The Untold Truth Of Serenity

If there's one pop culture moment that nerd culture has yet to forget — or forgive — it was the untimely cancellation of Joss Whedon's cult sci-fi show, "Firefly." Starring Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk, and a slew of equally talented actors who would go on to do some huge things in Hollywood, the show boasted a quirky sci-fi Western vibe, a cast of lovable antiheroes, and some of the most memorable dialogue this side of the Earth-That-Was. Thanks to a series of unexpected factors — including an incredibly loud fan base — "Firefly" was given a brief second life on the big screen in the form of a 2005 film. This is the untold truth of "Serenity."

#Serenity #SciFi #Firefly

Serenity Wasn't Whedon's First Rodeo | 0:00
Early Days Of Fandom Power | 1:08
Fireflying Off Store Shelves | 2:26
First Time Directing… A Movie | 3:24
Serenity's Shoestring Budget | 4:27
Sarah Paulson's Critical Role | 5:25
Execs Win, Everybody Loses | 6:28
Fillion's Fans' Philanthropic Funding Fiasco | 7:41
The Cast Came Out Unscathed | 8:24
Sometimes Dead Is Better | 9:20

[Looper]

What were your thoughts on "Serenity"?

[elliotwalton]

Serenity was lightning in a bottle. Saw it in the theater without having seen "Firefly'. A total thrill. I probably bought the boxset on the way home.

[usernameaf]

I think of the cancelation of Firefly and look at all the absolute crap on TV and just shake my head.

[briant.v.]

I remember waiting for the first ep. to air. When it did, “how could I have missed an episode?” I thought, very confused. I really think things could have gone differently were the pilot episode played first. What a concept… 🤦‍♂️

[williamstarkey]

I'm 63 years old . . I was 8 when NBC premiered Star Trek . . I recently discovered Firefly on Tubi and binge watched it . It took me back to my childhood with the same excitement and interest as I did in Star Trek . .I think if someone puts their mind and talents to work . . Firefly can make a great comeback . . Star Trek did . .

[SacredCowStockyards]

4:25 not only did Joss pull that off, the opening scene of Serenity is a masterclass in character introduction.

[jules-yirn]

Serenity was amazing! I had never watched Firefly, went into the movie with zero expectations and was pleasantly surprised by how much I adored this movie!

[penneyburgess]

Although the idea of multiple seasons of ‘Firefly’ sounds titillating, I agree with this assessment. Firefly and it’s movie counterpoint ‘Serenity’ are perfect as is.

[cloudstrife]

No power in the verse can stop the signal ...

[Sclaus]

Firefly and Serenity. I re-watch them every year ;).

[greenbird]

I saw the movie before I watched the series and I fell madly in love with the characters and their world. I can see why some people think that maybe it's perfect with one movie and one season, but I've always felt there was so much more to explore in that universe.

[shelliecarlson]

There is not many series that I find worth my time. Maybe 8? Firefly is the top of the list.
Brown Coat for life.

[AlexLee-lnqp]

One of the best sci-fi series ever. Pure classic. Still can hear the opening song in my head.
Sincerely hope they won't do a reboot, since it almost always never end well...

[bast]

I adore Serenity. I would follow that cast anywhere.
The way Whedon went from beloved enough that he could engage this level of dedication from fans to the wreck I hope his career is now is just mind boggling.

[OfficialNeonSky]

Fun fact, Nathan Fillion is also the voice actor for Cayde-6 in the Destiny games

[natelusk]

Serenity is a fantastic movie that brings a fair amount of closure to the amazing characters from Firefly. But Firefly... Probably the greatest television episodes in human history, horrifyingly thrashed by executives who refused to give it a second thought or even a fair first chance.

Joss Whedon's magnum opus was practically scuttled before it ever aired, and still today it is recognized as a masterpiece by those who've seen it.

[TheDrewz]

As a fan of westerns growing up, this series encapsulated this feeling. Loved both the series and the movie.

[bullet-catcherhohoho]

One of my favourite shows like others re-watch at least every year.

[lynnpoint]

Another great short-lived TV show from the same era as "Firefly" was "Keen Eddie." Wonderful, smart, clever television. I would have loved to have seen both shows run longer. But after 20 years, there is no way I'd want to see either of them try a comeback. The thing about Firefly is it worked because of all nine characters and the situation in which they found themselves. Now two of them are dead (one of them is really dead) and the rest are much older, so that dynamic has been lost. Also, over time we expect and want people to grow and evolve, and not be stuck in some sort of "will they or won't they?" loop for 20 years; nor should people this clever still be barely getting by on the fringe of the 'verse. But if Mal and Inara still aren't on the undetermined edge, and if this band still aren't outlaws, would we like them as much? It's a no-win situation: If they haven't moved on, we won't like it. But if they aren't the same, we won't like it either. And then there is the third element contributing to the no-win scenario: WE have likely changed as well.

It's like going to your 20th year high school reunion. After a few minutes of chit-chat, you don't have much patience for someone who still acts like they're 18 years old, and you don't have much in common with those who have grown up and grown apart.


Once there was a moment, and it was indeed shiny. But it's over.

[paulrichards]

"What were your thoughts on "Serenity"?" Joss Whedon, didn't just create, Firefly, or Serenity.
Whedon created a multi-dimensional universe, the TV series and Movie, just touched the tip of the iceberg, of the UNIVERSE he created. The Black.
Browncoats forever.