AceShowbiz - Firefly fans received exciting news this weekend as Nathan Fillion announced the development of a new animated series set in the iconic sci-fi universe. The reveal was made during a live taping of his podcast, Once We Were Spacemen, at Awesome Con in Washington, D.C.

Fillion shared the announcement alongside his former Alan Tudyk, who also co-hosts the podcast, as well as original cast members Gina Torres, Jewel Staite, Morena Baccarin, Sean Maher, and Summer Glau. This marks a major return for the beloved ensemble.

The news followed a viral social media campaign featuring cryptic videos starring Fillion and his co-stars. One memorable clip shows Fillion knocking on a production trailer door, with Torres asking, "Does this mean it's time?" to which he replies, "It's time." Other clips featuring Baccarin, Maher, Staite, Glau, Adam Baldwin, and Tudyk collectively amassed over 28 million views across multiple platforms.

The animated project is being developed through Fillion's production company Collision33 in partnership with 20th Television Animation, which holds the rights to the franchise. The new series will take place during the timeline bridging the original 2002 TV show and the 2005 film Serenity.

A completed script and early concept art have already been created in collaboration with the Oscar- and Emmy-winning animation studio ShadowMachine. The full presentation package is expected to be pitched to buyers shortly.

The series will be helmed by married writing-producing duo Marc Guggenheim (DC's Legends of Tomorrow, Arrow) and Tara Butters (Agent Carter, Reaper, Law & Order: SVU), marking their first official collaboration as showrunners.

Originally created by Joss Whedon and produced by 20th Century Fox Television, Firefly aired for just one season before developing a passionate cult following through DVD sales, streaming, and the theatrical continuation in Serenity.

Fillion and Tudyk’s podcast Once We Were Spacemen launched in November 2025 and features conversations with former cast members, creatives, and the hosts themselves. So far, 18 episodes have been released.

Collision33 was founded by Fillion in 2024 alongside manager and producing partner Michelle Chapman and currently holds a first-look deal at Lionsgate. The company manages projects including Fillion's starring and executive producing role on The Rookie and its upcoming spinoff The Rookie: North, currently in production.

Additionally, Fillion recently portrayed Guy Gardner/Green Lantern in Warner Bros.’ Superman and is set to reprise the role in HBO's forthcoming series Lanterns.