This has to, HAS TO just be a publicity stunt or negotiating gimmick; nobody is that stupid.

It's not Futurama without the original voice cast, plain and simple.

I just cant see Groening and Cohen doing this without the original cast. Worth mentioning that nobody has heard from any of the casts reps, so this could still be a work/bit for comic con. IT BETTER BE.

I really hope this isn't true. Futurama will not be the same show without the voice cast. I have to say if they go forward with new voice actors I can't see myself watching the show.

I for one wont watch it in that case, rip futurama

There has to be a viewer petition somewhere - that helped in many past voice negotiations (Simpsons).

This better not be true, I won't watch if it's not futurama. Having different voice actors would make it like a futurama tribute band. This situation makes me think of Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang where Downey's character is "hired" for a part and given lavish treatment as a ploy to get some other actor to not ask for so much money.

the more i think about it the less i believe it.
I honestly don't think its possible to be that out of thouch with reality that you would rehire the cast, when when without the cast the show would be a frection of what it was.
(writers ect do a hell of a job aswell)

I believe that the only thing Futurama fans can do now is wait. there will probably be an announcement from ether David X. Cohen or Matt Groening this weekend or this Monday about Futurama. this announcement can go three ways. the first way is that they say that the casting changes are 100% wrong making this story a hoax. If they say that the cast has been going through some salary demands then this means that some or all of the parts may be getting new people. If they just say that they will be waiting for comic con then that means that this was a publicity stunt.

this is a tactic the studio is using to get them to lower their demand "oh you want more money than we're willing to pay? we'll send out a press leak saying we're going to audition new people" I have to think they'll get them signed.

Idk why there would be a salry issue.... Billy West and John DiMaggio do most of the voices each show. they are mainly the 2 most important voices

imagine billy west not being back. that means a new voice for fry, zoidberg, farnsworth, and zapp, just to name a few.

btw, it is most likely a ploy to get the cast to drop their salary demands. nonetheless, i don't like it.

this would be a devastating move as it wouldn't be Futurama without voices from West, DiMaggio, Sagal and LaMarr. In fact, the same goes with the writers - the show just wouldn't be the same show without everyone who has been involved up to this point. Get a hold of yourself Fox and don't let this happen!

I have been a Futurama fan from the beginning. I have all of the DVDs. If the original cast dose not return for new episodes, I will not watch on DVD or Comedy Central.

If the powers that be do this they should be forced to eat nothing but Caribbean Drano from now on.

I will not watch without the original cast. Simple as that. I would not be able to enjoy it. All I would be focusing on is that its not the same great group.

I would rather the show end.

Fox ruins everything they put their hands on...

I'd rather they just kept making the dvd films than return to episodes with a different voice cast, I refuse to watch that.

I hope this is a cruel joke. No John, Billy, or Katie, no Futurama, Period.

Got so excited to hear about the new episodes then distraught when I heard about the re-casting.

However, although I totally support the cast & will never watch any re-casted episodes, & I personally would sign any cheques they ask for, do you think the actors,(without giving in to blackmail) should consider their precarious postion on a cancelled show? Were they being unreasonable with their salary demands?

Also, can someone explain, as I'm from the UK & don't understand the situation too well, but why are all these talented teams (and the Simpsons must surely be able to call their own shots) still having anything to do with Fox, who sound like a bunch if dicks?

from Angryfan: "Fox ruins everything they put their hands on... "

I agree, as this is all I see happening? How can they still keep doing it?

I hate fox! I'm from down under and even I know that Fox are idiots. Fox airs there shows at different times and then the show is ruined because they haven't got the viewers patience or time anymore. Even the simpsons dosen't air at a set time. If it takes so long to make an episode that there has to be delays then prepare for when the episodes will be released. If that means postponing the return of the simpsons or any show. In Australia shows stay at a set time and don't change. Fox ruined Futurama and if they ruin futurama a second time then they won't have anyones respect anymore. Pay the futurama stars whatever they want and keep the show in a decent time slot for a whole year and people will watch. Hopefully futurama will survive like the simpsons when they lost the voice of homer Simpson. FOX SUCKS!!!

We could all start a collection, and pony up the difference. 1 million viewers, 1$ each.

nooooooooo ... oooo

is there anything we can do to help?

It would behoove the show

... This... Blows...
Fox really need to get their brains in gear. Messing with the show like this...

Bad News, Everyone! :-(

First of all, while I do love the voice actors I also realize that many do make unreasonable demands (apparently West left the Howard Stern show over salary disputes). And replacing them ain't the end of the world (actually Ren and Stimpy was *better* after they replaced the original).

But don't just blame Fox -- Fox ain't stupid and isn't engaging in such cost cutting measures the actors are starving. It's more likely that a few cast members, sensing their one big shot here, are just trying to negotiate some big bucks and Fox is letting them know they ain't indispensible. I trust both sides will negotiate correctly.

I cannot imagine Futurama without Billy West, Katey Sagal, Lauren Tom, or John DiMaggio; it would not be the same. My first impulse is if they are not there then neither am I. But I recall the multiple changes of Six's voice in Tripping the Rift. Terry Farrell, Gina Gershon & Carmen Electra--I don't believe I've seen the recent replacement(s--carried on and each put their own stamp on their character. Of course that was just one and not a wholesale change.

Don't get me wrong, but didn't that also happened few years back with the Simpsons, and finaly, it's still the same cast (main difference here is the Simpsons's cast got 400,000$)

However, I agree that sometimes, you need to wonder if they're not unreasonable, 70,000$ an episode, that's more than the majority of us make in a year.

I think FOX gets a twisted kick out of making this show suffer. People love this show! Please just give it a real chance to succeed.

i really...really dont want Billy West, John and Katey and the other cast to go!! i luv them.

i mean seriously, who will do the voice of Dr Zoidberg n Professor, Bender & leela.

How could they have the money to produce the DVDs, have the fan buy them enough to bring back the show, only to then turn around and say we are recasting the cast. They will come crawling back to the Zapper

shit, i agree with most of the people who are great fans of futurama

Fox is just being a bitch to the fans. They should keep the cast, that way we the fans will watch and buy the DVDs, without the cast Im not even going to watch it.
ps
CAN WE PETITION?!

no that's bad news ... I hope it turns out to be FOX scare tactics. Why would they return to FOX anyway? I thought Comedy Central ordered the new eps?

Fox is crazy! The voice talents are what make Futurama-this is a big deal-can this website get us names,emails and mailing addresses to the dummies at fox that are trying to kill futurama again beefore they even revived it! Would they replace the voice acting in the Simpsons or Family Guy? If they are serious they are nuts-I cant imagine matt g would even do the series without them would he? as usual fox doesnt give futurama the respect it deserves-

"First of all I don't think it is necessary to start a panic over this just yet"

So when do we start panicking?????

when we get confirmation? :P

Wow....Fox really, REALLY wants this show to fail. I hope this is some ass-backwards negotiating chip or something because, otherwise, Fox is stupider than I thought; and I really didn't think that was possible....

This is what happens if a show's cancelled for a while. The actors get new jobs, and it costs money to get them back. This is just capitalism. The actors state how much money they need for it to be worth it for them to drop what they're doing and come back, keeping in mind that they *do* have their own lives and it's not their duty to audiences to do the voices forever for nothing, and the networks decide if they can afford it.

I'm far more concerned about the writers than the voices. Voices are important, but good and consistent writers make the show far more than good actors. (Look at how The Simpsons has changed with the writers. Many people who liked the first 10 years don't like what came after that, and younger people who started watching later can't stand the earlier episodes.)

People like Billy West and John DiMaggio are brilliant at what they do, but they're not the only brilliant voice talent and if another actor is found who can do the voice right, it won't take long. The only thing that really concerns me is if we lose some of the better cameo characters because nobody on the new staff can do their voice exactly right. If you listen to the DVD commentaries, though, you'll know how the several brilliant voice actors on the show are even great they are even at mimicking each *others* voices with no distinguishable difference.

Keep the writing good -- no disrespect to them, but voice actors should come second.

Whats especialy annoying is some people have got the wrong end of the stick and think the actors are demanding more money.
Just to be clear for some of the commenter's above;

FOX IS ASKING THEM TO WORK FOR -LESS- Then normal.

They ARNT asking for a par rise here.
They simply arnt accepting a cut that Fox has asked for.

I would rather it stayed dead... different voices... get real FOX

Tell Comedy Central to kick in some of that 50 million they were going to pay Dave Chappelle.

i really don't think that you can recast a whole show like this. also.. if they got the whole cast back for the DVDs, why would they have any trouble getting them back for another season. I'm sure the financials are similar.

is there anyway that ILLEGAL DOWNLOADS can solve this?

Variety and the Hollywood Reporter?

WTF?

Not taking this seriously until I see something from FOX - since they are reportedly holding casting calls for new actors where is the announcement?

OR until I hear something from Cohen or Groening - blogs announcements - interviews - something from the "horses mouth".

and with that fox once again screws Futurama.

The crew of Planet Express dissapear into the "wild green yonder"
- "wild green yonder" being a metaphor for big fat $$$$'s

Maybe David X.Cohen saw this all coming.....

Plenty of people here are bashing FOX execubots, and I'm with you. However, given the economy, $75,000 per actor (assume 5), times 26 episodes adds up to a big number... $9,750,000. That money also eats into other aspects of production, writing, animation, effects, and yes, marketing is important.

Maybe the voice talents could compromise a little.

I think some people aren't looking at the whole story. While I'm not sticking up for Fox because I know they can be cheap, you have to remember the show is intended for Comedy Central and as such, the budget will be MUCH less. It's already been stated the writing staff will be greatly reduced and those who will have jobs, won't be making as much as before. Also, $75,000 per episode is a hell of a lot of money for voice over actors; especially when you consider that the show is successful, but not a massive hit. Also consider that voice actors working over 4 hours a day would require overtime and other extra fees (as per their union).

That's down-straight stupid.

Geez. With all this and the fact that the last two movies sucked I'm pretty sure It'll be crap no matter who does the lines. Futurama is still great because it ended at the very top. I'm glad that it didn't turn into the utter tripe that the simpsons have been for the last 10 years.

Here's hoping this thing'll crash and burn before getting on air OR that it'll get produced as far away from FOX as possible.

P.S. FU, Hollywood. FU, Rupert

Here's another petition with even more signatures that doesn't require any registration:

Can I point out that this comes from 20TH CENTURY FOX TV, the production company, and NOT Fox the TV network? Technically owned by the same parent corporation, but functionally completely different entities who do not have to and often don't consult each other on television shows. As of right now, FOX has nothing to do with Futurama. They might decide to option the broadcasting rights for the new episodes, but they're not producing the series and as such have absolutely no say in how it will be made. That's 20th Century Fox TV's territory, they're the ones with this powermove.

It's been confirmed, a casting call has been sent out for the new futurama season. Pfft, Fox can rot in hell. I'm out.... No way am I going to sit through some other chumps giving their impersonations of the greats...... Just re-cancel the show please if you're not going to do it properly.....

Please email the casting director at FUTURAMA (at)SCOTTMULLERCASTING (dot) COM and Fox at askfox (at) fox (dot) com!

There is not one Futurama fan I can think of that will be happy with the latest news, so tell them! Talking amongst ourselves won't meant squat, maybe telling them won't either, but at least try. That way you know you did what you could.

Let's put this sh** to bed once and for all!

If this goes through, the show will no longer be Futurama. With animated shows, the voice actors are clearly the most important element in creating character. To remove/change them is a ridiculous notion.

Still, I do a pretty mean Brannigan impression, so maybe I could score a job on the greatest show ever made....wait....what am I talking about? I'd never be able to live with myself replacing the legend that is Billy West.

Sign the petition people, and if this is a marketing stunt, let's at least show them how passionate we are about the original cast.

So...is it time to start panicking or what?

So, I don't know where the greed is. Is it with the "Box" company (probably) or with the actors (doubtful). The official word that Futurama was back gave me something to look forward to. My boyfriend asks almost daily, "Fry's coming back, aren't you excited?". Fry won't be back if Billy isn't doing Fry. Bender won't be Bender, Hermes not Hermes, Leela not Leela - eh, I could live without Dr. Z (joke). Taking all that away would I still watch? I don't know. I love this show.

Has anyone thought of the fact that it may not be the main characters that their getting new voice-overs for?? Just a thought..

Good news everyone, This is horrible news.

I was so happy to hear that my favorite t.v. was coming back for another season and now this!?!? I can't believe this is happening! I will not be watching futurama unless it is with the original voice actors.

Looks like we need to have some more Torgo's Executive Power made, I think we're all out.

Here's what I just wrote on Variety's website:

Hey, Variety, did you just rewrite a Fox press release? You did zero investigative reporting here. Fox is paying to send the current Futurama voice talent to the San Diego Comic Con this week where a "Fox executive" will tell them LIVE if they will be renewed or not. What drama! This is a publicity stunt. Fox would not pay to put actors in an embarrassing situation. If Fox said "No" at this public event, they would get a big black eye for bad taste. Of course, the talent will be brought back. I'm sure the contracts are signed already.

Did I get the news about the live confrontation from Variety, TMZ or an insider at Fox? No, it is on the schedule of events on the Comic Con website. Most Variety reporters should have read that list by now. Is Variety turning into Entertainment Weekly? Are you a business publication or a fan magazine?

Here's a copy of the Comic Con schedule information that I mentioned in the previous comment:

Saturday 1:00-1:45. Futurama: Life or Death?!

WHAAAT????? That's the stupidest think i've ever heard in my life. How can they change the voice that makes futurama great? I can't even imagine seing Fry or Zapp with different voice. Ooh i hope they're not serious, it will be the greatest crime on television history >:(

i guess we just have to wait for comic con or other official statements.

still I wrote some emails to the adresses mentioned above (#51). can't hurt.

If true, Billy West has to be resigned NO MATTER WHAT! His voice makes up to much of the show to just be recast.

This happened with The Simpsons a few years ago and the voice actors wound up getting raises. So let's wait and see.

Worth noting that the auditions requested by Fox had to be recieved by the 24th (this friday) the day before the Futurama panel at SDCC09. INTERESTING STUFF. You just read it, you can't un-read it.

I don't see it happen either. Groening and Cohen would never let that happen; they are aware of the importance of the cast in the success of the series...

Having been so pleased they were making a new series, Im annoyed they would even think about using a different cast. They presumably made enough money from the four features to consider it worth having another series - its right that the people who made us want to watch Futurama - the cast and animators - should share the benefits!!! I'd buy another series without having seen it - with the original cast! Wouldnt do that with a new cast who potentially will ruin the show.

lol this is funny.

I'm as displeased with the cast change as much as you all; however, like several people have mentioned in this thread already, Futurama is coming back on a completely different set of terms to begin with. It's all about efficiency here. We are in a recession and we mustn't forget the fact that Futurama - tho it has a large and loyal fanbase - was very much cancelled because it wasn't *commercially* viable the first go around. In another words, it became increasingly difficult to pay the cast their large salaries the first time.

I agree that this recasting could break the franchise, but I'm also a fan with realistic expectations. 75,000 per actor, per episode is totally unrealistic for this new run. I'm not saying the brilliant Billy West and company shouldn't be paid well, but everyone must remember that:
a) the show is NOT returning to primetime on the FOX network but rather the cable entity Comedy Central.
b) Although FOX did pull this same stunt with The Simpsons cast, THAT show had the luxury of still being a critical and commercial hit for the network and therefore there was incredible incentive to get the actors back.

Futurama doesn't have the same pull at all - so that comparison, while it could still be true, doesn't hold as much water. Remember that The Simpsons still had (and has) A LOT of money to throw around - this series, now more than ever, does not.

Consider ourselves lucky to even be getting a reboot of the series. I hope the voice cast can be resolved, but let's make sure we have things in perspective. And remember too, that in show business, the word business has always been longer than show...

Yes, let's consider ourselves lucky for getting a half rate imitation of a show.

The Simpsons actors are still getting about $500,000 per episode in a recession, but a show which is much better, has a huge fanbase and has the money to spare can't give the voice actors who made it what it is today what they deserve. $75,000 per episode. Recession is just an excuse to screw the actors out of money that they deserve.

Futurama is a much bigger hit than people think and this it does not have as much pull as The Simpsons is total crap. It might not have AS MUCH pull but it has at least HALF of the pull of The Simpsons. Which would calculate to 250,000 per episode. But instead of 250,000 per episode, the actors are asking for just under a third of what they're REALLY worth. FOX can spare the money, it is FOX who is being greedy not the actors.

75,000 per episode for a hundred million dollar franchise, that is back due to the massive success of it's dvd sales is more than reasonable.

Enter your comment here. Please stay on-topic.

NO TALK ABOUT ILLEGAL DOWNLOADS!
#25 - Ren and Stimpy was better after John K left??? Sheesh! Are you one of the Fox guys lurking on this board after doing your best to ruin Futurama's second chance? C'MON!

I sure hope this is just a negotiating tactic. I couldn't watch the show without the original cast.

WTF?!? Is Fox trying to make themselve's look bad, because thats what they're doing. Geez, I was sooo excited when I heard Futurama was coming back, now this. It wouldn't be the same show without Billy, John and Katie. If they do replace them I will just not watch the show. Gahh! This makes me mad. Why can't they just let Futurama be for a while!!

*Fox* can't meet the salary demands?!? What a complete load!

I agree with what someone else said, that the voices have got to be supported by great writing, true.... but the great writing MUST, I REPEAT MUST, be delivered by the voices we fell in love with! No two ways about it. I really hope this is a publicity stunt.

Ha Ha, my captcha turned out to be 'acting income' coinkidink fo sho!
I guess this is the same thing that happens everywhere throughout the arts; artists and producers are trying to create something awesome, and the stupid profit-obsessed money-makers continually try to hamper their efforts, for want of a bloody cent here and there. Futurama got it's revival through DVDs anyway - if prod costs are any prob, just bump the DVD prices up 50c or $1 or whatever. I'd gladly cover it!

I met a known actor the other day, and he said that he was in talks to audtion for Bender. I didn't say anything, because I didn't know about this whole thing at the time and just thought he was mistaken. He was really nice and I truely hope he does well in other areas, but Bender just wouldn't be Bender without Mr. DiMaggio, nor would any of the other characters be themselves without their actors.

Also, most of the cast does more than one voice, so isn't that like SAVING money?

um, I don't know if anyone is aware of this, but the cast and crew as well as fox studio execs are going to be in a panel at comiccon to make a special announcement this week.

Didn't Fox learn anything from replacing Maggie Roswell, Maude Flanders' voice on the Simpsons???

That was such a bad move that they eventually had to kill off the character! Now that was an even worse move because Maggie Roswell has come back to the show.
C'mon Fox!! THINK!!

I nearly cried on the train from work when I read this....are they insane? Who on earth could successfully emulate Bender for a start....its moronic

With Fox still "recasting" I think its interesting that the official ComiCon website still lists Billy West,John DiMaggio and Katey Segal as appearing on the Futurama panel this saturday. (The schedule is updated daily). Check it out:

If it is true it not going be the same I love the show and find it much better then the simpson :( New voice we do't want that if it does happen I am not watch it , it won't be the same at all.

HEY, WELL WE'RE AT IT LETS TAKE OUT ALL THE 3D ANIMATION. THAT WILL SAVE SOME MONEY. ALSO WE CAN MAKE THE EPISODES 15 MINS. AL-LA ROBOT CHICKEN. THAT WILL CUT THE BUDGET IN HALF! HERE'S A IDEA. INSTEAD OF VOICE ACTORS, WE'LL HIRE STEVEN BALDWIN TO DO ALL THE VOCIES. HE SO DESPRATE FOR MONEY WE CAN PAY HIM IN PENNYS. OR DEVELOPE THE FIRST EVER CLOSED CAPTION CARTOON AND NOT HAVE TO PAY ANYONE.

I SHOULD REALLY WORK FOR FOX.

All these people grateful for a new Futurama that second rate cos theres a recession - are you mad? They wouldnt be making it if they hadnt made enough money from the 4 feature length films! And I dont want to watch a "cut price" Futurama.

And I wonder how much money the Fox executives earn?

wwefk -I think you do work for Fox! If you dont, please stop giving them ideas!

Perhaps they should just bring out a dvd with a cover and no dvd, that should take account of the recession....

I agree with everybody that it wouldn't be the same with different actors. What disappoints me is that no one here is even mentioning Maurice LaMarche! He is the journeyman of the series! Also, the commentaries of the new episodes wouldn't be up to snuff without him. After all, Lrrr, Morbo, and HG Blob sound nothing alike!

I will not be watching the show in this case. When I saw this my heart skipped a beat

Well - ComicCon is cranking up today so let the countrdown to the Saturday Panel begin.

Gosh! It's not like FOX isn't a multi-million dollar company to begin with....
It's more like a 'mistake' when you knowledgeably lose money...

Fox fails again :D "Good news everyone! You have all been fired for incompetence!"

This has to be a lie. No human being can be this stupid. Not even the people at Fox.

From the comic con schedule:

1:00-1:45 Futurama: Life or Death?! Be a part of sci-fi history! Join executive producers Matt Groening and David X. Cohen, and stars Billy West, Katey Sagal, John DiMaggio, and Maurice LaMarche for high-stakes thrills as a top-ranking FOX executive decides live, on stage, whether Futurama will make yet another triumphant return or whether it is gone forever! The very fate of Futurama hangs in the balance! Paramedics will be standing by in case the intense excitement causes any panelists to collapse. Raucous celebration or abject despair to follow the news. Ballroom 20

Everything is going to be fine, it's just a stunt.

This is so wrong! Who would they replace? They can't replace anyone main or it would be like Doug when it went on Disney... Horrible!

Noooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!
FOX is the absolute dumbest netwark I've ever seen! But don't give up hope, fans! You can't give up hope just because it's hopless! You gotta hope even more, and cover your ears and go: Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah!

This is just a recreation of an episode - I can just imagine DiMaggio saying Kiss my shiny metal ass Fox to which Fox/Nixon responds "slush em" and thats that.

-dion

Qoute:

#87 by bend3r

From the comic con schedule:

1:00-1:45 Futurama: Life or Death?! Be a part of sci-fi history! Join executive producers Matt Groening and David X. Cohen, and stars Billy West, Katey Sagal, John DiMaggio, and Maurice LaMarche for high-stakes thrills as a top-ranking FOX executive decides live, on stage, whether Futurama will make yet another triumphant return or whether it is gone forever! The very fate of Futurama hangs in the balance! Paramedics will be standing by in case the intense excitement causes any panelists to collapse. Raucous celebration or abject despair to follow the news. Ballroom 20

Everything is going to be fine, it's just a stunt.

7-24-2009

The cast has been dis-invited from the panel according to Phil LaMarr on his Facebook page :(

IGN spoke with John DiMaggio today at ComiCon.

"When I asked him what he could say about the situation, DiMaggio first broke into song, singing some famous Elvis Presley lyrics: "Caught in a trap. I can't walk out! Cause I love you too much, baby!" He then smiled and told me, "In other words, no comment. I really can't talk about it. All I can say is that Matt [Groening] and David [X. Cohen] have such a wonderful project and I love it dearly

Dont we all feel dumb? It was all a comic con publicity stunt! We shoulda known-I am pretty sure the original voice talents wouldnt agree to this panel if they were being ousted.

This is a truly scary subject..

if they can't get the original actors, I'd rather it never to air!

@JimNightshade: sources, please?

Futurama Panel over. No voice cast attended. No questions about cast pay dispute allowed. No info about dispute given. THIS LOOKS REALLY BAD. START PANICKING!!!

Well, according to:
thrfeed(dot)com/2009/07/futurama-panel-lends-support-to-voice-cast-.html

Groening actually DID address the stand-off with a short statement, with both he and Cohen indicating their support for a resolution of the dispute, and an air of cautious optimism.

Further to that:

"the panelists also tried an odd format -- they read segments from past shows [in a] flat, almost robotic tone [which] could be interpreted as a subtle bid of support for the voice actors."

So there you go. Continue showing support for the voice actors in whatever way you can, but mad panic and bombardment of Fox with "you guys r so stooopid" ain't guna help.

They can easily make their money back with DVD sales.how did the series sales make out and then the movie DVD's? must have been good! :)

Sorry no proof or sources...just from hearing about the comic con saying the panel and fox executive will decide whether Futurama Lives or dies and with the voice actors invited it sounded like a stunt to me...Obviously they disinvited the staff and didnt even talk about it so the convention description wasnt even correct...guess it is a real dilemma....I agree with the many who say that the show isnt the show without the voice cast THEY ARE THE SHOW....dont even bother making new ones if fox cant get the original actors...and yeh they made 4 dvds that made money so how come fox thinks they cant keep paying them the normal salary??? They can turn the new episodes into dvds too....Jeeeze I dunno what to think....those of you lucky enuf to be at comic con, if anyone hears anything let us know...

OMG the panel was so painful. No cast and just weird lame inside jokes. How can we come so close just to have the rug pulled out from underneath us!?

How can this be happening! How can you have futurama...........without the original voice cast! This is ridiculous and something better be done soon....

Where have you gone, John DiMaggio
A nation turns its lonely eyes to you (Woo, woo, woo)

Maybe they will recycle words from the previous episodes and DVDs like South Park did for one episode when Chef left the show.

Seriously, this is asinine of Fox and Comedy Central.

As much as I prefer the original cast back, Futurama is a business. It is coming back because of a business decision, not because Fox feels some loyalty to fans.

Actors negotiate the best contract they get, and the Futurama actors negotiated themselves out of work on this production. Maybe they have other jobs to fall back on that will pay more. That is their right. And it is Fox's right to pay what they feel the job is worth. They feel $75K/episode is too much.

All I can reasonably hope for is they don't botch the casting job like a certain studio did with the recasting of Buster Bunny in Tiny Toons and at least get someone who can do the voice close to the original.

Like it or not, there are a great many actors out there who can do the job just as well as the originals could. Actors need to re-learn that lesson. They are eminently replaceable.

My philosophy: Writers tell an actor what to say. Directors tell an actor what do to. Costumers tell an actor what to wear. Therefore, actors are the least intelligent in the entertainment food chain and should be paid accordingly.

@ Lighthope
You talk about Actors like they're all carbine copies of Paris Hilton or Brad Pitt.
Or that the Actors opinions and ideas are never viewed for the characters they portraying because the directors and writers "control" it all.

I'm glad you have so much contempt for these guys/gals.

Really? really. Really?!!!!? I'm going to watch season one again instead of getting excited anymore. Bringing back futurama does not mean "cast optional", the network should expect that the actors would like a raise - just give it to them. Cripe!

I hate to say it, but Lighthope makes some very valid points that cannot be denied. Show business is a business and ultimately, there is a bottom line and a ledger that has to be balanced. I DO hope that Billy, John, Maurice, Katie and Co. can return and continue to kick ass in this new series, but the show will go on one way or another, and at some point, the original voice cast not returning can't entirely be blamed on the suits at Fox, but partially at the actors as well. It's easy enough to get overzealous and blindsighted as a diehard fan, but all this ranting and raving doesn't begin to solve the issue or speak to how things are truly conducted in the industry. Most of these actors are my colleagues, so I hope they can come to an agreement that's fair and gets them back on the air, but let's be realistic people. TV shows were created to sell advertising minutes. It's business, plain and simple. Even Groening said this over the weekend. Business will always come first in this industry, following by the artistry. Unfortunate but unavoidable.

Business this and business that. The point is if they recast, the majority of loyal fans wont watch. Which in turn will be very bad for business.

Fox's "business" decision is flush their money down the toilet? There is no point in making new seasons without the original voice actors, no one will watch it.

I bet not a single one of you who says they won't watch with a new cast will actually follow through on that promise. You know you will... the curiosity will eat you alive. "You watched it! You can't unwatch it!!!" Ha Ha Ha

Actually, the cast members don't deserve $75,000.

They deserve payments in increments of six figures or higher.

What will be interesting is to see if/when there is a break in the ranks. I'm guessing Billy West (whom I really do love) is playing a big part in keeping the solidarity among the other actors together. Yes, they are all brilliant and deserve huge pay days, but voice acting is not a huge burden on your time, with many jobs measured in hours rather than days or weeks. Billy, Katy and to a lesser degree John may not need the gig as badly, but the rest of the cast would probably love to work at a normal wage with a possible percentage of DVDs. The royalties from replays over the years alone would add up to a healthy chunk of change, just for ten hours of their time. I really do hope to see the full cast come back together (and the show will suffer if they don't), but I have a feeling that in a worst case scenario, all of the secondary characters (not voiced by Billy) will be back.

Yea Right.

I won't watch Futurama with different voices I won't!

Why doesn't fox just give them their salaries that they want and then they can hopefully make the final season cause show's get to boring if they last forever(The Simpsons), or make the season and then do one like Final movie that will be in theaters and then fox can burn and die!

But whatever happens i hope the whole cast comes back.

I don't really see why they can't put the money in. New voices won't be the best to have to get used to but it's still the same writers and animators. I'll watch it since it will basically be the same show...just not exactly the same.

Where's the loyalty?

You mean they are going to replace "The Zap Brannigan" ?

Actually FOX is asking them to come back and work for less than what they were getting before.

Kind of hard to side with either the actors or FOX in this one. When you think about normal people, with families, who probably were not even making $75k PER YEAR, are loosing their jobs all over this country.

Multiple confirmations. According to Maurice LaMarche, the original cast was just invited back. CELEBRATE!!