Good news everybody! Futurama has been saved from the purgatory of TV cancellation once again. Even better news most of the original cast are returning – including Billy West and Katy Siegel who voiced Fry and Leela respectively. The bad news? Well, John DiMaggio who played Bender Bending Rodríguez may not be coming back.
According to Deadline while the rest of the animated series’s voice cast were able to strike a deal with 20th Century Animation negotiations didn’t run as smoothly with DiMaggio. As things stand he will not be returning for the sci-fi series eighth season and his characters have been recast ahead of a table read.
The news that DiMaggio isn’t returning has caused consternation amongst Futurama fans who are delighted their favourite TV series is returning but horrified at the prospect of the iconic robotic felon sounding, well, a bit weird. Some fans went so far as to say they’d boycott the new series unless DiMaggio was rehired before it airs in late 2023.
Here’s a collection of reactions to DiMaggio’s departure:
Without @TheJohnDiMaggio as Bender I don't even want anything to do with more Futurama. Do the right thing. Get this man no matter the cost or this is all for nothing! #bendergate
— BokuNoBeard (@BokuNoBeard) February 10, 2022
I want more Futurama as much as any sane person, but without John DiMaggio it wouldn't be the same. #bendergate https://t.co/XlgiKcnhcK
— Ally Catraz 🐈⬛ (@allycatraz87) February 10, 2022
Was so excited to see this, but now reading that @TheJohnDiMaggio is not signed on to voice Bender. This is unacceptable you can’t do Futurama without him. #bendergate #Bender https://t.co/KazoniJp4j
— Grey Dawn (@Grey25763125) February 10, 2022
#bendergate We want all original cast! https://t.co/JtrpXo6mqB
— Michael E (@bullskithead) February 10, 2022
#Futurama will finally be back, thanks @hulu!
But how cynical it is to promote it with the very character that you might recast… #bendergate https://t.co/SLPnTwH8Za pic.twitter.com/lknIh8UD5j— Isa Trend (@IsaTrend05) February 10, 2022
the fact that hulu supposedly can't get John on as Bender, and that "negotiations are at a standstill"
means they don't want to pay him
im not saying the full cast should go on strike and force hulu to hire John.. but wait, that's exactly what im saying #bendergate pic.twitter.com/zKw65UQyUJ
— DungeonSkunk 🏳️⚧️ (@dungeonskunk) February 10, 2022
Was so excited to see this, but now reading that @TheJohnDiMaggio is not signed on to voice Bender. This is unacceptable you can’t do Futurama without him. #bendergate #Bender https://t.co/KazoniJp4j
— Grey Dawn (@Grey25763125) February 10, 2022
For his part, DiMaggio has kept relatively quiet on the subject. He did let fans know he was grateful for the support writing on Twitter, “Thanks for the concern and the props, everyone. I really appreciate it.”
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! #bendergate
— John DiMaggio (@TheJohnDiMaggio) February 10, 2022
Still, not all is lost. There’s plenty of time for 20th Century Animation and DiMaggio to strike a bargain. The Independent has reported that both sides are keen to find a resolution to the impasse so who knows maybe Bender will ride again.