The easiest way to look at it is like this - "Serenity" is being done by NBC Universal and they already signed Whedon to do two more pictures... whether they're Serenity 2 and 3 (which the cast seems keen on) is unclear. What is clear is what will happen if this film is truley a box office smash. I've read the script and it is an amazing story and easily surpasses everything I've read the last couple years. I have faith that Whedon will be able to put it on the big screen beautifully. With that said, if the audience response is positive then NBC Universal may just consider re-working the show (under the title Serenity, most likely) for their networks. With the film re-telling events fot people that may have never seen the show, it's clear the first couple episodes of 'Firefly' would be pointless to show... however, slight alterations and cuts and maybe some added footage to the previous episodes made (the "Firefly" episodes) they could show those old episodes as follow-ups to where the film leads off and as they're airing they could easily start filming new episodes that'll start where the series left off. However, "Firefly" was ownde by FOX and "Serenity" is owned by NBC Universal so if FOX opted for it the show may appear on their network with Universal in charge of production (much was the case with "Sliders" and "Buffy"/"Angel" [both made by FOX but sold to WB and UPN]).
So, I guess the simplest answer would be - if the film does great, the future for the crew of 'Serenity' has lots of promise.
