Alan Tudyk and Nathan Fillion, beloved stars of the cult sci-fi series Firefly, are bringing their cast back together for a fresh project titled Once, We Were Spacemen. Announced during Tudyk’s panel at Denver Fan Expo, the podcast aims to celebrate the genre that defined their careers while featuring appearances from both former cast members and other actors.
A Closer Look at the New Sci-Fi Podcast Initiative
Although Firefly ended after just one season in 2002, its impact remains strongly felt across the science fiction community, influencing many creators and garnering a loyal fan base over the years. Tudyk revealed that he and Nathan Fillion have already recorded numerous episodes of Once, We Were Spacemen, though there is no official release date yet. The podcast promises conversations with favorite sci-fi personalities, actors from various backgrounds, and sometimes just Tudyk and Fillion interacting with each other.
“Oh! [Laughs] Right. So, nobody knows this thing because we haven’t…So, 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. We wanted to, you know, break some ground where we talk to our favorite, uh, sci-fi actors and other actors. People who were on Firefly, people who were not on Firefly, and sometimes we just talk to each other. Thrilling. It is interesting how much we do get along, talking to one another. I hope people enjoy that, but, um, I have no date to tell you when we’re gonna… We’ve done a lot of ’em. We have, like, a bank of Once, We Were Spacemen, [which is] the name of the show. And, when we do finally…You see, Nathan’s kind of in charge of that. He’s kind of in charge of everything. He’s the captain. So, once the captain lets me know what’s going on with that…As it stands, I just show up and do my part.”
—Alan Tudyk, Actor
Tudyk’s enthusiasm during the panel made it clear that this podcast is a passion project, deeply rooted in his experiences within the sci-fi community and enriched by the strong bonds between him, Fillion, and their former colleagues.
What the Podcast Means for the Future of Firefly
Despite hopes among fans, no new Firefly episodes or direct spin-offs are expected from this podcast. Since the release of the film Serenity in 2005, no further live-action continuations of the series have been produced. This podcast, while connected to the franchise through its hosts and guest list, appears designed less to reignite the series and more to celebrate its legacy.

With Tudyk and Fillion’s deep ties to the show, Firefly will undoubtedly be a recurring subject. The podcast is expected to reveal behind-the-scenes stories, anecdotes, and trivia from the original production, providing fans with new insights into the beloved series. Rather than serving as a platform for fresh narratives, Once, We Were Spacemen will likely function as a nostalgic journey through the history of Firefly and the wider world of sci-fi entertainment.
Anticipating the Impact of Once, We Were Spacemen on Fans and Sci-Fi Culture
This podcast offers a rare opportunity for devoted fans to reconnect with the cast members whose performances helped make Firefly a cult hit. The inclusion of voices beyond the original cast may also broaden the appeal, bringing in fresh perspectives from the wider sci-fi acting community.
Alan Tudyk, who has built a versatile career including notable voiceover roles and impressive film and television work, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Alongside Nathan Fillion, known for his charismatic roles and enduring fan following, their collaboration on this podcast continues a creative partnership seen in projects like The Rookie, Con Man, and Resident Alien. These joint ventures have consistently been well-received, fueling interest in their latest endeavor.
Though the podcast is not limited to Firefly content, the prominence of sci-fi in Tudyk and Fillion’s careers guarantees that discussions will frequently revisit the genre and its impact on their lives and the entertainment landscape. This multidimensional approach offers variety while catering directly to genre fans.
Reuniting Beloved Cast Members and Exploring New Ground
As more former cast members are expected to appear as guests, including names like Ron Glass and Morena Baccarin, listeners can look forward to a broad range of insights and stories from those involved with Firefly. This reunion not only celebrates the show’s enduring legacy but also reinforces the strong connections between its stars.
The podcast, therefore, stands as both a tribute to a significant chapter in science fiction television and an innovative platform where actors share their passions beyond their past roles. By blending nostalgia with fresh conversations about the genre’s present and future, Once, We Were Spacemen may offer a unique listening experience for fans old and new alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Will Alan Tudyk be in Moana 2?
A. For Alan, appearance wasn’t his only concern. During a SYFY interview, he shared that he is allergic to pizza. This made his character’s love for pizza pure acting skill, as eating it could harm his health. “I enjoy pizza in front of the camera, but I can’t have it in real life,” he chuckled.
Q. Is Alan Tudyk in Moana 2?
A. According to IMDb, Alan Tudyk will voice Heihei in Moana 2, set to release in 2024.
