A shocking development in "Futurama" world today: when the show returns next year, it might be without members of its original voice cast. Talks have broken down between 20th Century Fox TV and stars Billy West, Katey Sagal, John DiMaggio, Maurice LaMarche and Tress MacNeille over how much they should be paid to take part in the show. When the surprise return of the show was announced, Fox TV claimed that West, Sagal and DiMaggio had all signed on, but that has turned out to not be the case. The studio looks to be playing hardball, and has put out a casting call to find replacement voice actors for the show, a move they also pulled a few years ago when a similar situation arose with the cast of "The Simpsons" (which, in a possible good sign for "Futurama," ended amicably and no cast members ended up being replaced). "We love the 'Futurama' voice performers and absolutely wanted to use them, but unfortunately, we could not meet their salary demands," 20th Century Fox TV said in a statement. "While replacing these talented actors will be difficult, the show must go on. We are confident that we will find terrific new performers to give voice to Matt and David's brilliantly subversive characters."
Join the discussion, already in progress, here.
