 Alan Tudyk applied through a casting office and several months later was called in for an audition , where he met with Whedon . He was called back to test with two candidates for the role of Zoe ( Wash 's wife ) and was told that it was down to him and one other candidate . The Zoes he tested with were not selected ( Gina Torres eventually received the role ) and Tudyk was sent home , but received a call informing him he had the part anyway . His audition tape is included in the special features of the DVD release . 
