In an interview with Entertainment Weekly on February 17, Firefly star Nathan Fillion (Captain Malcolm Reynolds) remarked, "If I got $300 million from the California Lottery, the first thing I would do is buy the rights to Firefly, make it on my own, and distribute it on the Internet."
The Browncoats have taken him at his word.
Soon after that innocent quote was printed, a website called Help Nathan Buy Firefly popped up, operated by a few dedicated fans (who so far have chosen to remain anonymous) of Joss Whedon's classic but tragically short-lived TV show. The goal, in their own words: "Let's get the Captain his money."
The site aims to raise awareness, gather pleges for cash donations, and make the re-birth of Firefly actually happen. It is accompanied by a Facebook page over 75,000 fans strong. Not surprisingly, given the dedication of Browncoats and Whedonites everywhere, Help Nathan Buy Firefly has exploded in the online community. The full story has since been covered by CNN.
Is bringing back Firefly in the hands of those who truly care about the story just a pipe dream? Or could it actually happen? Several members of the original cast and crew, including Jewel Staite, Jane Espenson, Jose Molina, and of course Nathan Fillion, have written that were Firefly to come back, they would like to be involved.
But could it actually happen? The persistance of fans has been credited with making Serenity possible, and keeping Firefly alive in graphic novels and TV specials.
To quote Captain Reynolds: "We have done the impossible, and that makes us mighty."
Can't stop the signal: Read EW's interview with Nathan Fillion about Firefly. Check out HelpNathanBuyFirefly.com to find out how you can pledge your support of putting Firefly in the hands of those who care about it.
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Comments
Oh my!!! I would love to see this happen!! This could work...lol It really could :) The fans are mighty.
I have to wonder about the logistics of actually bringing the show back: Would they just ignore the existence of "Serenity" and the graphic novels? Or would they pick up where "Serenity" left off? Of course, that would mean no Wash and Book, which would be tragic.
Um, James... where did you get that Warehouse 13 and Haven were cancelled? TVGuide.com reported in October 2010 that it was picked up for a 3rd season (http://www.tvguide.com/News/Warehouse-13-Renewed-1023980.aspx).
Scificool.com reported (also in October) that Haven was coming back for a second season. They also mention the Warehouse 13 renewal (http://www.scificool.com/syfy-renews-haven-for-season-2/).
Please get your facts straight before complaining. Though I do agree with the idea of your comments, they simply don't apply to the 2 shows you mentioned.
I agree with you James. There are too many shows that are canceled by people who are looking at the bottom line, namely the ratings factor. Sucks for us, the fans, yet shows can work if the execs actually give a show a chance to grow. Take for example Buffy. If that show came out in 2010 it would have gotten canceled, but someone higher up realized what a genius show it really was and it last 7 seasons on tv, had a another hit spin-off show that lasted 5 seasons, and of course the popular Buffy comics. But in this day and age with crap "reality" tv, the execs just don't wanna spend the time, the money, or the effort in standing behind a show, not anymore. And that really saddens me, and why this article gives me hope. Ok now I am off my soap box :)
Jess, I of course saw Serenity, but have not read the comic books, so I have no idea how this project would affect those story lines, that is if it actually gets off the ground.
Acquanetta and James, you both have really great points. I'm kind of abashed for even wondering how the show would fit in with "Serenity" and the comics. OF COURSE it would work... because it is fiction, and anything is possible.
Many great shows have been canceled. It's easy to blame studio execs (and I do, as a fan who has been burned a few too many times), but I think at least some of it has to do with the changing times. You can't judge a show's popularity on the ratings for the first three episodes. First of all, a lot of people watch TV online now, instead of tuning in on cable TV. And also, people find out about shows halfway through the first season and catch up on Hulu or with re-runs.
If "Firefly" had lasted at least one full season, I think it would have stuck like barnacles on a friggin' whale. Three quarters of the fandom who now call themselves "Browncoats" never even watched it on the air: They were introduced to it on DVD by their friends.
Anyway... let's hold out hope!
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