The cult sci-fi series Firefly is set for a highly anticipated return as an animated show currently in early development.

Star Nathan Fillion revealed the news at Awesome Con in Washington, D.C., alongside co-stars Alan Tudyk, Gina Torres, Jewel Staite, Morena Baccarin, Sean Maher, and Summer Glau.

The animated reboot will feature the entire original cast returning to voice their iconic roles.

Fillion’s production company Collision33 is developing the project with 20th Television Animation, while Marc Guggenheim and Tara Butters are attached as co-showrunners.

Original creator Joss Whedon will not be involved, mirroring his absence in recent attempts to revive other franchises.

Animation studio ShadowMachine is tasked with visuals, releasing concept art that maintains the original look of the beloved space western characters.

The series will take place between the original 2002 show and the 2005 film Serenity, allowing a continuation of the storyline within the established universe.

Fillion and Tudyk have actively promoted the revival through their podcast, Once We Were Spacemen, encouraging fans to share the news online to demonstrate demand.

Set 500 years in the future during a global civil war, Firefly follows the spaceship Serenity and its nine-member crew in 2517.

Although the original series lasted less than one season, its cult following has only grown, with fans attending conventions and panels for cast reunions.

The show’s enduring appeal is reflected in streaming charts, where both the series and Serenity have seen renewed interest following the Awesome Con announcement.

Fillion told Deadline, “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.”

The strong community around the franchise, including Fillion and Tudyk’s prior crowd-funded series Con Man, demonstrates the lasting cultural impact of Firefly and its devoted fanbase.