Fireball XL5: FAB
Blast off into the unknown—where courage meets the cosmos.
A live-action reimagining of the 1962 Supermarionation classic, blending retro-futuristic wonder with modern sci-fi adventure.
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Concept Overview
Core Idea
In 2063, the World Space Patrol explores uncharted space from Space City facing alien mysteries and cosmic anomalies. They run a fleet of XL Spacecraft, with Fireball XL5 being their flagship.
Why Now?
Nostalgia for retro sci-fi is booming. Streaming platforms crave affordable, family-friendly genre shows.
Format
10-episode season, 45-minute episodes, mid-tier budget (~$3-4M/episode).
Target Audience
Ages 10-70, sci-fi fans, families, nostalgics.
The World
Setting
Space City, the Earth star base, is humanity's hub for space exploration in 2063. Fireball XL5 patrols Sector 25.
Aesthetic
Retro-futurism—The Jetsons meets 2001: A Space Odyssey. Practical sets and minimal CGI evoke 1962's analog charm.
Tone
Wonder and danger collide—optimistic but grounded. Stories explore human resilience and curiosity.
Practical-First Approach: Physical sets for the cockpit and control room, LED walls for space vistas, models for Fireball XL5 exteriors.
Characters and Casting Ideas
Steve Zodiac (Brandon Sklenar)
Bold pilot and charming leader with hidden doubts. Brings rugged grit and warmth.
Venus (Julia Schlaepfer)
Brilliant doctor and xenobiologist. Delivers empathy and resolve.
Professor Matt Matic (David Thewlis)
Quirky engineer whose gadgets spark chaos and solutions.
What to do about Zoonie And Robert?

Modern Robotic Animatronics in 'costume' coverings.
Execution
'Hire' these new animatronic robots like actors, to save on costs.
Why It Works
Organic chaos of Zoonie contrasts with Robert's sleek android, adding heart and humor.
Series Notes
Creative Team
  • Mix of genre veterans and new voices
Production Edge
  • Practical-first ethos
  • Half the cost of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
  • Vancouver tax incentives
Vision
Not just reviving Fireball XL5—igniting a new era of optimistic sci-fi, where humanity's future shines bright that is suitable for young minds as well as being appealing to adults and parents.
Sample Stories Ideas
"Signal from the Void"
Fireball XL5 answers a distress call from a derelict alien ship. The crew becomes trapped in their memories while Robert works to free them.
"The Silent Swarm"
A telepathic insectoid swarm is heading towards Earth. Venus negotiates peace with their Queen via Zoonie's telempathy while Steve and Matt fend off multiple insect attacks on the XL5.
"Hyperspace Gambit"
Matt's new drive for the XL5, strands the crew in a pocket dimension. Steve's risky plan to escape clashes with Venus's more cautious approach.
Market Appeal
Nostalgia Fans
40-70-year-olds who loved Gerry Anderson's shows (10M+ global).
Sci-Fi Buffs
18-35-year-olds craving Star Trek optimism (20M+ streaming subs).
Families
PG tone (like the original Star Trek) suits all ages, with Zoonie and Robert as kid-friendly hooks.
Merch Potential
Model kits, figurines, plushies—$5M projected revenue.
Fireball XL5: FAB - where the past fuels the future
Greenlight Pilot
$4M to test chemistry and android.
Fund Concept Art
$10K for sets and ships.
Partner with Engineered Arts
$100K deposit for Ameca prototypes.
Fireball XL5: FAB (recap)
Reimagines the 1962 Supermarionation classic as a live-action, retro-futuristic sci-fi adventure for 2025 audiences, streaming on a platform like Syfy, Hulu or Amazon. Set in 2063, the iconic Fireball XL5—helmed by daring pilot Steve Zodiac (Brandon Sklenar), brilliant doctor Venus (Julia Schlaepfer), quirky engineer Matt Matic (David Thewlis), and Robert the Robot—blasts off from Space City to explore alien worlds, unravel cosmic mysteries, and face moral dilemmas in a Star Trek-inspired universe.
With a practical-first aesthetic (models, sets, LED walls) preserving the original’s finned rocket and blinking consoles, plus a budget-savvy Zoonie puppet, this 10-episode season delivers optimistic, episodic thrills at $3-4M per episode, blending nostalgia for Gerry Anderson fans with fresh appeal for families and sci-fi lovers craving wonder over grit.