Nathan Fillion’s formerFireflyco-star, Alan Tudyk, has opened up about his potential return toThe Rookie.First joining Fillion as Hoban “Wash” Washburne, the pilot of the spaceship Serenity, Tudyk would regularly reunite with his co-star for several projects followingFirefly’scancellation. In 2019, Tudyk appeared as the socially inept crime scene cleaner Ellroy Basso inThe Rookieseason 1, a role that he would later reprise for 2022’s climactic season 4 finale, which saw Basso pulled into a dramatic shootout at the hybrid rural police station and diner at the border town of Frontera.
Speaking withScreen Rantat the black carpet event forResident Alienseason 4, Tudyk revealed whether he might be likely to return as Ellroy for a future appearance alongside Fillion’s Nolan inThe Rookie. Enthusiastic about the prospect of returning as Ellroy,Tudyk suggested that he would happily return if the show’s writers can come up with a suitable idea. Check out his response below:
What Alan Tudyk’s Comments Mean For The Rookie
The Pair’s Time On Firefly Still Overshadows Their More Recent Projects
Despite its all-too-brief run, the time Tudyk and Fillion spent together onFireflyand its movie spinoff,Serenity,continues to cast an enormous shadowon the careers of both actors. Not only do eager fans continue to cry for apossibleFireflyrevivaldecades after its original cancellation, but Tudyk would even use the sci-fi show’s enduring place in pop culture as inspiration for his 2015 seriesCon Man.The reminders of their time spent together in the beloved early 2000’s space western only seem to strengthen with each collaboration the two engage in.
Given Tudyk’s admitted willingness to return as Ellroy inThe Rookie, it is probably more a matter of when, not if, that fans can expect to see his character worked into another future storyline. Given thatFillion is already regularly featured inResident Alienas the voice of Octopus, a reciprocal offer would be a fitting continuation of the pair’s friendshipand ongoing professional relationship. Moreover, the pair’s ongoing collaborative efforts will also be brought into much sharper relief as both are set to appear in this year’sSuperman.
Our Take On Ellroy Basko’s Potential Rookie Return
Tudyk’s Next Cameo Should Bring Back Another Firefly Star
Continuing the pair’s unique comedic chemistry with each collaborative effort,Tudyk’s return as Ellroy onThe Rookiecan probably not come fast enough. However, if showrunner Alexi Hawley really wishes to maximize Tudyk’s next appearance alongside Fillion, perhaps it would be a fitting time for him to finally make good on a promise he once made to fellowFireflystar Gina Torres.
While Nathan Fillion is playing Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern inSuperman, Alan Tudyk will voice the Fortress of Solitude’s Robot #4.
Back in 2020 during the Comic-Con@Home event,Hawley suggested that he would write Torres into Fillion’s storyshould she ever make an appearance on the show. There would perhaps be no better way to accomplish this if he were to somehow team her with her formerFireflyhusband in an episode that could potentially reunite all three stars in a future episode ofThe Rookie.
The Rookie
Cast
The Rookie follows John Nolan, a small-town man who embarks on a new career as an LAPD officer after a life-changing event. As the force’s oldest rookie, Nolan faces skepticism from superiors who view his pursuit as a midlife crisis.
