Firefly star confirms iconic role will be recast for new animated series

Firefly legend Nathan Fillion has opened up about the new animated series in development, confirming an iconic role will be recast.

This week, Firefly fans received the news they've been awaiting for years when Fillion and his original cast mates confirmed that the beloved sci-fi, which was cancelled after just one season, is likely to return, with an animated series in advanced development.

Original cast members Fillion, Alan Tudyk, Gina Torres, Jewel Staite, Morena Baccarin, Sean Maher, Summer Glau and Adam Baldwin are all set to bring back their characters. But the show will have to go on without Ron Glass, who played Shepherd Book, after the actor's death in 2016.

However, Fillion told Deadline: "Yeah, we’re bringing back Shepherd Book for certain. Ron Glass, unfortunately, is not available.

"Ron once joked that he didn’t get a part when they were looking for a Ron Glass-type, and here we are again. We’re looking for a Ron Glass-type, and it’s not going to be Ron Glass."

The actor added of the animated series: "I like to think, in my heart of hearts, that this is something that he would have wanted."

Book was a a religious leader aboard Serenity, becoming a friend and voice of reason to its crew. But he had a mysterious past, which could possibly be explored more if the animated series does make it to screens.

There's no news just yet on who could take on the role.

News of the Firefly animated series was confirmed at Washington DC's Awesome Con, with Fillion and co unveiling concept art, proving how far in development the show is. However, crucially, the team behind it still need to find a broadcaster or streaming platform for it.

At the time of the announcement, Fillion said: "The dedication of Firefly fans has kept this 25-year-old show relevant. Clearly, the return of Firefly is something the fans want. More importantly, it's something they deserve."

Firefly creator and Avengers director Joss Whedon is not involved in the project, although Fillion claimed that it had his blessing. Whedon's career has been quiet since allegations of toxic work environments on his sets, which he denies.

Firefly is available to stream on Disney+ UK. Sign-up to Disney+ from £5.99 a month.

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