Would you still fly?

POSTED BY: IndependenceSoldier
UPDATED: Wednesday, August 3, 2022 06:53
VIEWED: 25230
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INDEPENDENCESOLDIER

Monday, January 1, 2007 8:45 PM

Okay, hypothetical question here. What if some station opted to pick up Firefly again (hope of all hopes), but on one condition. The whole cast had to be recasted. No Nathan, no Sean, no nobody. Completely new. Would you be able to watch it?

"You're usin' your wiles on me! Your feminine wiles!"
-Captain Malcom Reynolds

SIMONWHO

Monday, January 1, 2007 8:51 PM

Yes. As much as I love the cast, it's the imagination behind the show that makes it. In fact, I was just watching Sports Night and realised that Josh Charles would have made an excellent Captain Reynolds.

I wouldn't want them to recast but as many movies have proven over the years (Hello Bobby!) you can have the best cast in the world and it doesn't mean a thing if the script isn't good.

EMBERS

Monday, January 1, 2007 8:52 PM

don't worry about it - Joss would never agree to it.
In his most recent radio interview he said he can't write long extensive Firefly comic books because he cannot tell the stories without these actors.
He is holding out all his best stories for when he gets to make them with our BDHs.
So re-casting isn't an option

INDEPENDENCESOLDIER

Monday, January 1, 2007 8:55 PM

I don't think I'd be able to watch it because I could not see anyone else as some of these characters. Who else is quirky enough to play Wash? Who can be stoic enough to pull off Simon or kick-ass enough for Zoe? These people made the parts, even though Nathan originally said that he didn't think he was Mal--he became him.

That's my take and thanks for your reassurance!

"You're usin' your wiles on me! Your feminine wiles!"
-Captain Malcom Reynolds

FISKMASEN

Monday, January 1, 2007 9:00 PM

If that were to happend, the story couldn't be about our BDH's. Because, frankly, no-one else could play them. And if the story wouldn't be about our BDH's, it wouldn't be Firefly. So, in my opinion, no.

JLIN13

Monday, January 1, 2007 9:00 PM

not ever, and i think that Joss would be smart enough to not accept that deal

CORNCOBB

Monday, January 1, 2007 9:25 PM

Absolutely not, and I'll tell you for why. It'd seem to me like the station picking the show up was incapable of making good creative decisions. What possible reason could any station have for wanting everyone recast? Other than to replace them with trendier, toothier, vacuous, talentless, brainless twits. I could see a studio like f*x doing that in a misguided attempt to create something that'll appeal to the big brother generation. No Thank You.

"Gorramit Mal... I've forgotten my line."

FIZZIX

Monday, January 1, 2007 9:32 PM

I would watch it, but I might not enjoy it. Since this is purely hypothetical, it doesn't matter whether or not Joss says yes. Because it happened, I'd watch it, and hopefully Joss'd hop on board, and it'd be all good and warm and fuzzy and well written!

And for those of you who haven't noticed that I don't really care overmuch what you think of what I think: Look at my sig.

/|\/|\/|\/|\/|\/|\/|\/|\/|\/|\/|\/|\/|\/|\/|\
May not be smart, and it may not please you, but you're definitely gonna see what I have to say.

CHOO1701

Monday, January 1, 2007 9:39 PM

It just wou;dn;t be Firefly without the BDH's.

Although could i pose another question to the floor?

What about a Spin Off?

Serenity's one of THOUSANDS of Firefly classes, thus meaning the crews one of Millions, possibly billions of Verse residents who live on their own spaceship, wouldn't it be good to hear some of their stories as well.

Okay Joss HAS ruled it out, and also it might cause bad feelings among the Browncoats (like the whole "Mike/Joel" MST3K flame war), but isn't it another group of people looking out to the black and seeing many different things? Or isn't it just the verse without the magnificent nine?

-----------------------------

TRAIN!!!

PENGUIN

Monday, January 1, 2007 9:46 PM

No...These people ARE Firefly.

No one else could play River the way Summer does...

No one else could play Mal the way Nathan does...

The same goes for the rest of the cast.

Joss created the germ...the BDH's brought it to life.

The BDH's and Firefly are one.

Clowns to the left of me… ...Jokers to the right...

LONEWONDERER

Monday, January 1, 2007 9:50 PM

Amen to that. Its more of a character driven show and thats what makes it Amazing and that's what makes me a BrownCoat

"There's No Place I Can Be Since I Found Serenity"

Motto 4 Life

STINKINGROSE

Monday, January 1, 2007 10:06 PM

I'd tune in to see if they could pull it off, but it couldn't be the same. Joss created the framework for the characters, the actors brought them to life for us.
After being raised on Star Trek, my reaction (at around age 12) to TNG was "Oh, come on! There's no way it could be like the old one". I was correct, it was not like the old one, but I ended up liking it just the same.
So hypothetically: I'd watch at least one ep, then I'd probably tune out from near terminal disappointment.

KAYLEEGIRL

Monday, January 1, 2007 10:17 PM

If it's not the original cast, it's not Firefly in my mind. I'd be willing to support a spin-off series IF (and that's a big if!) Joss Whedon was in charge of it.

YINYANG

Monday, January 1, 2007 10:22 PM

No way, José!

Rules on voting here: http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=22892

SIMONWHO

Monday, January 1, 2007 11:24 PM

It's fascinating to see such a strong response against any recasting. Of course, I'd be against it too but the fact remains that any one of hundreds of actors could have played those parts and they'd have been pretty much the same.

The characters come from Joss. The writing comes from Joss (and the episode's author). The actors say the lines and try not to bump into the scenary. Okay, I'm oversimplifying but Firefly without Joss = no show. Firefly without any of the original actors = a slightly different Firefly.

Joss tells them what to do. It's all there on the page for them. Yes, they're a gifted group of actors and damn lovely people to boot. But they're utterly replacable. Heck, one of them already has been.

DARKJESTER

Monday, January 1, 2007 11:25 PM

If the characters were recast, not a chance.

All new characters in the 'verse, I'd give it a chance at least. Especially if Joss was at the helm.

MAL "You only gotta scare him."
JAYNE "Pain is scary..."

http://www.fireflytalk.com - Big Damn Podcast

FOLLOWMAL

Monday, January 1, 2007 11:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SimonWho:
It's fascinating to see such a strong response against any recasting. Of course, I'd be against it too but the fact remains that any one of hundreds of actors could have played those parts and they'd have been pretty much the same.

The characters come from Joss. The writing comes from Joss (and the episode's author). The actors say the lines and try not to bump into the scenary. Okay, I'm oversimplifying but Firefly without Joss = no show. Firefly without any of the original actors = a slightly different Firefly.

Joss tells them what to do. It's all there on the page for them. Yes, they're a gifted group of actors and damn lovely people to boot. But they're utterly replacable. Heck, one of them already has been.

When I first arrived here I was strongly against watching anything resembling Firefly that even Joss came up with if it didn't have these actors in it. I still feel basically the same with one caveat...

I would watch what Joss made. Although I differ with your opinion SimonWho that Joss made the entire thing and that the actors are replaceable totally, I think they contribute a lot. I understand now that Joss is a genius. And I'd watch what he came up with. Then I'd sit and mourn the loss of the crew of Serenity. I might continue to watch it, I might even enjoy it ( like I do BSG now, even though I seriously had my doubts about it) and I'd say to myself, that Joss is a genius. But I wouldn't LOVE it. I LOVE Firefly, unreasonably. I LOVE that crew, unreasonably. I love the character of Mal unreasonably. I'm not stopping and I won't watch another Firefly with new folks in the same way.

Quote:
Originally posted by Embers:
don't worry about it - Joss would never agree to it.
In his most recent radio interview he said he can't write long extensive Firefly comic books because he cannot tell the stories without these actors.
He is holding out all his best stories for when he gets to make them with our BDHs.
So re-casting isn't an option

I take much comfort from this. Thank you, Embers.

Let me just add, that IMHO, NO ONE else could be Mal but Nathan Fillion. No way.

Ask me how to join The Appreciatin' Nathan Crew!
Go to www.goodworkspresents.org to find out how to honor the Captain!

STOWEAWAY

Monday, January 1, 2007 11:49 PM

I'm not really a Whedonite so simply Joss' involvement wouldn't seal the deal for me.
I originally watched the show because I was already a fan of Nathan Fillion and Gina Torres. Now I'm a huge fan of all of the BDHs. I don't think I could watch Firefly without them.
That said, Firefly proved to me that Joss Whedon has some hellacious stories to tell. So I would tune in for a "spin-off" to see where his stories take them.

DEEPGIRL187

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 12:14 AM

Firefly is a character driven show. Taking away the actors destroys a vital part of what makes the show special. And on a more shallow note, find me someone that I'll drool over more than Nathan, Adam, and Alan.

*************************************************

"I suppose if we couldn't laugh at things that don't make sense, we couldn't react to a lot of life."

ECGORDON

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 1:00 AM

The only way I would watch such a show would be if Joss was the producer. I'd trust him to make it worth my time. Otherwise, no way.

wo men ren ran zai fei xing.

NBZ

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 1:08 AM

I do not have as much faith in Joss as others on here do.

I would watch the show, but I would hope it is all new characters and all new story to go along with all new actors.

It's an interesting 'verse, and the BDH are not the only ones to have anything nteresting happen to them.

If we do not get more firely, I would love to see related mini series.

I would love to see a Jayne arc. You know... life before Serenity.

Also obviously the Book arc. Could be like The Goidfather, telling two stories at the same time.

Then there are the underground movements, following Niska, the life and times of Jubal Early. A small series set in or just before the war would also be very interesting.

The 'verse has many interesting options.

All it has to be is not too fantastical (Firefly was not fantastical. The movie was slightly, but it was made to be bigger. It detracted from the 'verse.), have brilliant writing, good stories and believable characters.

STINKINGROSE

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 1:30 AM

Simonwho,
Actors (good ones anyway) are not just a plug and play commodity. They spend a lot of time creating their characters. No two actors will bring you the same performance. Not even an understudy, though they do their best to come close.
That is part of the beauty of their craft. They take the director's general vision, a sense of the character, then translate the script through acting.
No two people think *exactly* the same, so no two people act exactly the same. They make different choices because of who they are and what they bring with them to the performance.
That's the whole point of auditions. The director is trying to weed through everybody who is not interpreting the character the way they hope. They search for the person who will best bring their work to life.

Anyway, that's what I was taught in college.

THESOMNAMBULIST

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 1:31 AM

Are you talking about new characters within the verse who we follow, or new actors in the old roles on a new ship....?

If it is a new bunch of characters roaming around in the verse then yes, because it would be another Joss show.

However if it is new actors playing the parts of 'our' old characters. Then.... No.

www.cirqus.com

INDEPENDENCESOLDIER

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 1:35 AM

Wow...I'm loving the responses! It makes me all tingly inside to know that I'm not alone with my "My gorramn backside nobody else could play these characters!" attitude. However I do respect those who are choosing to play devil's advocate and express their opinions too.

It just proves that there are two types of people: those who fell in love with the show as a whole and those who fell in love with the idea. Joss could have put on this show with anybody and the second type of browncoat would have watched it because they love the Independence and all that it stands for.

However I'm one of the breed who fell in love with the characters and the ship as much with the anti-establishment ideal that it promotes. I cannot imagine another version of Firefly with different people or different characters. It's almost as if I would not be able to live with myself for watching it.

As just one example: the reaction of Wash dying in the BDM. People freaked out and within 24 hours blogs, threads, and websites flooded the cortex with shrines and memorials, but more than that--the conspiracy theorist took it and ran with it. I know of at least ten different "ideas" for the next movie from various browncoats for how Wash is either not dead or could be brought back along with Book. People are in love with these characters and they cannot imagine the story continuing in any way without them.

"You're usin' your wiles on me! Your feminine wiles!"
-Captain Malcom Reynolds

INDEPENDENCESOLDIER

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 1:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by stinkingrose:
Simonwho,
Actors (good ones anyway) are not just a plug and play commodity. They spend a lot of time creating their characters. No two actors will bring you the same performance. Not even an understudy, though they do their best to come close.
That is part of the beauty of their craft. They take the director's general vision, a sense of the character, then translate the script through acting.
No two people think *exactly* the same, so no two people act exactly the same. They make different choices because of who they are and what they bring with them to the performance.
That's the whole point of auditions. The director is trying to weed through everybody who is not interpreting the character the way they hope. They search for the person who will best bring their work to life.

Anyway, that's what I was taught in college.

Case in point....*coughs* James Bond *coughs*

"You're usin' your wiles on me! Your feminine wiles!"
-Captain Malcom Reynolds

INDEPENDENCESOLDIER

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 1:40 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by nbz:
I do not have as much faith in Joss as others on here do.

I would watch the show, but I would hope it is all new characters and all new story to go along with all new actors.

It's an interesting 'verse, and the BDH are not the only ones to have anything nteresting happen to them.

If we do not get more firely, I would love to see related mini series.

I would love to see a Jayne arc. You know... life before Serenity.

Also obviously the Book arc. Could be like The Goidfather, telling two stories at the same time.

Then there are the underground movements, following Niska, the life and times of Jubal Early. A small series set in or just before the war would also be very interesting.

The 'verse has many interesting options.

All it has to be is not too fantastical (Firefly was not fantastical. The movie was slightly, but it was made to be bigger. It detracted from the 'verse.), have brilliant writing, good stories and believable characters.

I have to bring up a painful memory for all the fellow Whedonatics in this lovely 'Verse created for us...but didn't Joss already try that once with Angel? To my recollection...it didn't go too pretty.

"You're usin' your wiles on me! Your feminine wiles!"
-Captain Malcom Reynolds

SIMONWHO

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 1:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by IndependenceSoldier:

Case in point....*coughs* James Bond *coughs*

Or Doctor Who or Dracula or Sherlock Holmes or anyone of countless other characters who have been played by different actors.

Yes it would be different but different doesn't always mean worse. Remember Inara was recast after shooting began - everyone would probably be just as insistent that Rebecca Gayheart was irreplacable had she not been replaced.

ZZETTA13

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 1:56 AM

It makes my stomach turn but I guess I'd tune in. I can not for the life of me understand why that would happen though.

Z

INDEPENDENCESOLDIER

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 1:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by SimonWho:
Quote:
Originally posted by IndependenceSoldier:

Case in point....*coughs* James Bond *coughs*

Or Doctor Who or Dracula or Sherlock Holmes or anyone of countless other characters who have been played by different actors.

Yes it would be different but different doesn't always mean worse. Remember Inara was recast after shooting began - everyone would probably be just as insistent that Rebecca Gayheart was irreplacable had she not been replaced.

However the main difference there is that the viewers never got the chance to see the other considered Inara. Once people see Inara on the screen she becomes locked in their minds. (To add another instance--Aragorn in LotR was originally going to be Stuart Townsend. Directors know who and who not to cast and they know when things aren't going to work out. Joss made a good call.)

"You're usin' your wiles on me! Your feminine wiles!"
-Captain Malcom Reynolds

ASARIAN

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 2:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Penguin:

No...These people ARE Firefly.

No one else could play River the way Summer does...

No one else could play Mal the way Nathan does...

The same goes for the rest of the cast.

Joss created the germ...the BDH's brought it to life.

The BDH's and Firefly are one.

Amen to that.

I think I would constantly be comparing -- and finding it wanting. I'd be saying: "This is not at all how the real River would have acted." And similar comments for the entire crew. Until I'd realize there's simply no comparison, and that it really ain't FireFly I'm watching. At which point I would walk away.

--
"Mei-mei, everything I have is right here." -- Simon Tam

ZZETTA13

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 2:38 AM

There was a theard on here earlier about the curse of Firefly's acting cast.Well this isn't about that but it is about what is deemed to the the curse to television actors or sometime movie actors. Actors and actresses sometime get pegged into the character roles that they play in a successful tv series.Much to the point where they begin to hate that role. This never got a chance to happen to FF. I know the actors would welcome the chance to play those parts again.

Inara, I can't think of another actress I would like seeing play that part. Marena IS Inara. I can't see anyone else playing Mal or Jayne,Kaylee,Zoe,Simon,River and even Wash and Book.

There can't be another Saffron or Badger and Niska has me cring every time I watch that eps.

Guess if any changes were to be made we'd have to just wait and see.

Z

WHIMSICALNBRAINPAN

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 2:44 AM

Nope.

"Well, my days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle." http://whimsicalnbrainpan.blogspot.com/

NEWOLDBROWNCOAT

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 2:46 AM

Hypothetically, I would watch. After all, can only one actor ever play Hamlet? And, Firefly ain't Hamlet.
On the other hand, in actuality, I might not like it.

KELAI

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 3:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by nbz:
I do not have as much faith in Joss as others on here do.

Same thing here. I lost my faith at Serenity. Erm, the movie theatre. When Joss killed my Washie.

Back on topic, no, I would not watch it. Unless it was new ship with new crew. I cannot imagine anyone else playing our characters.

If anyone ends up playing our characters we can have a blonde River. It has happened before (in remakes and such -- pisses me off).

_______________________

HELL'S KITTEN

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 3:38 AM

Yep, I'd watch, provided it's still Joss' show. While I'm not a Whedophile, I haven't been disappointed by his work yet, on the whole.

Guess I'm in agreement with SimonWho, for the most part.

I can separate the actor from the character. (The idea that the character and the actor are one in the same seems a little otaku to me.) Lots of people keep saying it's a character driven show, which holds truth. But, I'm not sure that changing the face of the character would actually change the essence of the character. Therefore, I can't seem to wholly dismiss the possibility that another actor could conceivably portray the character in the same or similarly appropriate manner.

Considering actors change and grow because of the very nature of their careers, the same actor returning to a role from many years ago may not necessarily bring the same thing to that role as they did when they first had the part. Their experiences may hinder a complete return to the character as it was originally portrayed; a sort of "you can never go home again" thing, ya know? (I've already rambled too much, so I won't bore you with examples.)

That being said...

ADAM = JAYNE FOREVER!!! WOOHOO!!! XD

EDIT:
Cuz I'm a horrible person, I think Brendan Fraser would make an excellent Mal (ref. The Mummy and check out the pictures)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120616/

************************************************
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sara013

ZZETTA13

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 3:51 AM

A lot of ppl here may be to young to remember but it was tried(different actor same character) years ago with a show called "Alias Smith and Jones" after one of the actors untimely death. Don't think it worked. I'm sure there are other examples I'm not aware of and maybe some have worked out.

Z

FIREFLYPASSENGER

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 5:19 AM

I love Josh Charles. I just finished watching the Sports Night Season 1 and I love Josh Charles.

I wish he would work more.

I could only accept others cast in Firefly if our BDHs couldn't do it.

YINYANG

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 5:25 AM

When the first Dumbledore (Richard Harris) died, they replaced him with Michael Gambon, that didn't work. Kind of a lame example, I know, but it does show how actors make the characters unique.

And, what about the husband on "Bewitched"? He was changed up, and there's a significant difference.

Rules on voting here: http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=22892

VETERAN

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 6:16 AM

I'd give it a try.

VERTEBREAKER

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 6:32 AM

I'd owe it to Joss to at least give it a watch, but I couldn't love it anywhere near as much as the original.

The thought of seeing anyone but Jewel Staite as my lovely Kaylee makes me a sad panda. :(

INDEPENDENCESOLDIER

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 6:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by NewOldBrownCoat:
Hypothetically, I would watch. After all, can only one actor ever play Hamlet? And, Firefly ain't Hamlet.
On the other hand, in actuality, I might not like it.

You're right--Firefly ain't Hamlet. Hamlet is a gorramn play written by Shakespeare, who meant for multiple people to play the part, not just one. Who can really speak for Joss? None of us can...we're just not that shiny. (sorry, the Hamlet thing kinda hit a chord--I recently got that play hammered into me!)

"You're usin' your wiles on me! Your feminine wiles!"
-Captain Malcom Reynolds

BROWNCOAT1

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 2:00 PM

Yes, I would watch it. Two reasons; Joss & it is a the 'verse I love. I love the cast too, don't get me wrong, and I highly doubt that any ensemble could ever hope to rival the chemistry and magic our BDHs had, but I love the Firefly premise and the 'verse that Joss created. So, if some network put up a spin off or a recasted Firefly, I would watch it.

__________________________________________
Holding the line since December '02!

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Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Fans:

http://www.richmondbrowncoats.org

Color Sergeant

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http://76thbattalion.homestead.com/index.html

EVILDINOSAUR

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 2:15 PM

hmm...well ignoring the fact that Joss would never let that happen...I'd at least give it a chance, because it'd still be written by Joss.

"Haha, mine is an evil laugh."

GWEK

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 3:05 PM

I'd watch it in a second (assuming the creative minds were the same). Because I want more "Firefly."

Much as I LOVE the cast, and would much prefer that they keep the same cast, if the only way to do it were with all new folks, I'd be there in a second. Heck, Buffy was re-cast, and it seemed to work out pretty well for the replacement.

Also, while I'd definitely support a spinoff, I'd rather see Joss come back to OUR characters and OUR story, since we clearly ain't done with 'em yet! I wouldn't want that tale finished lamely (like, for example, "Millennium," which, after cancellation, finished it's story arc pretty weakly in an episode of "X-Files").

www.stillflying.net: "Here's how it might have been..."

ZEEK

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 4:10 PM

Yep I'd watch. Assuming Joss is still at the helm that is.

He's the only reason I started watching Firefly in the first place. The previews made it look totally forgetable at the time. The Train Job didn't exactly pull me in. I stuck with it because I trusted Joss.

I'm sure the first time seeing Firefly with different actors and actresses would leave a sour taste in my mouth, but if Joss was there I'd stick with it. The man knows his craft.

GWEK

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 4:14 PM

I think this thread brings up an interesting side question.

Although it won't happen: Would you rather see Firefly with Joss and a new cast (same characters) or with the full cast, but no Joss?

www.stillflying.net: "Here's how it might have been..."

WAFFENMAC

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 4:46 PM

Couldnt watch withour original cast,this shows writing and actors have touched many people across many lines.

WAFFENMAC

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 4:47 PM

Couldnt watch without original cast,this shows writing and actors have touched many people across many lines.

Mac

JAMES27

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 4:57 PM

I would tune in for an episode if the show was recast, but not only did Joss write the script. it is almost if the cast of firefly was with him inside his head. like he knew who they were before even having them cast in his show in the first place. without the original cast the show would not be the same especially not for the original independents like us. we need the cast back and Joss as well. i dont care how they do it. the next episode could be river realizing she just woke up from a crazy dream. i dont care bring firefly back.

"may have been the losing side still not convinced it was the wrong one" -Malcolm Reynolds

JWHEDONADDICT

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 9:05 PM

Sorry!!!

JWHEDONADDICT

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 9:05 PM

Sorry!

JWHEDONADDICT

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 9:12 PM

I worship Joss and all that He does, obviously. However, I feel with every fibre of my being that the show would not work without the right cast, and Joss already found them. Don't know if Joss would have a say in that, anyway. GILMORE GIRLS continued after it's creator(s) moved on. By the way, I also feel the same about BUFFY & ANGEL...although if Joss wanted to recast Buffy with Kristen Bell in order to do a big screen movie, wild horses wouldn't stop me!

Basically, I can imagine watching, but I can't imagine enjoying. It'd really be me desperately clinging to the idea of what it used to be and hoping one day it would change for the better. Also explains why I continue to watch GENERAL HOSPITAL, after swearing off of it for good only about 15 different times in the last 10 years.

REDRIVER

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 10:38 PM

it will kill it for me.
if the show to be continued then we need the original cast or at the very least 90% of 'em plus all other main characters like Badger, Niska and so on... played by the same actors.
however, if they continue the show from after the Serenity movie events then we have 2 less actors to worry 'bout 8:|

I think the show/movie had so much appeal to me because of the actors and the dialogs...

KELAI

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 11:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by GWEK
Although it won't happen: Would you rather see Firefly with Joss and a new cast (same characters) or with the full cast, but no Joss?

I would take full cast with no Joss. But only if Gwek replaces Joss

_______________________

RHYIANAN

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 11:35 PM

Quote:

I think this thread brings up an interesting side question.

Although it won't happen: Would you rather see Firefly with Joss and a new cast (same characters) or with the full cast, but no Joss?

Personally, I wouldn't watch either. The actors are the only ones that I could ever see playing these characters and without Joss, the show would just be a bunch of fan-fic, which I avoid like the plague.

I'm a leaf on the wind

KAYLEESTHEGREATEST

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 11:46 PM

i think it would be a maybe because, i like to think that acters choose the roles they play based on their real life.

Someday the verse will spit in your soup but at least they gave you soup.
one day
one plan
one mission
one army of browncoats
june 23rd serenity day

-Our mission as browncoats is to make us known.

MIKE16309

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 11:48 PM

I couldn't do it...wouldn't be the same. Although I like Picard... never got used to no Captain Kirk. :) So I sure as hell cant deal without the BDH!

CHARLENE

Wednesday, January 3, 2007 12:36 AM

Oh boy, that's a tough question!

I think I would try it, but I guess I couldn't stand it.

The Cast is an important part of what makes the show so great. I mean, every single member is more than perfect!

Oh god, I'm starting to cry, so, there's your answer: I am loyal to my crew. I couldn't stand a new cast. But I'm sure Joss wouldn't be in if that were the condition.

But I would try to be open minded and give it a try. But I think I could never love Firefly with other actors (nearly) as much as I did love it with Nathan, Summer and Co.

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I am 94% Like River Tam

The Fugitive. You are clever and dangerous, which is a nasty combination.
The fact you are crazy too just adds to your charm.
They did bad things to you, but you know their secrets.
They will regret how they made you.

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GWEK

Wednesday, January 3, 2007 3:23 AM

Quote:
Personally, I wouldn't watch either. The actors are the only ones that I could ever see playing these characters and without Joss, the show would just be a bunch of fan-fic, which I avoid like the plague.

Hey, I hear there's some fanfic out there that's not half bad. :)

www.stillflying.net: "Here's how it might have been..."

KAYLEEGIRL

Wednesday, January 3, 2007 5:01 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by GWEK:
Quote:
Personally, I wouldn't watch either. The actors are the only ones that I could ever see playing these characters and without Joss, the show would just be a bunch of fan-fic, which I avoid like the plague.

Hey, I hear there's some fanfic out there that's not half bad. :)

www.stillflying.net: "Here's how it might have been..."

I just started reading some of the fanfic because...well, I just wrote my first piece and wanted to know what else was out there. (I'll start posting it as soon as I proof it.)

I've been a Star Trek fan from the first, been through the whole get-it-back-on-the-air thing that we're going through now with Firefly. And guess what? In 1976 there was a little book put out by Bantam called "Star Trek: The New Voyages" which was a collection of some of the best stories from years of fanfic (with a foreward by Roddenberry and story intros by the cast). Published after the James Blish novelizations of the original episodes and his one original Trek novel, it basically started a whole empire of original fiction set in that world. Let's hope our fanfic takes the same route eventually!

DARKFLY

Wednesday, January 3, 2007 8:35 AM

Obviously I'd have to but nothing ever could compare to the orginal cast I don'tcare if it was George Clooney(Mal),Rol Perman(Jayne),Dakota Fanning(River),Maggie Gynenhall(Kaylee),ect.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Things are about to get interesting...Define interesting...Oh GOD oh GOD we're all going to die.

Go to

to see my cool trailer.

ROCKYSOAP

Wednesday, January 3, 2007 10:15 AM

I would give it a shot, but I would be extremely wary. I love Firefly too much to just cast it aside. I don't really see how anyone else could fill those shoes though... it would be a near miracle if they could make it work.

NOSADSEVEN

Wednesday, January 3, 2007 7:04 PM

I'm with FollowMal. I love Firefly unreasonably, and while I would certainly give any spin off or continuation a chance, I hold no illusion that it would be like getting my Firefly back any more than over-throwing the Alliance would erase Mal's loss at Serenity Valley. Hell, even with the actors and Joss, the movie could not fix the loss of Firefly for me.

Fact is, what I really want, I'm not going to get. It is undoable. The question is, would continuing the series with different actors somehow take away from what I currently have? Would it just be like rubbing salt in the wound? I guess I'd have to see it to know.

James Bond was a fully realized character in a series of books well before he was ever portrayed on screen, and those movies can hardly be described as character driven. (Though I haven't seen the most recent one.) Same for Sherlock Holmes and Dracula. And Dr. Who is arguably a completely different character each time he regenerates.

Malcolm Reynolds was an idea in Joss's head, etched out in a shooting script for a TV show pilot. Nathan was cast by the creator, and by Joss's own words he became Malcolm Reynolds. Nathan became part of Joss's creative process. Nathan as Mal is who Joss was writing about in the first aired episode. Nathan was not just portraying the character of Malcolm Reynolds, Nathan was part of the evolution of that character. The same is true of all the BDHs.

Inara's recasting is actually proof that who the actor is is important. Ms. Gayheart wasn't replaced because she got pregnant or got a better offer or something. She was replaced because she was not the character of Inara. She did not have the energy with the other character/actors that Inara would have. Joss could see that, and shot the scene knowing he would be replacing her. It doesn't mean she's not a fine actor; it doesn't mean she couldn't have made a wonderful character in the show. It just means that she was not Inara.

Hell's Kitten, I agree that as the actors themselves grow and change, their relationships with and portrayal of the characters would also be affected. That's part of why it's the impossible dream for me, for Firefly to come back. But it's like Mal's attitude...keep moving forward, keep flying. Changing the actors wouldn't be moving forward to me, it would be more like going back and redoing it, and thus rejecting what was. That only works when you're not so in love with the original as I am.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ain't. We. Just.

SHAUDAWN

Wednesday, January 3, 2007 8:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by IndependenceSoldier:
Okay, hypothetical question here. What if some station opted to pick up Firefly again (hope of all hopes), but on one condition. The whole cast had to be recasted. No Nathan, no Sean, no nobody. Completely new. Would you be able to watch it?

"You're usin' your wiles on me! Your feminine wiles!"
-Captain Malcom Reynolds

Hmmm....I love them hypotheticals. They tell so much about a person.

If you are using the same characters but different cast, I wouldn't watch. Cast chemistry is what hooked me most. I appreciate the plots, the dialog, an' the setting. But I just can't swallow if anyone would tell me, "Yeah, this is Mal" if it weren't Nathan behind Mal. That, to me, would be as phony as any Alliance tellin' me that Unification Day is a good thing (to use a metaphor).

Now, I'm pissed off as any that Wash and Book got done in, but if Joss is aiming for telling a real story, it means havin' to anyone of the cast, even Mal, bite it.

If there's any killin' that needs done, better to have an honorable death than a lie of a life. And that's why, no matter how hard someone might try an' sell me the idea that Firefly would be the same with a different cast, it really wouldn't.

So, I raise me glass to Nathan, Adam, Gina, Jewel, Sean, Morena, Summer...and especially Ron and Alan. May the actors who brought so much joy and clarity for too brief a time to this weary world find 2007 a great year!

Peace, y'all.

-Shaudawn (a.k.a. Donovan)

"Don't mean nuthin' out here in the Black." -Kaylee

DEEPGIRL187

Wednesday, January 3, 2007 8:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by IndependenceSoldier:
I have to bring up a painful memory for all the fellow Whedonatics in this lovely 'Verse created for us...but didn't Joss already try that once with Angel? To my recollection...it didn't go too pretty.

I'd have to disagree. I don't know what show you were watching, but Angel was a well-acted, well-scripted show (okay, minus the fourth season). Maybe it was a spin-off, but I think it stood on it's own pretty well.

If Joss chose to do another show in the Firefly verse with different characters, I admit, I would have some reservations. But Joss hasn't let me down yet, so I'd be willing to give it a try.

*************************************************

"I suppose if we couldn't laugh at things that don't make sense, we couldn't react to a lot of life."

KAIN

Wednesday, January 3, 2007 8:28 PM

No ruttin' gorram way! This cast IS Firefly. If you have heard about the events of Flan 2 (I was there) you'll understand that this show + these people are what made it what it is. If you don't know about Flan 2 you should look into it, interesting story. They not only save the day in the movies, but for some of us who got screwed by Booster Events Our Big Damn Heroes saved the day for real. I'm not talkin' Mal, Jayne, Wash, Book, Inara...(and our Big Damn Villains)Saffron, Tracy, Niska, Fanty, Badger.....
But Nathan, Adam, Alan, Ron..... well, you get the idea. These people showed up to support us, the fans. To meet us. Browncoat fans are Firefly fans but I think we all have become if we already were not, fans of the actors. Replacements are not an option for me.

Kain

SHAMELESS

Wednesday, January 3, 2007 8:44 PM

I'd watch it out of stubborn hope and a need for ANYTHING MORE - but like the person above me FINALLY said... the chemistry would NOT be the same. The chemistry the original actors had was astounding - and believe you me, that's not something a director can write in. Even if we could see individual actors playing the individual characters, how they interacted would not be the same - and I doubt it could be as good or better as that of the original cast.
BTW, since Book was barely in the movie, I didn't mind him being replaced, although he looks kinda stoned when Serenity's doors open...

JWHEDONADDICT - dude, Gilmore Girls was AWFUL after Amy Sherman-Palladino left the show. They took this wonderful, witty show about two women and their lives and their problems and their good qualities and their habit of talkingreallyfastbutsomehowstillalwaysmaintainingbothcorrectgrammaranddecentcontent into this near soap opera about just their LOVE LIVES and oh, there's boy drama, teehee and long silences fraught with meaning and ten minutes of music and MEANINGFUL shots and - well, Gilmore Girls is not a good example of a new Firefly. No. NONONO. Blech.

And DARKFLY, sorry, but I'd hate that hypothetical cast. George Clooney? Maggie Gyllenhaal? Dakota Fanning? Again, blech.

------------------------------------------
RPG launcher bought in third world country illegally - $10
Landmines - $50 per
Attack/track dogs bred 1st class - $250-500 per
Highpowered assault rifles - $600 per
The look on your face when I show up on your doorstep with a bigfoot - ... Priceless

When watching Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in theaters:
In the Shrieking Shack, with Sirius Black (Quote #1) and Harry Potter (Quote #2):
"It's Jesus!"
"Harry Potter's the AntiChrist!"

SPACEGIRL32

Wednesday, January 3, 2007 9:25 PM

Hello Kain,

Hope you don't mind me jump'n in here. I have a friend who was suppose to attend Flan 2 so I know what you are taking about.

I must add too that our BDH very seem like decent, kind & humble people. There are famous/ well known people in my family, and they always have been decent people. Fame has not change them. They still value friendships, family & their health.

So when I learn how friendly the cast & crew where on Firefly......I just loved the show even more.

Spacegirl32

KAIN

Wednesday, January 3, 2007 9:53 PM

Hi!
Thanks for the reply! Yes they are the best. The hotel (Hilton)really treated us bad after Booster Events cancelled......they put Nathan and Alan on the patios to greet people after the they kicked us out of the bar and did I mention it was raining? Didn't stop our BDH's. They stood in the rain to sign autographs and take pics. I've never been more impressed. Christina Hendricks showed up and wasn't even originally scheduled. If it is posssible she is better looking in person.

Kain

VETERAN

Thursday, January 4, 2007 2:59 AM

Quote:
GWEK wrote:
Tuesday, January 02, 2007 06:14
I think this thread brings up an interesting side question.

Although it won't happen: Would you rather see Firefly with Joss and a new cast (same characters) or with the full cast, but no Joss?

I'd still give a try. As long as Berman and Braga have nothing to do with it. They'd end up rewriting the Battle of Serenity Valley into a naval battle and then the Borg would show up.

DJIRONMAN

Friday, January 5, 2007 9:44 AM

Damn, that's a hard question, cause one of the reasons why I'm a huge fan of the show is because I love the cast... but I love the verse... hypothetical situations suck.

ADAPA

Friday, January 5, 2007 2:00 PM

Yeah, the 'verse with out Joss or the cast would not be the same.

But I think the main issue for me would be, if Joss was in controle or not. He is the well from which all the great ideas have sprung & to lose that would be a travesty.

I would absolutly watch a series directed/written etc all by Joss, set in the firefly 'verse, without the orginal cast. It wouldn't be the same but I have faith in Joss's ability to make it interesting. After all Angel did pretty well as a spin off to the Buffy 'verse.

Crimson Dark

http://www.davidcsimon.com/crimsondark/index.php?view=comic

PSYBORG

Saturday, January 6, 2007 2:58 PM

Were the show to be recast, but everything else stay the same, well... it would be different. It wouldn't be Firefly any more, as the characters made Firefly, and we've all spent countless hours with those characters and made them people in our mind. I would watch, if only to see what Joss would do. I think I might even be able to enjoy it if I could convince myself that this was not Firefly, it was just a Firefly-like show in the 'Verse with characters that seemed very similar to our BDH. In many respects.

ADAPA

Saturday, January 6, 2007 6:06 PM

I guess I just don't think Joss would ever try & 'replace' a cast member/entire cast, creat a new member or create a new setting, perhaps.

Don't get me wrong-I'd love to see joss & the orginal cast but I also know, having been on this earth for 45 years, that is hard to go back.

Yeah, 'If I could convince myself that this was not firefly' is the hard one. I just believe Joss could creat a show which would allow for that.

Crimson Dark

http://www.davidcsimon.com/crimsondark/index.php?view=comic

AVALONSMOMMY

Saturday, January 6, 2007 6:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SimonWho:
It's fascinating to see such a strong response against any recasting. Of course, I'd be against it too but the fact remains that any one of hundreds of actors could have played those parts and they'd have been pretty much the same.

The characters come from Joss. The writing comes from Joss (and the episode's author). The actors say the lines and try not to bump into the scenary. Okay, I'm oversimplifying but Firefly without Joss = no show. Firefly without any of the original actors = a slightly different Firefly.

Joss tells them what to do. It's all there on the page for them. Yes, they're a gifted group of actors and damn lovely people to boot. But they're utterly replacable. Heck, one of them already has been.

Wait a minute, who's been replaced? Okay, Wash and Book were killed off in the BDM, but nobody replaced them that I know of! Bester doesn't count!

Burn the land and boil the sea; you can't take the sky from me

AVALONSMOMMY

Saturday, January 6, 2007 6:42 PM

Sorry for the double post, but I realized I didn't answer the question!

For me, I would only watch if it was the same cast and Joss. It isn't Firefly otherwise. Different people act differently. If you put someone else in Mal's character, it wouldn't be the Mal we all know and love. If it had been begun with other people, it would very likely be a different Firefly than what we have. I'm not a huge Joss fan...I didn't like Buffy or Angel very much, possibly because both those shows seemed very teen-oriented to me, and I left my teens behind long ago. Firefly was a more adult show. I loved the cast they had.

I know I'm rambling, but case in point: Alan in Knight's Tale, and Alan in Firefly. Other than a change in accent and time frame, it could have been the same character as far as personality went. I think that the actors bring parts of their own personalities to the characters, so if you change the actor, you change the character, and therefore change the whole dynamic of the show.

Burn the land and boil the sea; you can't take the sky from me

ADAPA

Monday, January 8, 2007 5:53 AM

Quote:

For me, I would only watch if it was the same cast and Joss. It isn't Firefly otherwise. Different people act differently.

Your right it wouldn't be the firefly we all know & love it'd be something different set in the firefly 'Verse. I happen to think (read as 'hope') that whatever Joss creates in the 'Verse will be worth watchin & ment for grown-ups.

Quote:
If you put someone else in Mal's character, it wouldn't be the Mal we all know and love....

Agreed, I would be very upset if Mal was recast. I wouldn't however be adverse to a different captain, perhaps Zoe for example and perhaps the crew would hire a new gun hand. Who know's, the point is due to circumstances things may change but if Joss is in controle the flavor may still be there.

Crimson Dark

http://www.davidcsimon.com/crimsondark/index.php?view=comic

WHEELGUNGUNSLINGER

Sunday, January 14, 2007 4:27 AM

***** Footsteps approach, followed by a tall lean man in a brown coat *****

Firefly as a series is nothing without the actors that made the characters what they are, if it came down to re-casting or no show, I choose no show. I believe my sentiment is followed by most all Browncoats'. There will only be one Mal Reynolds, the one created and burned into our heads by Nathan Fillion.
Would Star Trek be Star Trek without Shatner? Or Nemoy? No.
Firefly and Serenity (motion picture series) will always need it's original cast to be what it is, what it was, and what it is destined be.

***** Gunslinger turns and departs *****

Shoot straight, Shoot once!

AERIALLA

Wednesday, January 31, 2007 3:21 AM

I couldn't. It would turn too soap opera for me. There would be no depth to the characters without the original cast.

Could anyone really see Mal without the stone cold expression that Nathan gives to Mal, or the seductive quality of Morena's dark eyes, Summer's robotic "Data-like" head tilts, Ron's look of contentment, Alan's goofy grin, Gina's looks of simmering patience, Jewel's enthusiasm, Sean's ability to play like he knows everything in the verse, and Adam just as goofy as he is.

These actors gave life to characters that were just written on a page, they gave them life and made them lovable to all. I would rather see whole new characters that to have the characters that I have grown to love so much mocked.

JAYNEZTOWN

Wednesday, July 27, 2022 3:11 AM

Joss is over, the more difficult part could be finding other specially talented actors to take such unique roles

Degrees of Firefly?

if Mal became an ate too many chocolate donut buns, Covid victim, no gym no exercise. Corona survivor Fatass

‘The Whale’: Brendan Fraser Transforms Into a 600-Pound Man in Darren Aronofsky’s New Film

https://variety.com/2022/film/news/the-whale-first-look-brendan-fraser
-darren-aronofsky-1235325042/

I like Brendan Fraser
heard rumor some Weinstein dude tried to molest him but WTF happened?

OLDGUY

Wednesday, August 3, 2022 2:36 AM

why would it have to be a person-for-person reboot? The "feel" that I got from Firefly - small band of folks, out there for their own reasons, small ship, always have to find a way to survive the adventure as the underdog.

I was good with Season 1 of The Expanse when the unintended crew found themselves pulled together on the Roci....had that similar feel...
Same feeling for a short moment in the movie "Solo" with Woody Harrelson's crew or the hint of similar on Riddick with Dahl's mercenary crew.

yeah, I'd be good with a Firefly reboot as long as they don't waste time trying to be replicants of the original Serenity crew.

6IXSTRINGJACK

Wednesday, August 3, 2022 4:27 AM

It's impossible to bring the show back as it was now. 21 years have passed. I can't see any way of making that interesting.

It could be done with a new cast playing an entirely different crew, although you would lose the interesting River angle and would need something to make up for the loss of that.

I'd love to see something else made in the Firefly universe. But not in the 2020's. At least not in the early 2020's. They'd just ruin Firefly like they've ruined everything else.

A lot of THE RIGHT people need to be fired during this recession, and the "entertainment" industry needs to learn from a LOT of mistakes they've made since 2008.

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Falsus in unum, falsus in omnibus

6IXSTRINGJACK

Wednesday, August 3, 2022 6:53 AM

I've also said before that I think Joss was heavily influenced by other great science fiction writers from the past when he made Firefly. It's been taken as an insult against him by some super-fans back when this site was much more lively, but I didn't mean it to be. It's almost impossible to ever have a brand new idea.

Two books I can remember now off the top of my head that really made me think could share the Firefly Universe were Legacy of Heorot by Jerry Pournelle, Larry Niven, and Steven Barnes in 1987 and The Great Explosion by Eric Frank Russel in 1962.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Legacy_of_Heorot

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Explosion

In the case of The Great Explosion, which was 3 stories that made up the novel, the 3rd of the bunch "And Then There Were None" has an extremely heavy Firefly vibe to it. The first two stories would be more about how exactly we got to the point where human beings were sent all over the universe to colonize different planets instead of focusing on what life was like after it already happened.

Legacy of Heorot would be the story, specifically, about how the settlers of one particular planet end up in the middle of a Gigeresque nightmare that they unwittingly brought on themselves by messing with the extremely delicate balance of nature on the planet they colonized.

I also just now remembered the name of a third collection of short stories called The Deathworld Trilogy by Harry Harrison in 1987 that I think could be fit into the Firefly universe as well, although I'd imagine more liberties would have to be taken to make it work. It's been a very long time since I read this one though, but I think as it is written now it might be just a little too fantastical to be a believable fit... It might have to be set somewhere in the future of what we've seen of Firefly so far.

https://www.fictiondb.com/series/the-deathworld-trilogy-harry-harrison
~28198.htm

Not only would there be plenty of ways to bring Firefly back and make it a show that original Firefly fans would love to watch while also bringing in a bigger audience, but with a little bit of smart copyright shopping there are a lot of great stories that predate Firefly that could be integrated into the story line with the correct people at the helm of the project.

But please.... Let's not ruin Firfly right now. This diversity/woke/oversensitive/cancel-culture society needs to die off completely first.

Nobody in the world had a single problem with strong black capable female Zoe in 2021, but we don't need a new Firefly to come out gaslighting us that the new lesbian half-black/half-asian, quadriplegic, autistic, little person captain who always saves the day and never makes the wrong decision because she was born perfect and never faced any adversity is the first time we've ever seen a strong female character in media before and if you don't like it that's because you're an evil woman-hating white male.

No thank you. I've waited 21 years for more Firefly. I can wait 21 more if I need to.

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Falsus in unum, falsus in omnibus