 In casting his nine @-@ member crew , Whedon looked first at the actors and considered their chemistry with others . Cast member Sean Maher recalls , " So then he just sort of put us all together , and I think it was very quick , like right out of the gate , we all instantly bonded " . All nine cast members were chosen before filming began . However , while filming the original pilot " Serenity " , Whedon decided that Rebecca Gayheart was unsuitable for the role of Inara Serra , and shot her scenes in singles so that it would be easier to replace her . Morena Baccarin auditioned for the role and two days later was on the set in her first television show . " Joss brought me down from the testing room like a proud dad , holding my hand and introducing me , " Baccarin recalled . 
