Alan Tudyk, renowned for his unique comedic flair and creative mind, crafted the hilariously acclaimed web series ‘Con Man,’ a production that quickly drew the attention of sci-fi enthusiasts and comedy lovers alike. Initiated by Tudyk in collaboration with fellow ‘Firefly’ alum Nathan Fillion, the show launched after a wildly successful Indiegogo campaign, raising over $1 million in just two days. This overwhelming support predominantly came from Tudyk’s dedicated fanbase, who he affectionately called “the heroes of the story.” Set within the vibrant world of science fiction conventions, ‘Con Man’ humorously reflects the quirks of fan culture while also resonating with Tudyk’s own experiences in the industry.
At the heart of ‘Con Man’ is Wray Nerely, played by Alan Tudyk, who is both beleaguered and inspired by his years on the show ‘Spectrum,’ a short-lived yet deeply beloved sci-fi series. In stark contrast to his trajectory, co-star Jack Moore, portrayed by Nathan Fillion, has ascended to A-list fame, leaving Wray attending conventions and auditioning for roles that rarely reflect his talents. The narrative weaves humor from Wray’s misadventures and encounters with an eccentric array of convention-goers, including a notably peculiar woman insistent on the lifelike qualities of her doll.
Alan Tudyk brought life to ‘Con Man’ by drawing from authentic encounters at the conventions he’s attended. Tudyk shared with Entertainment Weekly, “It’s the other side of conventions that fans don’t get to see. It’s the people that we’ve met along the way that are pulling the strings behind the curtain, in addition to kooky celebrities.” This rich tapestry of behind-the-scenes experiences gave ‘Con Man’ its distinct comedic edge, fortifying its narrative with wit and relatability.
‘Con Man’ cleverly begins with a scene that epitomizes its humor. In the series opener, “Stalled,” Wray finds himself in an awkward bathroom encounter with an eager fan asking for Jack Moore’s autograph. This sets the tone for the eccentric comedy that follows, highlighting Tudyk’s prowess in both comedic timing and narrative direction. The entire series stands as a testament to Tudyk’s skills as both a writer and director, with his ability to blend hopeful moments seamlessly with humorous downfalls.
Genre actors flocked to cameo in ‘Con Man,’ drawn by the same creative allure that Tudyk brought to the series. Notable appearances include ‘Battlestar Galactica’ alum Tricia Helfer, actor Sean Astin playing a hilarious caricature of himself, and Michael Dorn in a comedic plotline involving fan-induced chaos. The presence of Tudyk’s fellow ‘Firefly’ cast members further enriched the show’s comedic dynamics. Though Nathan Fillion steals the limelight with his compelling charm as Jack Moore, his character displays unexpected depth, offering emotional nuances such as advocating for Wray at a pivotal audition.
The spotlight on these stories comes to life as ‘Con Man’ was released during a peak period of geek culture, where movie franchises like ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ dominated the box office and series like ‘Daredevil’ gained cult followings on TV. Originally hosted on Vimeo’s on-demand service for its first season, the show’s relevance continued to grow. The transition to Comic-Con HQ for Season 2 brought about an organic connection with its thematic roots in convention culture. However, the fleeting existence of Comic-Con HQ pushed ‘Con Man’ toward a more secure platform.
Fortunately for fans, SyFy acquired ‘Con Man,’ allowing the series to reach a broader audience. The move to SyFy came during a golden age of genre programming, where shows like ‘Killjoys’ and ‘Dark Matter’ were gaining traction. Producer P.J. Haarsma expressed hopes for a third season, stating, “Depending on how well it does, hopefully it will be picked up for more.” Though a third season did not materialize, the legacy of ‘Con Man’ endures, offering new viewers the opportunity to enjoy its comedic brilliance through streaming on Prime Video.
For those yet to experience the wit of Alan Tudyk in ‘Con Man,’ the series is available on Prime Video, promising laughs drawn from its playful glimpse into the world of sci-fi conventions. By combining actual convention anecdotes with comedic creativity, Tudyk forged a show that not only entertains but resonates with industry insiders and fans alike.
