The bad SDCC publicity would...I dunno, but it'd do something to whoever is handling Futurama now. Unless it's all a scam.
They already have a few guys on their cast who do like, 7 voices each. How much cheaper can hiring new people be?
I think Billy West even admitted that he made Fry's voice his own so that it'd be impossible to copy it or replace him. Let's hope it works.
Variety is reporting they were asking 75k an episode. There are other really talented voice actors and even impressionists out there. I'm sure they could find someone who could match the voice, but there is also the having to be a good actor side of it.
For a show that gets cancelled constantly and causes them a huge inconvenience for finding other jobs I think that's more than fair.
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I wouldn't say this is comparable to Family Guy at all. Family Guy, they just gave Seth McFarlane free reign and so he turned it into a soapbox for his views in the guise of humor.
I don't get the Cronkite thing though. And apparently, it's different people at FOX right now. The old ones were fired/turned into Torgo powder, remember?
Like everybody says for all the work Billy West and Maurice LaMarche do on the show I can't imagine it would actually be cheaper to replace them. I could see Katey Sagal going, but the other actors are too important. Especially with Billy West playing half the cast.
If the new hiring is an honest move (which I still doubt), I honestly think a series reboot would be more likely to succeed than trying to recast the same characters. They could pretend on the show that nothing's happened, but it'll come across as awkward and alienating. They could try being self-referential about it, but other than the beginning of the first movie that's never really been a part of the Futurama style of humor. Creating a new Planet Express delivery team brings up obvious parallels to Star Trek: TNG, and making references to other sci-fi shows has always been a large part of the comedy of Futurama. It would also make it easier for fans to distance it from the original series in case it sucks.
If the new hiring is an honest move (which I still doubt), I honestly think a series reboot would be more likely to succeed than trying to recast the same characters. They could pretend on the show that nothing's happened, but it'll come across as awkward and alienating. They could try being self-referential about it, but other than the beginning of the first movie that's never really been a part of the Futurama style of humor. Creating a new Planet Express delivery team brings up obvious parallels to Star Trek: TNG, and making references to other sci-fi shows has always been a large part of the comedy of Futurama. It would also make it easier for fans to distance it from the original series in case it sucks.
Arguably they could skip ahead 60 years have a ( for the future) middle Aged Cubert and Dwight run the company and have the old crew simply never return from the wormhole. ( ignoring that Cubert would have to sound like Billy West of course)
Of course ditching the main character for an entire season did wonders for that seventies show so . . .
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They are never going to recast the show, why is everyone getting so nerdrage about it? Fox's public comment was all but missing "Your move, Groening" at the end of it.
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NappuccinoSurveyor of Things and StuffRegistered Userregular
They are never going to recast the show, why is everyone getting so nerdrage about it? Fox's public comment was all but missing "Your move, Groening" at the end of it.
Even if they aren't recasting it, they're trying to short change hard working individuals.
edit: although, 75,000 per episode is a fine lot of cash that I would be more than happy with.
(sign me up Fox, I'll be cubert for 1/2 that price)
Yeah, there's no denying it's a dick move to not pony up and pay the talent what they are worth, but all of this "rawr rawr Fox raped this and that fuck you!" backlash is just as irritating to listen to.
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AtomikaLive fast and get fucked or whateverRegistered Userregular
Yeah, there's no denying it's a dick move to not pony up and pay the talent what they are worth, but all of this "rawr rawr Fox raped this and that fuck you!" backlash is just as irritating to listen to.
I don't have the books in-hand, and god knows FOX has a long history of dickery, but if you're trying to make a profit on a cable net, paying $10 million dollars to five people to sit around in their PJs and talk into a mic once or twice a week is a pretty tall order.
FOX isn't going to recast; they know that's suicide. They've just put the question to Cohen & Co. by virtually saying, "Lower your asking price, or go without."
For some reason this just seems to sum up my feelings on this.
No matter how well intentioned (and it's Fox, so it's not well intentioned at all), it's just going to be a grotesque mess . . . and possibly make me cry.
Yeah, there's no denying it's a dick move to not pony up and pay the talent what they are worth, but all of this "rawr rawr Fox raped this and that fuck you!" backlash is just as irritating to listen to.
I don't have the books in-hand, and god knows FOX has a long history of dickery, but if you're trying to make a profit on a cable net, paying $10 million dollars to five people to sit around in their PJs and talk into a mic once or twice a week is a pretty tall order.
FOX isn't going to recast; they know that's suicide. They've just put the question to Cohen & Co. by virtually saying, "Lower your asking price, or go without."
Bear in mind they pay that much for American Idol in a week.
Fox stands to make a large profit on this they just want to keep way more than usual.
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All I can say is I'm bumed if they do end up recasting. I'll probably give the show a chance, but if it isn't amazing from the (re?)beginning I'll quickly dump it.
All I can say is I'm bumed if they do end up recasting. I'll probably give the show a chance, but if it isn't amazing from the (re?)beginning I'll quickly dump it.
I'll check it out, and probably keep up with it unless it is terrible. But if it isn't up to par I won't buy the DVDs and that is the big problem for Fox since that's where the profit is.
Update: 7.23.2009 -- From Phil LaMarr (via Facebook): "[20th Century Fox] just dis-invited the cast members who were supposed to appear [at the Futurama Comic-Con panel] so it may not be entertaining but it’ll certainly be interesting."
Furthermore, LaMarr has refuted the previously-reported claim by Variety that the cast was asking for $75,000 per episode: "Apparently Fox has decided to just make up numbers. The $75,000 figure they cite is not even close to what the cast is asking for. If it was, Katey Sagal would be there now during character designs!"
Update: 7.23.2009 -- From Phil LaMarr (via Facebook): "[20th Century Fox] just dis-invited the cast members who were supposed to appear [at the Futurama Comic-Con panel] so it may not be entertaining but it’ll certainly be interesting."
Furthermore, LaMarr has refuted the previously-reported claim by Variety that the cast was asking for $75,000 per episode: "Apparently Fox has decided to just make up numbers. The $75,000 figure they cite is not even close to what the cast is asking for. If it was, Katey Sagal would be there now during character designs!"
Fox are either playing mega hard ball or have reached full retard, youre not going to get away with replacing the entire cast. One person? Maybe, 2? Pushing it, but even the core trio? No chance.
Update: 7.23.2009 -- From Phil LaMarr (via Facebook): "[20th Century Fox] just dis-invited the cast members who were supposed to appear [at the Futurama Comic-Con panel] so it may not be entertaining but it’ll certainly be interesting."
Furthermore, LaMarr has refuted the previously-reported claim by Variety that the cast was asking for $75,000 per episode: "Apparently Fox has decided to just make up numbers. The $75,000 figure they cite is not even close to what the cast is asking for. If it was, Katey Sagal would be there now during character designs!"
Ugh, if they recast this then I'm not going to make an effort to watch this, or buy the dvds, like i've done with all the previous series and movies. Maybe in a couple of years if enough friends assure me it is awesome all the same I might reconsider
It's a negotiating tactic, Fox knows how much money the DVD's raked in. Fox also knows the fans don't like the idea of recasting and would likely not touch it with a twenty light year bargepole.
The original cast will be in it.
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It's a negotiating tactic, Fox knows how much money the DVD's raked in. Fox also knows the fans don't like the idea of recasting and would likely not touch it with a twenty light year bargepole.
It's a negotiating tactic, Fox knows how much money the DVD's raked in. Fox also knows the fans don't like the idea of recasting and would likely not touch it with a twenty light year bargepole.
The original cast will be in it.
On the other hand, Fox.
I concede the point sir.
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It's a negotiating tactic, Fox knows how much money the DVD's raked in. Fox also knows the fans don't like the idea of recasting and would likely not touch it with a twenty light year bargepole.
The original cast will be in it.
Yes we all assume this but actually uninviting the cast from an event? That is one way to get them to not come back regardless of what you offer.
I honestly don't understand the point in bringing the show back if they're going to just ruin it right off the bat. It just plain isn't Futurama without the proper VAs, no matter how good the replacements turn out to be (though I'm dubious if they're going to try and do it on the cheap). Why bring it back in the first place?
Also, could someone explain to me how Fox have this sort of control over casting when it's Comedy Central that commissioned the episodes? I don't really understand how TV works in the US.
I'm surprised they didn't just flat out cancel the event; it's gonna be a bit of a shitstorm if it's just going to be Matt Groening and David X. Cohen Vs. a whole load of angry fans.
I honestly don't understand the point in bringing the show back if they're going to just ruin it right off the bat. It just plain isn't Futurama without the proper VAs, no matter how good the replacements turn out to be (though I'm dubious if they're going to try and do it on the cheap). Why bring it back in the first place?
Also, could someone explain to me how Fox have this sort of control over casting when it's Comedy Central that commissioned the episodes? I don't really understand how TV works in the US.
Fox technically owns the show regardless. Comedy Central just gets broadcasting rights.
Then again, that is a ray of hope... Comedy Central has a big vested interest in the new Futurama episodes, so surely an exec or two from Viacom could go up to Fox and say "stop trying to torpedo the deal, you schmucks."
It's a negotiating tactic, Fox knows how much money the DVD's raked in. Fox also knows the fans don't like the idea of recasting and would likely not touch it with a twenty light year bargepole.
The original cast will be in it.
On the other hand, Fox.
I concede the point sir.
Never underestimate the power of Fox to kill and end something before its time.
This is called Foxmate. It's like checkmate but even more final.
I will laugh so hard if at the panel they go "psyche! everything's normal!" and bring the original cast out as a series of 'surprise' guests.
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AtomikaLive fast and get fucked or whateverRegistered Userregular
edited July 2009
I got to thinking about this last night, and I decided that as long as the voices weren't too far off, I'd probably be okay with new actors. I wouldn't like it, and I would always prefer the old cast, but it's not the cast that makes the show what it is. Animation is a writer/producer medium, and those guys are staying put (-ish).
Honestly, I think they'll settle on a deal before production starts, and possibly one or two of the cast will choose to not come back (my money's on West, who has left a show over money a couple times before).
Well, regardless if the numbers were fake or not, Fox is still considering not rehiring the original VAs, right? That's still fucked up, and it's still Fox.
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AtomikaLive fast and get fucked or whateverRegistered Userregular
Well, their only quoted remarks came from FOX execs, and they listed the asked-for salaries at $75k, so I'm guessing that data came from the only quoted source.
It may be a leap on my part, but considering how the cast is saying "bullshit," I'm inclined to further my assumption.
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AbsoluteZeroThe new film by Quentin KoopantinoRegistered Userregular
edited July 2009
$75k per episode seems like an unearthly sum... but what do I know. I make a fraction of that per year busting my ass full time. Kinda makes me not care about the whole damn thing.
$75k per episode seems like an unearthly sum... but what do I know. I make a fraction of that per year busting my ass full time. Kinda makes me not care about the whole damn thing.
Phil LaMarr said that number isn't anywhere close to what the actors were actually asking, that the actual number was much more reasonable.
edit: seems like this has been stated a number of times this page alone...
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For a show that gets cancelled constantly and causes them a huge inconvenience for finding other jobs I think that's more than fair.
I don't get the Cronkite thing though. And apparently, it's different people at FOX right now. The old ones were fired/turned into Torgo powder, remember?
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Arguably they could skip ahead 60 years have a ( for the future) middle Aged Cubert and Dwight run the company and have the old crew simply never return from the wormhole. ( ignoring that Cubert would have to sound like Billy West of course)
Of course ditching the main character for an entire season did wonders for that seventies show so . . .
Even if they aren't recasting it, they're trying to short change hard working individuals.
edit: although, 75,000 per episode is a fine lot of cash that I would be more than happy with.
(sign me up Fox, I'll be cubert for 1/2 that price)
I don't have the books in-hand, and god knows FOX has a long history of dickery, but if you're trying to make a profit on a cable net, paying $10 million dollars to five people to sit around in their PJs and talk into a mic once or twice a week is a pretty tall order.
FOX isn't going to recast; they know that's suicide. They've just put the question to Cohen & Co. by virtually saying, "Lower your asking price, or go without."
Yes.
Bear in mind they pay that much for American Idol in a week.
Fox stands to make a large profit on this they just want to keep way more than usual.
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I'll check it out, and probably keep up with it unless it is terrible. But if it isn't up to par I won't buy the DVDs and that is the big problem for Fox since that's where the profit is.
http://news.toonzone.net/articles/30489/updated-futurama-voice-cast-may-not-return-for-new-episodes-in-2010
I dont understand that part.
Ugh, if they recast this then I'm not going to make an effort to watch this, or buy the dvds, like i've done with all the previous series and movies. Maybe in a couple of years if enough friends assure me it is awesome all the same I might reconsider
The original cast will be in it.
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I concede the point sir.
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I've got a spare copy of Portal, if anyone wants it message me.
Yes we all assume this but actually uninviting the cast from an event? That is one way to get them to not come back regardless of what you offer.
Also, could someone explain to me how Fox have this sort of control over casting when it's Comedy Central that commissioned the episodes? I don't really understand how TV works in the US.
Though that could be pretty entertaining.
Fox technically owns the show regardless. Comedy Central just gets broadcasting rights.
Then again, that is a ray of hope... Comedy Central has a big vested interest in the new Futurama episodes, so surely an exec or two from Viacom could go up to Fox and say "stop trying to torpedo the deal, you schmucks."
Never underestimate the power of Fox to kill and end something before its time.
This is called Foxmate. It's like checkmate but even more final.
Honestly, I think they'll settle on a deal before production starts, and possibly one or two of the cast will choose to not come back (my money's on West, who has left a show over money a couple times before).
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It's still Fox, and they're still acting like douchebags. Different execs, same Fox.
Especially now that LaMarr is saying that the figures FOX posted in that Variety article are completely made up.
Well, their only quoted remarks came from FOX execs, and they listed the asked-for salaries at $75k, so I'm guessing that data came from the only quoted source.
It may be a leap on my part, but considering how the cast is saying "bullshit," I'm inclined to further my assumption.
I meant that there's a difference between Fox the network and 20th Century Fox the distributor.
I think a different one is at fault here.
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Phil LaMarr said that number isn't anywhere close to what the actors were actually asking, that the actual number was much more reasonable.
edit: seems like this has been stated a number of times this page alone...