This story first appeared in the Aug. 1 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.“>
In a world where TV shows get canceled quickly and forgotten just as fast, Joss Whedon‘s sci-fi Western Firefly — which gave Fillion his first starring role — remains the anomaly, as it’s more popular 10 years after its demise than it ever was during its only season. Now, at 43, Fillion is cresting into the seventh year of ABC’s Castle, which has created a rabid following to sit alongside Firefly‘s still-growing legion of fans.
What’s your relationship with the Firefly fans, the “Browncoats”?
They have always been there, since the show started. There’s just so many more of them now. They don’t go away. You meet children who are named for characters on the show. Now I know Firefly will never die.
Is there anyone you still geek out over?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have met William Shatner. That’s a big deal to me. Hearing his voice — I know the man is a stranger to me, but it triggered something inside of me. A familiarity. I feel comfortable when I hear his voice. It’s such a bizarre experience to be actually in his presence.
What’s your favorite part of each convention?
I love being in front of a big group of people who are already super-excited; their adrenaline’s flowing. There’s a really positive wavelength of energy. And then they laugh at my crappiest jokes. For me, that’s Comic-Con.
