Do People Have Suggestions For The Title Of The Firefly Movie?

POSTED BY: outlander
UPDATED: Sunday, February 22, 2004 18:24
VIEWED: 10480
PAGE 1 of 1

OUTLANDER

Thursday, December 11, 2003 2:00 PM

My suggestion for the movie title would be "Serenity"

I've never understood why Joss called the show "Firefly" and not "Serenity". To me "Serenity" is a much more impressive and meaningful title than "Firefly".

"Serenity" seems to me to be a very cinematic title and not only would it make a good title for Science Fiction film it would also work as a tile for a Western or Horror film depending on which way Joss wanted to go with the tone of the movie.

Using "Serenity" would also make the movie an entity on its own so it would be more likely to attract people that have never seen the series, something that a title like "Firefly The movie" would be less capable of doing.

Under the title "Serenity" you could have in smallish writing "Based on Joss Whedon's Firefly" showing a visible connection to the series as well as showing it to be a reinterpretation of the series for the big screen. And if it gets picked up as a series it could then become "Serenity The Series"

It also reflects a more personal connection to the movie for the fans of the show. Her brand name was "Firefly" her real name is "Serenity".

SERGEANTX

Thursday, December 11, 2003 2:51 PM

Good points. I wonder if they (ME or the network) were concerned that "Serenity" might give the wrong impression to the uninitiated. After all, the landscape of the show isn't exactly 'serene'. Anyway, I like it.

SergeantX

"..and here's to all the dreamers, may our open hearts find rest." -- Nanci Griffith

HANS

Thursday, December 11, 2003 3:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by outlander:
My suggestion for the movie title would be "Serenity"

(cut)

Under the title "Serenity" you could have in smallish writing "Based on Joss Whedon's Firefly" showing a visible connection to the series as well as showing it to be a reinterpretation of the series for the big screen. And if it gets picked up as a series it could then become "Serenity The Series"

I agree 100%! I always though the same, that if they did a follow-up series or mini-series it should be called Serenity. It would also work as of a spin-off than a sequal if they couldn't get the whole cast back and had to re-jig it.

ASTRIANA

Thursday, December 11, 2003 3:08 PM

From what the cast has to say about doing the series on the DVD set, I think it won't be a problem to get everyone back to do the movie.

~A~

TUDYKSGAGREEL

Thursday, December 11, 2003 5:18 PM

i disagree, i dont think it would work better with title Serenity rather than Firefly. Firefly seems much more dramatic and fits in alot better with the series in general and its content. The name Serenity is a great name but it just doesnt fit with the film cos it sounds like a cheesy romantic comedy. I think Joss would have considered as a name and realised it would just continue his chain of calling a show by a main component (buffy, angel). The name Firefly adds mystery

SAMUS

Thursday, December 11, 2003 5:30 PM

I always like the title Firefly, and thought it fit the show as a whole:

Serenity, as a firefly class ship, shines brightly, even though tiny against the vast blackness of space.

Simultaneously, the Crew of Serenity also shines brightly, even though they are tiny against the totalitarian govt that is the Alliance.

It's not just serenity that is a firefly - all the characters are fireflies.

SAMUS

Thursday, December 11, 2003 5:33 PM

Although, I'd also like to add, I don't have any objection to calling the movie serenity. but maybe "firefly: serenity" might be better.

as long as the movie gets made, joss can call it anything he wants.

BARNEYT

Thursday, December 11, 2003 5:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Samus:
Although, I'd also like to add, I don't have any objection to calling the movie serenity. but maybe "firefly: serenity" might be better.

as long as the movie gets made, joss can call it anything he wants.

Totally with you on your second point! So long as he tells us what it's called so we can recognise it in the listings!

I was thinking - how about a fifties style title...

Firefly: When Multi-Coloured Protein Goes Bad!

---
"I think the right place to start is to say, fair is fair. This is who we are. These are our numbers." Mr Willis of Ohio - The West Wing

GROUNDED

Thursday, December 11, 2003 10:17 PM

Firefly: Why The Hell Weren't You Watching First Time Round?

HUMBLE

Friday, December 12, 2003 12:26 AM

what about "the firefly chronicles" or "the firefly saga"?

SHINY

Friday, December 12, 2003 1:50 AM

I don't think it should be named to appeal to existing fans, that's not who we need to have shell out the $$$ to go see the movie. We'll all go see it multiple times even if it's called "barbie in space". Joss needs to come up with a name (and premise) that catches the interest of the non-initiated, while still being at least somewhat true to the original show.

RIVER
Purple elephants are flying.
MAL
Good. Thanks for the update.

TOOLPACKINMAMA

Friday, December 12, 2003 3:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by outlander:

I've never understood why Joss called the show "Firefly" and not "Serenity". To me "Serenity" is a much more impressive and meaningful title than "Firefly".

Respectfully, I disagree! I think "Firefly" is more generally descriptive, plus it's more poetically evocative. "Serenity" is merely ironic, and flatly descriptive.

The words FIRE and FLY have more to them, plus the word FIREFLY has more to it, as far as levels/layers or potential meaning. "Serenity" is dull and flat by comparison.

In short, I think J.W.'s instincts about that title were right.

STEALTH

Friday, December 12, 2003 4:11 AM

Hi Guys,

How about “Firefly : The Movie” or “Firefly : The Dawn of Darkness”…since Reavers are involved or “Firefly : The Endless Night” or if River is involved “Firefly : Crusade of the Mind”.
On the subject of “The Movie” in the last interview with Joss and Tim , Joss said it wasn’t a done deal just that he had lots of interest if he could come up with a good script.
Anyone heard anything else??

KASUO

Friday, December 12, 2003 4:39 AM

- Firefly: Better than Star Wars
- Firefly: The Search for More Money
- Firefly: 2517

"Let's moon 'em!"

STEALTH

Friday, December 12, 2003 5:38 AM

I don't think "the search for more money" would be a large crowd puller...sorry

SHINY

Friday, December 12, 2003 5:56 AM

How about "Firefly: Fox Sucks!" ;)

RIVER
Purple elephants are flying.
MAL
Good. Thanks for the update.

HUMBLE

Friday, December 12, 2003 8:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Shiny:
How about "Firefly: Fox Sucks!" ;)

RIVER
Purple elephants are flying.
MAL
Good. Thanks for the update.

and we have a winner!

HUMBLE

Friday, December 12, 2003 8:04 AM

INFRA172

Friday, December 12, 2003 5:32 PM

Isn't it kind of funny that the movie will probably open on a Friday as most movies do?

HJERMSTED

Friday, December 12, 2003 7:26 PM

Firefly: Attack of the Glemphy

mattro

CAPTBAGGYTROUSERS

Friday, December 12, 2003 11:00 PM

Dear god do I hope they don't change the title or add a coloned subtitle. I never understand subtitles under the main title unless it's a sequel. I mean what does Master and Commander need :The Far Side of the World under it for?

Firefly. Take a lesson from Fox: if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

History repeats the old conceits

http://topshelftvshow.com
Updated! Improved! Shiny!

OUTLANDER

Saturday, December 13, 2003 12:59 AM

How about:

Firefly: A New Hope
Firefly: The Alliance Strikes Back
Firefly: Return of The Brown Coates
Firefly: The Phantom Blue Hands
Firefly: Attack of The Blue Hands

or

Firefly: The Motion Picture
Firefly: The Wrath of Niska
Firefly: The Search For Jayne

I think the above illustrates the corny nature of the "Star Trek" style of title and is one reason why I suggested the title "serenity", which I believe will also give the movie a sense of individuality which I believe it needs.

I believe Joss Whedon is capable of producing a movie that can stand on its own two feet and that needs to fit into the series, but I also think it needs to be something completely separate from the series, so that people will watch the movie with or with out having seen the series. I believe that giving the movie a new title like "Serenity" would help.

I know this is a controversial thing to say. But I believe that people will be more likely to give the movie a chance if they call it "Serenity" than if they call it "Firefly" or "Firefly The Movie". I have no proof, just a feeling.

Though I am rather partial to "Firefly: A New Hope" (thanks George).

SHINY

Saturday, December 13, 2003 1:50 AM

"Firefly" is more descriptive and interesting a title than "Serenity"...if you never heard of the show and had to choose between a movie called "Firefly" and one called "Serenity" based just on the title, which would you choose? I don't know how many people would ever want to see a movie called "Serenity" -- sounds like a snoozer to me, 120 minutes of sleep-inducing waves crashing against the beach and waterfalls or something. At least both 'Fire' and 'Fly' are more action-oriented.

RIVER
Purple elephants are flying.
MAL
Good. Thanks for the update.

OUTLANDER

Saturday, December 13, 2003 4:06 AM

I just like the title "Serenity" over the title "Firefly The Movie". All that I am trying to get across is that I think the movie should have it’s own title and identity. It's like when J.R.R. Tolkien was asked to right a sequel to "The Hobbit" he didn't call it "The Hobbit 2" or "The Hobbit: Lord of The Rings" he just called it "lord of The Rings" which gave it it's own identity, something that you don't with a title like "Star Trek: ..........."

SLEESTACK

Saturday, December 13, 2003 4:24 AM

At first, I thought 'FireFly' was a superhero or comic-based series.

'Serenity' is definitely too vague. It could apply to FireFly or the tv show 'Providence' for that matter.

As they chose 'Firefly' to start, it is the most convenient to continue to use it in any movie adaptation in the future.

I agree that, artisticly, they could go with many good alternatives including 'Serenity' but to attract the rabid fan base, 'Firefly' needs to be present in some shape, form, or fashion.

As mentioned above, call it anything as long as we get at least one movie!

11THHOUR

Saturday, December 13, 2003 7:57 AM

Quote:
'Serenity' is definitely too vague. It could apply to FireFly or the tv show 'Providence' for that matter.

As they chose 'Firefly' to start, it is the most convenient to continue to use it in any movie adaptation in the future.

I agree that, artisticly, they could go with many good alternatives including 'Serenity' but to attract the rabid fan base, 'Firefly' needs to be present in some shape, form, or fashion.

As mentioned above, call it anything as long as we get at least one movie!

Agreed, on all counts.

Movie making and publicity are very expensive endeavors. It makes sense to build on an established and more recognizable title. Why lose all the foundation established with the name "Firefly" by using a different title? It's vitally important not to lose any potential ticket buyers because they may not connect a differently titled movie. Hard core fans may be aware, but higher numbers than that have to be hit for a film to really succeed.

And there is no purpose served in creating a "separate" identity. The Firefly movie is not a sequel or a "spin-off". It will be the continuation of what was started with the TV show and the DVD set. It's very important for a property to retain name recognition.

How about:

Firefly: Out to the Black

or

Firefly: When Reavers Attack!

11thHour

__________________________________________________________

"Doing the impossible makes us mighty." - Malcolm Reynolds

SHINY

Sunday, December 14, 2003 12:34 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by 11thHour:

How about:

Firefly: Out to the Black

I like it!

RIVER
Purple elephants are flying.
MAL
Good. Thanks for the update.

SERGEANTX

Sunday, December 14, 2003 12:49 AM

I wonder if the Reavers will wear suits and ties and look suspiciously like a convention of Fox executives.

SergeantX

"..and here's to all the dreamers, may our open hearts find rest." -- Nanci Griffith

DESANGRO

Sunday, December 14, 2003 3:05 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by kasuo:
- Firefly: Better than Star Wars
- Firefly: The Search for More Money
- Firefly: 2517

"Let's moon 'em!"

Yeah, gotta agree with you there. It is better than Star Wars... at least it's better than the two childish, corny, canon-wrecking 'prequels' that got fobbed off onto my poor, Star Wars loving soul.

The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones are what finally turned me off of Star Wars, though I admit that I do have a lingering fondness for the original movies. But that's another thread. I've got my DVDs. Maybe once again it'll be Firefly Friday at my house now. Now all I need is the Alien Quadrilogy.

Space for Sale. Place your Signature Here!

KELSO

Sunday, December 14, 2003 4:33 PM

I think they should just go with the title of the unproduced episode.

F I R E F L Y
Dead or Alive

Has a nice ring to it :D

SUCCATASH

Saturday, February 21, 2004 10:25 PM

Looks like Outlander guessed it first.

FLAMETREE

Saturday, February 21, 2004 11:35 PM

ok here goes

1) The Battle for Serenity Valley
reasons:
a) can't go wrong with a war movie
b) they are always referring to it. It will certainly be in the movie somehow.

2) Aiya! Women Wan le!(In chinese characters of course)
translation underneath: We're in big trouble now!
thanks to ying's pingyinary

reasons:
a) It's What you say when you see reavers
c) Go for a multicultural audience
b) some people might think its a hong kong action flick and they would be about right

TALONPEST

Sunday, February 22, 2004 12:03 AM

I can't believe no one's suggested Reaver Madness!

According to Universal's site, Serenity is the working title. I agree that it's not the catchiest name for an sci-fi/action film, but when you think about it it's probably called that for a reason. The ship has always been a great big flying metaphor, which Joss is certain to play up in a major way.

Serenity In The Black has a certain ring to it... if a little cheesy.

DARKJESTER

Sunday, February 22, 2004 12:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Talonpest:
I can't believe no one's suggested Reaver Madness!

Ugh! Seems we have a Mal-content in the ranks!

(Sorry Talonpest, couldn't resist!)

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GHOULMAN

Sunday, February 22, 2004 1:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by outlander:
My suggestion for the movie title would be "Serenity"

I've never understood why Joss called the show "Firefly" and not "Serenity". To me "Serenity" is a much more impressive and meaningful title than "Firefly".

"Serenity" seems to me to be a very cinematic title and not only would it make a good title for Science Fiction film it would also work as a tile for a Western or Horror film depending on which way Joss wanted to go with the tone of the movie.

Using "Serenity" would also make the movie an entity on its own so it would be more likely to attract people that have never seen the series, something that a title like "Firefly The movie" would be less capable of doing.

Under the title "Serenity" you could have in smallish writing "Based on Joss Whedon's Firefly" showing a visible connection to the series as well as showing it to be a reinterpretation of the series for the big screen. And if it gets picked up as a series it could then become "Serenity The Series"

It also reflects a more personal connection to the movie for the fans of the show. Her brand name was "Firefly" her real name is "Serenity".

Do People Have Suggestions For The Title Of The Firefly Movie?

SERENITY

You know, I agree with you... and by the way, I read about the movie rumour in the other thread that suggested this might be a working title for now.

It is funny the show is called Firefly and not Serenity, I didn't think about it until you mentioned it actually. Nice 1.

Funny, Joss seems to hide a rather large talent for drama behind his love for the 'mask' of allegory and such. That is, the fantasy worlds he creates. Is calling the show 'firefly' symbolic of this? I bet even Joss doesn't realize this. But it's my guess (I don't know the guy but somehow... watching his shows I grok Joss a wee bit I think.).

OUTLANDER

Sunday, February 22, 2004 3:17 AM

Yay Me!

HKCAVALIER

Sunday, February 22, 2004 4:02 AM

I know it's almost been said, but when I was thinking about this question a couple days ago, I thought of "Firefly: into the Black." "Into the Black" suggests courage and mystery and space and the future and the unknown, etc. I like it. And, of course, it is a direct quote from the theme song.

HKCavalier

Hey, hey, hey, don't be mean. We don't have to be mean, because, remember, no matter where you go, there you are.

SUCCATASH

Sunday, February 22, 2004 4:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by HKCavalier:
"Into the Black" suggests courage and mystery and space and the future and the unknown, etc. I like it. And, of course, it is a direct quote from the theme song.

Sorry to nitpick, but it's not a direct quote of the theme song.

Take me out
to the Black

HKCAVALIER

Sunday, February 22, 2004 5:14 AM

Good gravy!!! I have always heard it as, "Take me out/into the black..." You prolly have access to the written text of the song or something so I certainly won't argue with you, but it sure does scan better with that extra syllable. Without it there's just this silent "uh" in the middle of the phrase. Dayumn!

HKCavalier

Hey, hey, hey, don't be mean. We don't have to be mean, because, remember, no matter where you go, there you are.

SUCCATASH

Sunday, February 22, 2004 6:12 AM

BRITCHICK

Sunday, February 22, 2004 11:05 AM

As a fan of the show "Firefly" seems like the right title.

HOWEVER, and reinforcing a point made earlier..., it isn't the current fanbase that needs attracting to the movie!

People who haven't seen the show may just think of it as "some failed TV show", and if they think that, why are they going to want to shell out their hard earned dollars to see a movie of a "failed tv show"?

I don't really like "Serenity" as a title either. If you didn't know what the film was about already, would the title "Serenity" intrigue you enough to go and see it?

IMHO, a completely different title is needed. Without knowing what the plotline is of the film, I find it hard to think of possible alternatives.

I guess it depends what feelings Joss wants to invoke?

btw, I see on the Universal site that "Serenity" is the current title for this "coming soon" movie.

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TAMFAMFAN

Sunday, February 22, 2004 4:52 PM

For a serious title, I'd go with "Firefly:The Serenity Chronicles"

Otherwise "Firefly:FOX Can Choke On It" Sounds mighty fine to me, or "Firefly:About Gorram Time"

You look better in red.

BADGERSGIRL

Sunday, February 22, 2004 6:24 PM

My brother came up with a great title last night:

[c]Firefly:
Cancel This[/c]

"I like her" - Badger