Firefly

A confession: I am one of those individuals who secretly harbors a wish to see a new season or second film based in Joss Whedon’s Firefly universe. Realistically, I know this will most likely never happen and perhaps, as some suggest, it is for the best.

Whedon is currently busy writing the second draft of a script for a Wonder Woman feature film. Many of the actors and actresses are also currently preoccupied with other projects. Nathan Fillion has two films on his plate, Jewel Staite is filming a movie called Tribe that sounds like the TV show Lost meets the Island of Dr. Moreau, Gina Torres has three films on her plate, and Morena Baccarin (correction: see comments section, she will be a recurring cast member on SG-1)...well...she isn’t doing anything as far as I can tell, but she will hopefully be slipping into the power bracelets in Wonder Woman.

But even without the hope of a second season or film, that doesn’t mean Browncoats, as Firefly fans call themselves, can’t get together every once in awhile and ressurect the dead for a party. On Saturday Madisonian Firefly fans get to once again see Serenity on the big screen at Market Square Cinemas. Why? Some passionate fans from around the world have organized a weekend of showings in honor of Whedon’s birthday. All of the proceeds from the nearly 50 showings around the world will go towards Equality Now* one of the writer/director’s favorite charities.

We asked the folks at Tree Line Design, who helped organize the Madison showing and made up special t-shirts, how they became involved. Answers courtesy of Beth Tucker:

Why is Joss bringing back Serenity for one night?

Actually, Joss is not involved in this movement at all. This is strictly fan organized to show our appreciation for Joss and to show Universal that we loved Serenity. It’s above all else, though, to support a great charity, Equality Now .

How did you get involved?

I heard about the screening through a mailing list that I’m on, and I wanted to make sure that Madison had a screening.

Was it hard finding a theater to host?

It was tough to find a theatre that would host the film at a decent time/price. We had one theatre turn us down flat. Another theatre said that they would do the screening, but only at 9:30 in the morning on a Saturday (not exactly an ideal time).

What can attendees expect besides the film?

We will have a preview of the Done the Impossible** DVD along with a collection of interview snippets and fun Firefly things that my co-organizer Tim is putting together. Attendees will also receive a coupon for a special Serenity Now/Equality Now discount on the Done the Impossible DVD, and they will have the chance to receive several door prizes including a copy of the Serenity RPG (generously donated by Pegasus Games), a free copy of the Serenity Companion and Firefly Companion books (generously donated by Titan Books), and other things.

Do you think Firefly will ever see a second life?

No, I do not, and I almost hope that it doesn’t. As much as I would love to learn more about the characters and their adventures, it would never be the same. The actors and directors have all moved on to other projects, so it would be tough to bring the cast back together. Plus, the stories that we currently have are so good that I think nothing in the future would live up to our expectations for new episodes. I like the fact that Firefly ended on a good note.