10 Things You Didn't Know About Firefly
4. Legen... Wait For It... Dary Auditions
It's a fact that reaches as far as the 'Verse itself, Simon Tam is by far the most boring member of the Serenity crew, let alone the dullest (Kaylee practically jumped onto your lap Simon).
Every story needs its straight man and unfortunately actor Sean Maher got lumped with the position. Constantly whining about adequate protection for his sister River and being the voice of reason to ruin the fun of any half baked schemes put forward by the rest of the crew.
It could however of been very different if creator Joss Whedon's initial casting auditions went a little differently. Amongst the initial interviews was former child medicinal prodigy himself, Dr.Doogie Howser.
Auditioning for the role that would eventually go to Sean Maher, Neil Patrick Harris tried his luck at becoming part of the now legendary series but was unfortunately unsuccessful at the time.
Patrick Harris did eventually get to work with both Joss Whedon and Captain Malcolm Reynolds himself Nathan Fillion playing the title character in web series Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.
Every evil Doctor also requires a suitably menacing lab coat, the one chosen for NPH. The very same as worn by Dr. Simon Tam in Serenity.