An ‘unendurable’ experience
Universal Pictures
During a Q&A at the Film Society of Lincoln Center, Joss Whedon discussed the cancellation of “Firefly” and how “Serenity” rose from the ashes of the failed TV show. He said that for him, “Firefly” was “unendurable” and that his success with “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel” had made him think the process would go differently. He also talked about how “Buffy” and “Angel” both had to find their way, which is very true – season 1 of either show isn’t indicative of what they would become. “Firefly,” on the other hand, he said, “sprung fully-armored from Zeus’ head.” Whedon continued:
“It was exactly the show I wanted it to be the moment I started. And so to have it ripped untimely from the womb was not acceptable to me. I felt not only this incredible loss, but that I had lied to the actors, that I had let them down, that I had told them, ‘if it’s good, and you’re good, then everything will be fine.’”
Whedon also mentioned that he had always accepted what came his way and hadn’t ever “bucked the system,” and that he would “take orders” in the hopes that he could one day be the one to give them. However, with “Firefly,” the writer/director/producer says he “snapped.” He had gotten everyone involved in this and felt that his life could not go on until he found a way to continue the story for everyone’s sake. Thankfully, Universal Pictures was receptive to the idea and Whedon was able to give “Firefly” a satisfying conclusion with “Serenity” in 2005.
Why Joss Whedon Felt He ‘Lied’ To The Cast Of Firefly
20th Television
An ‘unendurable’ experience
Universal Pictures
During a Q&A at the Film Society of Lincoln Center, Joss Whedon discussed the cancellation of “Firefly” and how “Serenity” rose from the ashes of the failed TV show. He said that for him, “Firefly” was “unendurable” and that his success with “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel” had made him think the process would go differently. He also talked about how “Buffy” and “Angel” both had to find their way, which is very true – season 1 of either show isn’t indicative of what they would become. “Firefly,” on the other hand, he said, “sprung fully-armored from Zeus’ head.” Whedon continued:
“It was exactly the show I wanted it to be the moment I started. And so to have it ripped untimely from the womb was not acceptable to me. I felt not only this incredible loss, but that I had lied to the actors, that I had let them down, that I had told them, ‘if it’s good, and you’re good, then everything will be fine.’”
Whedon also mentioned that he had always accepted what came his way and hadn’t ever “bucked the system,” and that he would “take orders” in the hopes that he could one day be the one to give them. However, with “Firefly,” the writer/director/producer says he “snapped.” He had gotten everyone involved in this and felt that his life could not go on until he found a way to continue the story for everyone’s sake. Thankfully, Universal Pictures was receptive to the idea and Whedon was able to give “Firefly” a satisfying conclusion with “Serenity” in 2005.
Whedon also mentioned that he had always accepted what came his way and hadn’t ever “bucked the system,” and that he would “take orders” in the hopes that he could one day be the one to give them. However, with “Firefly,” the writer/director/producer says he “snapped.” He had gotten everyone involved in this and felt that his life could not go on until he found a way to continue the story for everyone’s sake. Thankfully, Universal Pictures was receptive to the idea and Whedon was able to give “Firefly” a satisfying conclusion with “Serenity” in 2005.
“It was exactly the show I wanted it to be the moment I started. And so to have it ripped untimely from the womb was not acceptable to me. I felt not only this incredible loss, but that I had lied to the actors, that I had let them down, that I had told them, ‘if it’s good, and you’re good, then everything will be fine.’”
Saved by DVDs?
“Serenity” may not have lived up to expectations at the box office, but Whedon’s feature film directorial debut was a hit amongst fans and critics. It provided the closure we all needed, even if its scant two-hour runtime couldn’t give everyone in the show’s large cast of characters enough of a chance to shine. I’ll always wish we’d gotten more years of “Firefly,” or even one complete season, but I think we can all agree the time for that has passed. We’ll never know what could’ve been, but at least we’ve got 14 excellent episodes and an awesome movie. Browncoats unite!
