Bender Voice Actor John DiMaggio Reacts to Fans Boycotting ‘Futurama’ Reboot if He’s Recast

Zack Sharf - 
Variety

In the 24 hours since Hulu announced it was bringing back David X. Cohen and Matt Groening’s animated sci-fi comedy series “Futurama,” original cast member John DiMaggio has used social media to champion the many fans who are upset over his potential recasting in the reboot. DiMaggio, who voiced Bender and several minor characters, is not currently attached to the project. His original co-stars Billy West, Katey Sagal, Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche, Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr and David Herman are all returning.

As reported by Variety, the producers of the series are hopeful DiMaggio will return. An individual with knowledge of the project said a deal for DiMaggio’s return was still being worked out at the time of the reboot’s announcement. Should one not happen, Bender will be recast.

More from Variety

'Futurama' Revival Ordered at Hulu With Multiple Original Cast Members Returning

The possibility of a recast Bender sent “Futurama” fans into a frenzy, with many of them threatening to boycott the reboot should DiMaggio not return. The voice actor shared articles of the fan boycott to his Twitter page, accompanied by Bender’s famous “cheese it!” line.

DiMaggio reposted one fan message that reads: “Hulu should just pay DiMaggio, love ‘Futurama’ but Bender is the face of the show.” He also reposted another message that mentioned he is “ready, willing and able” to join the reboot, but he just needs “a balanced and contextual deal.”

While DiMaggio has not gone into detail about where his “Futurama” reboot deal stands, he did send the following message to fans hours after the reboot’s announcement: “Thanks for the concern and the props, everyone. I really appreciate it. Don’t worry, I’ll keep you posted, but until then… CHEESE IT!”

“When presented with the opportunity to bring fans and viewers new episodes of ‘Futurama,’ we couldn’t wait to dive in,” said Craig Erwich, president of Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, in a statement announcing the reboot. “This iconic series helped blaze the trail for the success of adult animation since its initial launch and we look forward to Matt & David continuing to pave the way and further establishing Hulu as the premiere destination for fans of the genre.”

Production on Hulu’s “Futurama” reboot will begin this month with an eye towards a 2023 premiere.


'Futurama' Revived at Hulu

Tim Baysinger - Wednesday
TheWrap


"Futurama" is coming back… again. Hulu has ordered a 20-episode revival of Matt Groening's futuristic animated comedy, the second time that show has been brought back.

It first aired on Fox for five seasons from 1993-2003 and was Groening's follow-up to "The Simpsons." It was later revived for a three season run on Comedy Central in 2007, airing its last episode in 2012. That run included four straight-to-DVD specials that were recut as 30-minute episodes.

Groening is returning alongside co-creator David X. Cohen. The original voice cast, including Billy West and Katey Segal, are returning along with Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche, Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr and David Herman. John DiMaggio, who voiced the alcoholic wise-cracking robot Bender, is said to be finalizing a deal to return.

"When presented with the opportunity to bring fans and viewers new episodes of Futurama, we couldn't wait to dive in. This iconic series helped blaze the trail for the success of adult animation since its initial launch and we look forward to Matt & David continuing to pave the way and further establishing Hulu as the premiere destination for fans of the genre," Craig Erwich, president, Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, said in a statement.

"I'm thrilled to have another chance to think about the future... or really anything other than the present," said David X. Cohen.

"It's a true honor to announce the triumphant return of 'Futurama' one more time before we get canceled abruptly again," commented Matt Groening.

"What I love about animation is that it's possible for a successful show to take a pause and then resume years later, even on a different platform, and pick up right where it left off. Futurama is one of those shows. The excitement from Hulu about returning Matt and David's genius creation for all-new episodes has been off the charts. I'm thrilled that this incredible team will get to tell more stories, and that our Planet Express crew will have more adventures together. It's a win for the fans who have loved the show since the beginning, and for the ones who will now discover it for the very first time," commented Marci Proietto, Head of 20th Television Animation.