Fans of the cult classic sci-fi series Firefly have reason to celebrate as Alan Tudyk and Nathan Fillion, two of the show’s beloved stars, are reuniting for a new podcast titled Once, We Were Spacemen. Announced by Tudyk during a panel at FanExpo Denver, the podcast promises to bring together the duo’s signature chemistry, heartfelt nostalgia, and a broader exploration of the sci-fi genre, while also featuring an array of guests from both Firefly and beyond.
A Nostalgic Reunion with a Sci-Fi Twist
Alan Tudyk, known for his role as the wisecracking pilot Hoban “Wash” Washburne, and Nathan Fillion, who portrayed the fearless Captain Malcolm “Mal” Reynolds in Firefly, have a storied history of collaboration. Their work together extends beyond Firefly to projects like Con Man, The Rookie, and Resident Alien, showcasing a dynamic that fans adore. Once, We Were Spacemen marks their latest venture, a podcast that Tudyk described with his characteristic humor during the Denver panel: “So, nobody knows this thing because we haven’t… Nathan Fillion and I are going to do – I know you’re gonna be like, ‘I’ve never heard of anyone doing this before,’ – but we’re gonna do a podcast.”
While specific details about the podcast’s content remain scarce, Tudyk confirmed that it will not solely focus on Firefly. Instead, it will explore the sci-fi genre more broadly, featuring conversations with favorite sci-fi actors, Firefly cast members, and other notable figures from outside the genre. The podcast is expected to include behind-the-scenes stories and trivia from Firefly’s production, offering fans a nostalgic look at the show that, despite its single-season run in 2002, remains one of the most influential sci-fi series of all time.
The Enduring Legacy of Firefly
Firefly, created by Joss Whedon, captured the hearts of fans with its unique blend of space western adventure, compelling characters, and sharp dialogue. Though it was canceled after just one season, its dedicated fanbase propelled it to cult status, leading to the 2005 feature film Serenity. Tudyk and Fillion’s involvement in Once, We Were Spacemen taps into this enduring love for the series, with the podcast likely to revisit memorable moments from the show while also branching out to discuss broader sci-fi themes. Tudyk emphasized that while Firefly will be a recurring topic—especially when former co-stars like Gina Torres, Morena Baccarin, or Adam Baldwin join as guests—the podcast will not be limited to reminiscing about the Serenity crew.
The announcement has sparked excitement among fans on social media, and the anticipation is heightened by Tudyk and Fillion’s long-standing friendship, which began even before Firefly when Tudyk served Fillion burritos as a waiter in New York City, a story Fillion shared on Mike Rowe’s podcast.
A Bank of Episodes and a Captain in Charge
Tudyk revealed at FanExpo Denver that several episodes of Once, We Were Spacemen have already been recorded, creating a “bank” of content ready to be released. However, he noted that the release schedule is in Fillion’s hands, playfully referring to his co-star as “the captain” who’s “in charge of everything.” This dynamic mirrors their Firefly roles, with Fillion’s leadership and Tudyk’s comedic support promising engaging and entertaining conversations.
The podcast’s title, Once, We Were Spacemen, evokes a sense of nostalgia and adventure, hinting at the duo’s shared history in the sci-fi realm. While it’s not a Firefly revival, the podcast offers fans a chance to reconnect with Tudyk and Fillion’s camaraderie, which has been a highlight of their previous collaborations. Their work on Con Man, a comedy web series that humorously reflected their Firefly experiences, demonstrated their ability to blend humor with heartfelt moments, a formula likely to carry over to the podcast.
What to Expect and When
While Tudyk remained coy about the podcast’s exact release date, the excitement surrounding Once, We Were Spacemen is palpable. Fans can expect a mix of sci-fi discussions, personal anecdotes, and guest appearances from both Firefly alumni and other industry figures. The podcast’s broader focus on sci-fi and entertainment ensures it will appeal to a wide audience, not just Firefly devotees.
As Tudyk and Fillion prepare to launch Once, We Were Spacemen, their project is a testament to the enduring appeal of Firefly and the power of their friendship. Whether recounting tales from the set of Serenity or diving into the wider world of sci-fi, the podcast is poised to be a must-listen for fans of the genre and the duo’s charismatic interplay.
