This is real revival news, but it is still one step short of a finished pickup because the team is openly looking for a home for the show. 

TL;DR

Fillion revealed at Awesome Con that a Firefly animated series is in advanced development. EW reported that much of the original cast is expected back, the show is being developed by 20th Television Animation, and the team is still trying to land a platform. 

Key Details

• EW reported that Fillion said the project is in advanced development and that original cast members are expected to reprise their roles. 

• EW said the series is being developed by 20th Television Animation. 

• Variety and Deadline search results say Marc Guggenheim and Tara Butters are attached as showrunners. 

• EW also reported that Joss Whedon is not involved, though he has given his blessing. 

Breakdown

This is the kind of revival story fans usually only get as wish casting. That is why this one matters. Fillion did not just say he would like to do it. He said the project is in advanced development, which pushes it well beyond recycled Firefly nostalgia chatter. 

The other thing giving it real weight is structure. There is a studio home for development, showrunners are attached, and EW reported that a script is already done. That is a lot more than vague fan service. It still is not a final series order, but it is clearly past the pure idea stage. 

The open question is still distribution. Fillion reportedly asked fans to make noise online because the team is trying to find a platform. That means the revival is real, but the business side is not finished yet. 

What to Watch Next

• A formal platform pickup, because that is still the missing piece. 

• More official cast confirmations beyond the current expected return language. 

• Whether 20th Television Animation or Disney says more publicly about rollout timing.  

Sources

Entertainment Weekly — Firefly revival will be animated series, original cast to reprise roles 

Deadline — Nathan Fillion Says ‘Firefly’ Animated Series In Development 

Variety — ‘Firefly’ Revival Being Developed as an Animated Series 

Comment

Would you rather see Firefly come back in animation, or leave the show alone if it cannot return in live action?