Let this be a lesson to anyone who is trying to negotiate a higher salary in this economy — are you listening Paula Abdul? Comedy Central’s Futurama will be back in 2010 but you probably won’t recognize it. That’s because the entire cast has been replaced since they couldn’t come to an equitable agreement on salary.
That is because producing studio 20th TV is proceeding with auditioning new actors for the roles after failing to reach an agreement with the original voice cast: John DiMaggio, Maurice LaMarche, Billy West, Tress MacNeille and Katey Sagal.
“We love the ‘Futurama’ voice performers and absolutely wanted to use them, but unfortunately, we could not meet their salary demands,” the studio said in a statement Friday. “While replacing these talented actors will be difficult, the show must go on.”
In other words, CC probably said, “This is the number. Take it or leave it,” and the agents negotiating on behalf of their clients probably thought it was your standard, first offer bluff. Not well-played. This is voice work … how much are these people expecting to get paid? I’d do it for a can of cashews, though I’m well aware that, uh, voice work isn’t my calling.
Wow Wendie I was scared their for a moment. I thought you skipped out with having only written 8 posts. The other day you stressed the importance of your obligation to write ten a day. 1 more to go for today and then you can go home and give your husband and children their contractually negotiated allotment of attention.
This news is bullshit. I’ve been fuming about it ever since it was revealed a few days ago. The cast makes the show what it is along with the writers. The show won’t be the same without both the original writers and the original cast. As someone who owns every season on DVD and is a big fan, it would take a lot to make me not watch the new season, but CC might have succeeded.
I agree 100%, I will not be watching from now on if it’s a new voice cast.
I completely agree too!
I’m out too. Solidariteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Totally agree. I was reallly looking forward to new Futurama but I really don’t think it’ll be the same with different voices
Agreed. I equate it to buying a compilation album of awesome 60’s tracks, only to pop it in the stereo and find out that none of the songs are by the original artists. A different vocal performance can completely ruin a brilliant piece of writing– whether you’re talking about music or tv. This is bullshit.
Will. NOT. Watch.
Why even bother calling it Futurama if they’re not going to use the same voice actors?
Just go ahead and make another show or something!
I heard that the original cast is supposed to appear at a comicon or something like that and there’s already a “showdown” planned with Fox. Basically, they said this could just be a stunt thing to drum up publicity. I really really need to hold onto that as truth otherwise…. I’ll just be so sad.
Well, as a voice actor, I’m offended by that comment! “How hard can it be??” You’re right, it’s not like we’re surgeons or, say, gossip bloggers, but it’s still work and we still deserve to be compensated as much as any other hardworking actor.
BTW, do you realize that those voice actors that they’re firing have been in the business for decades?? Tress MacNeille, I’m SURE you’ve grown up with!! She is the voice of: Babs Bunny, Dot Warner, Mrs. Pickels, Agnes Skinner, Daisy Duck, did voices on chip and dale, duck tales, my little pony, gargoyles, pinky and the brain, garfield and friends, the critic, and soooo many more. she DEFINITELY deserves to get paid as much as she wants!!
btw, definitely wno’t be watching the new series on CC. that’s bullshit.
You mean Gargoyles actually had a NON trek related voice actor in it???
Hahahaha!!!
> we still deserve to be compensated as much as any other hardworking actor.
LMFAO @ “Hardworking actor”
I love Futurama- i can’t believe they’re doing this! Katey Sagal is my home girl!
I love Futurama. I hope somehow the cast and CC do make a deal because the show won’t be the same without those voices. How much money did they want anyway? How much money does Futurama make?
I to consider myself a die hard fan. I will however tune in, even just to verify how terrible it is.
In any event, if they need new voice actors, call me a scab but I’d do it.
John DiMaggio is on Chowder, and that show looks to be doing great. And it’ll probably be an easier job being Schnitzel than Bender, seeing as all he has to say is “Radda radda.”
I can’t believe this. I really hope they sort it out, the show simply wouldn’t be the same with different voice actors.
And as for, ‘how hard can it be?’ Very hard! The actors have to supply an instantly recognisable, consistent voice and be able to record multiple takes with different inflections and emotions to convey what they’re asked for, which requires a good deal of experience and advanced technique. It’s a very demanding job and usually very well paid because a recognisable voice is so important. The Simpsons actors get paid millions, because everyone would know it if it was someone else saying, “Doh!”
My friend is a voice actor, and while she is very talented, it isn’t a super hard or taxing job. Especially since it’s the most fun she’s ever had!
I’m not saying they’re not hard working people, because she is one of the most hard working people you could ever meet, but demanding job? Not as much as when she was a character @ Universal Studios, or one of her retail jobs where people are idiots, and rude to you, and yell at you all day long. And your store manger doesn’t even have a High School education…
So yeah, hard job? Depends on what you define as “hard.” And your past employment history.
Cashews are expensive!!!