Animated 'Firefly' Reboot in Development From Nathan Fillion, 20th TV Animation

Original series creator Joss Whedon gave his blessing for the new iteration of the show.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 5:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Nathan Fillion has revealed that a Firefly animated series is in early development at 20th Television Animation, with original series creator Joss Whedon's blessing. The animated reboot is being developed through Fillion's production banner Collision33 in partnership with 20th Television Animation, and will be run by writer-producers Tara Butters and Marc Guggenheim. The series would be set in the timeline between the original 2002 TV run and the 2005 feature film Serenity.

Why it matters

Firefly has maintained a dedicated fan base since its premature cancellation, with the 2005 film Serenity providing some closure but leaving many eager for more adventures in the 'Verse. An animated reboot could allow the series to continue the story while potentially attracting new viewers, and the involvement of original cast members like Fillion suggests an effort to honor the spirit of the original.

The details

The animated Firefly reboot is being developed by Fillion's production company Collision33 in partnership with 20th Television Animation, which owns the rights to the franchise. Tara Butters and Marc Guggenheim are set to serve as showrunners, marking their first professional collaboration. Early concept art has been developed with Oscar- and Emmy-winning animation studio ShadowMachine, and the project is expected to be shopped to buyers soon.

  • The original Firefly TV series aired for one season in 2002.
  • The Firefly feature film Serenity was released in 2005.
  • The animated reboot is being developed in 2026.

The players

Nathan Fillion

An actor known for his role as Malcolm Reynolds in the original Firefly series, who is now developing the animated reboot through his production company Collision33.

Joss Whedon

The creator of the original Firefly series, who has given his blessing for the new animated iteration.

Tara Butters

A writer-producer who is set to serve as showrunner on the animated Firefly reboot, in her first professional collaboration with Marc Guggenheim.

Marc Guggenheim

A writer-producer who is set to serve as showrunner on the animated Firefly reboot, in his first professional collaboration with Tara Butters.

ShadowMachine

An Oscar- and Emmy-winning animation studio that has developed early concept art for the animated Firefly reboot.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I received the blessing of Joss Whedon to embark upon this new iteration.”

— Nathan Fillion (Instagram)

What’s next

The animated Firefly reboot is expected to be shopped to potential buyers soon, as a script has already been written and early concept art has been developed.

The takeaway

The development of an animated Firefly reboot, with the involvement of original series star Nathan Fillion and creator Joss Whedon's blessing, suggests continued fan demand for more adventures in the 'Verse and the potential to expand the franchise in new ways while honoring its beloved origins.