The cult classic TV show Firefly is rumored to getting a reboot on Disney+. Who should replace the iconic actors from the original series
On September 20, 2002, the television series Firefly had its debut. However, the franchise has been brought back for a 2005 film and other assets due to a fervent cult following. Since then, many comics have been published by Dark Horse and Boom Studios that tell the story of the spacecraft Serenity, but none have made an attempt to revive the series.
Despite the failure of the original TV series, there have been speculations that Disney+, which is currently streaming the original series, is planning a Firefly revival. Rebooting a show might not sit well with viewers who adore the cast of the original series, but if the correct actors were chosen to reimagine the characters, it could very well succeed. Here are some actors who are ideal for playing Malcolm Reynolds and his gang of flashy bandits in classic films.
Shepherd Derrial Book: Mike Colter
Ron Glass originally portrayed Shepherd Book, the enigmatic religious figure aboard Serenity. With a pleasant sparkle in his eye and a wonderful portrayal of the religious spirit of this pacifist who is willing to break the rules for the crew, he gave the role to the character. When taking into account these traits, Mike Colter might make a good book.
Mike Colter, who played David Acosta in Evil, has the versatility to play a kind-hearted preacher who keeps his history hidden, while being younger than Glass was when the late actor was cast for Firefly. Additionally, his portrayal as Luke Cage in the television series Luke Cage would add to the mystery surrounding Book’s history and make it plausible for a friendly preacher to be a tough-talking operative for the Alliance.
Inara Serra: Melissa O’Neill
Inara was thought of as the most refined individual on board Serenity and as what a sex worker may look like if the industry weren’t denigrated. As a companion, Inara offers her customers not only physical intimacy but also emotional and spiritual closeness. Most critically, she enjoys total professional autonomy.
Even though none of the series Melissa O’Neil has worked on have included a character quite like Inara, she does have an air of Morena Baccarin about her. A superb embodiment for the multiculturalism that Firefly alluded to in its fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, she also knows how to hold her own against a charmer like Nathan Fillion.
Jayne Cobb: Dave Bautista
The strongest and most dimwitted character on the program is Jayne. He is impolite, deceitful, and only ever concerned with himself. Despite these traits, the character still has depth, as seen by his desire to avoid being labeled a traitor in one of Firefly’s most shocking scenes. Jayne’s portrayal required such depth and terror in a role that might otherwise be smug and confident. Dave Bautista comes on.
In Guardians of the Galaxy, Bautista is best known for his portrayal as the dim-witted Drax the Destroyer, which mainly relies on his comedic abilities. However, if you see him in other movies like Hotel Artemis, you’ll see how suitably terrifying Bautista can be. Because of his range and his ability to combine those two qualities, Bautista would make an engrossing Jayne Cobb.
Kaylee Frye: Hailee Steinfeld
Kaylee is the crew’s likable mechanic and has a happier disposition than the majority of the other passengers on Serenity. This does not turn Kaylee into a meek character, despite the fact that it frequently forces her to remain on the ship and play a supporting role. If someone like Simon makes fun of her, she’s more than willing to defend herself. She’ll also defend Serenity if someone has the audacity to call it crap.
In light of Kaylee’s “typical girlie attitude” and her ability to be practical, Hailee Steinfeld establishes herself as the ideal choice for the role of Firefly’s mechanic. She portrayed a credible mechanic in Bumblebee, established herself as a likable character in movies like Pitch Perfect 2, and also showed off her razor-sharp wit in the outstanding Edge of Seventeen.
Simon Tam: Jack Quaid
Simon, the in-house “fish out of water,” serves as the tense audience stand-in. The fact that he lacks street smarts and feels out of place on Serenity despite being courteous, well-spoken, and highly educated. His loyalty to his sister is maybe what defines him most as a person. This man’s decision to flee and live in squalor was motivated by love.
When considering Simon’s qualities, Jack Quaid would be a good fit for the part. Similar to Simon in Firefly, he gave an excellent performance as Hughie in The Boys’ first season. He has a slightly bookish attitude and doesn’t get along with the other Boys, but he cooperates with them since he despises the Seven (namely A-Train). Quaid’s portrayal of Hughie in that first season suffices to demonstrate why he would make a good Simon, even though the character has evolved since then.
River Tam: Millie Bobby Brown
River is the most complex character in the series and one of the main dangers on Serenity. She is a talented child prodigy who was subjected to Alliance experimentation and became mentally unstable as a result. When not using her psychic powers to drive the crew of Firefly into hysteria in some of the show’s best episodes, River is a very perceptive young woman who draws interesting conclusions from her surroundings that they can only partially grasp.
Millie Bobby Brown is the most logical choice to play the hen given all of River’s attributes. In addition to closely resembling River in many ways, her depiction of Eleven in Stranger Things also demonstrates how talented an actor Brown is at such a young age, which is significant when taking into account River’s complexity.
Hoban “Wash” Washburne: Skylar Astin
On Firefly, Wash is the zaniest character and the pilot of Serenity. While each character has their own comical outbursts, Wash has by far the most one-liners and gags on board. He is the crew member that is most hospitable and has a natural sense of humor. He is devoted to the rest of the crew and is a devoted husband.
Skylar Astin has embraced these characteristics in a number of episodes and films, just like Wash has. Given his witty personality, solid coding abilities, and devotion to Zoey, his portrayal as Max Richman on Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist in particular serves as a perfect foundation for his interpretation of Wash.
Zoe Washburne: Mekia Cox
Zoe Washburne was the Serenity’s tough-as-nails second-in-command. She was devoted to her captain and frequently acted as the voice of reason. During downtime, she also exhibited a gentler side and was happy to relax around the other crew members.
Mekia Cox would be a perfect fit for the part given the facets of Zoe’s personality. She has acted as Tiana in Once Upon a Time and Officer Nyla Harper on The Rookie, two fierce, independent women. Additionally, Cox proved in The Rookie that she could compete with Nathan Fillion and other established actors without being overwhelmed by more colorful characters.
Malcolm Reynolds: Oscar Isaac
The hardest character to recast is probably Mal. While yet giving the impression of a darker man whose wartime experiences have made him resentful against the world, Nathan Fillion plays the part with such charm and charisma. There is only one actor who could play the part given these qualifications.
In his depiction of Poe Dameron, Oscar Isaac successfully conveyed the rugged appeal necessary for Mal, but more crucially, he showed that he possessed the skills necessary to bring out the wounded warrior in Mal in his performance as Llewyn Davis. Anyone else playing Malcolm Reynolds could be tough for fans to accept, but Oscar Isaac would win them over.
