Bender Voice Actor John DiMaggio Says ‘The Entire Cast’ Deserves Better Pay For ‘Futurama’ Revival
Brent Furdyk - ET Canada
© Photo by Barry King/WireImage
Fans are rallying to the support of voice actor John DiMaggio, best known for portraying booze-swilling robot Bender in animated comedy "Futurama".
According to a report from Deadline, fans celebrated the announcement that Hulu was reviving the cult hit — until news emerged that DiMaggio was unable to come to a deal to reprise the character he's voiced since the series' first season in 1999.
While Hulu finalized plans today to order 20 new episodes, most of the series' voice cast have signed on, including Billy West (who voices Fry and Professor Farnsworth) and Katey Sagal (Leela), in addition to actors Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche, Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr, and David Herman.
DiMaggio, however, was reportedly unable to come to a deal with 20th Television Animation, which produces the series; as a result, reports Deadline, Bender and the other roles he voices are being recast in advance of the first table-read next week, although "there is still a desire on both sides for him to return."
“Negotiations are a natural part of working in show business. Everyone has a different strategy and different boundaries… Some accept offers, some hold their ground," he continued. “Bender is part of my soul and nothing about this is meant to be disrespectful to the fans or my ‘Futurama’ family. It’s about self-respect. And honestly, [it’s about] being tired of an industry that’s become far too corporate and takes advantage of artists’ time and talent."
Finally, he added, “I wish I could give you every detail so you would understand, but it’s not my place. Thanks again for the love everyone. Still hoping for the best.”
Irate fans have been saying a lot about the situation — and DiMaggio has been retweeting some of the choicer comments.
In a tweet on Tuesday, DiMaggio addressed the dispute: "I don't think that only I deserve to be paid more. I think the entire cast does."
Fans are rallying to the support of voice actor John DiMaggio, best known for portraying booze-swilling robot Bender in animated comedy "Futurama".
According to a report from Deadline, fans celebrated the announcement that Hulu was reviving the cult hit — until news emerged that DiMaggio was unable to come to a deal to reprise the character he's voiced since the series' first season in 1999.
While Hulu finalized plans today to order 20 new episodes, most of the series' voice cast have signed on, including Billy West (who voices Fry and Professor Farnsworth) and Katey Sagal (Leela), in addition to actors Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche, Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr, and David Herman.
DiMaggio, however, was reportedly unable to come to a deal with 20th Television Animation, which produces the series; as a result, reports Deadline, Bender and the other roles he voices are being recast in advance of the first table-read next week, although "there is still a desire on both sides for him to return."
“Negotiations are a natural part of working in show business. Everyone has a different strategy and different boundaries… Some accept offers, some hold their ground," he continued. “Bender is part of my soul and nothing about this is meant to be disrespectful to the fans or my ‘Futurama’ family. It’s about self-respect. And honestly, [it’s about] being tired of an industry that’s become far too corporate and takes advantage of artists’ time and talent."
Finally, he added, “I wish I could give you every detail so you would understand, but it’s not my place. Thanks again for the love everyone. Still hoping for the best.”
Irate fans have been saying a lot about the situation — and DiMaggio has been retweeting some of the choicer comments.
In a tweet on Tuesday, DiMaggio addressed the dispute: "I don't think that only I deserve to be paid more. I think the entire cast does."
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