Nathan Fillion has confirmed that a new Firefly animated series is in early development.
The actor revealed the news in an Instagram video after teasing an announcement for a week on social media. He also confirmed the project during an appearance at Awesome Con in Washington.
Fillion appeared in the video alongside several of his former Firefly castmates.
20th Television Animation Develops the Series
Fillion is developing the animated reboot through his production banner Collision33 in partnership with 20th Television Animation, which controls the franchise rights.
Writer-producers Tara Butters (Agent Carter, Dollhouse) and Marc Guggenheim (Arrow, Flash) will run the show. The series marks the first time the married writers have collaborated professionally.
The team has already completed a script for the project. They have also created early concept art with Oscar and Emmy winning animation studio ShadowMachine.
Producers plan to begin pitching the series to buyers soon.
Story Bridges the Series and Serenity
The animated series will take place between the original 2002 television run and the 2005 film continuation, Serenity.
Fox aired Firefly for just 11 episodes in 2002. Despite the short run, the show built a passionate fan base through DVD releases, streaming platforms, and the later feature film.
Creator Joss Whedon Supports the Project
Fillion also said he received the blessing of Firefly creator Joss Whedon before moving forward.
Whedon created the original series, which 20th Century Fox Television produced.
Cast Reunites at Podcast Panel
Fillion announced the project during a panel and live taping of his podcast Once We Were Spacemen, which he hosts with co-star Alan Tudyk.
The event reunited several original Firefly cast members, including Gina Torres, Jewel Staite, Morena Baccarin, Sean Maher, and Summer Glau.
The gathering marked a rare public reunion and teased a possible new chapter for the beloved sci-fi franchise.
