Difference between revisions of "Recasting ploy"

From The Infosphere, the Futurama Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
m
 
(47 intermediate revisions by 9 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
On 17 July, 2009, [[20th Century Fox Television]] announced it would open audition to '''recast the cast for ''[[Futurama]]''{{'}}s upcoming [[Season 6|sixth production season]]'''.
On 17 July, 2009, [[20th Century Fox Television]] announced it would hold open auditions to '''recast the characters for ''[[Futurama]]''{{'}}s upcoming [[Season 6|sixth production season]]'''<ref name="announcement-forcesofgeek"/><ref name="announcement-variety"/> when they failed to meet the salary demands of the voice actors.  This announcement outraged the fans and lead to much speculation.<ref name="confirmation-torontostar"/>


As of 27 July, no confirmation from either side have been provided.
On 31 July, 2009, [[Katey Sagal]], [[Maurice LaMarche]], [[Tress MacNeille]], [[Billy West]] and [[John DiMaggio]] all sealed their deal with 20th Century Fox Television.<ref name="confirmation-torontostar">{{cite web |url=http://www.thestar.com/comment/columnists/article/674841 |title=Futurama cast members ink new deal with Fox |publisher=Toronto Star |date=2009-07-31 |author=Salem, Rob |accessdate=2009-08-01}}</ref><ref name="vaitn"/><ref name="confirmation-variety">{{cite web |url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118006765.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 |title='Futurama' cast returning for reboot |publisher=Variety |author=Schneider, Michael |date=2009-07-31 |accessdate=2009-08-01}}</ref><ref name="confirmation-igntv">{{cite web |url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/100/1009858p1.html |title=Futurama Voice Cast Returning! |date=2009-07-31 |publisher=IGN TV |accessdate=2009-08-01}}</ref>  Supporting cast, including [[Lauren Tom]], [[Phil LaMarr]], [[Frank Welker]] and [[David Herman]], were settled a week later.<ref name="vaitn"/>


== Original dispute ==
== Original dispute ==


When ''Futurama'' official revived for its sixth production season, it was assumed that the voice actors of the show were also anticipated for a return and a contract had already been signed.
When ''Futurama'' was officially revived for its sixth production season, it was assumed that the voice actors of the show were also expected to return and that a contract had already been signed.


=== Announcement ===
=== Announcement ===


Before 20th Century Fox Television's official statement, [[Phil LaMarr]] posted an audition call for some of the main characters on ''Futurama'' as well as [[Kif Kroker]] and [[Zapp Brannigan]], the call also included links to videos of characters so actors could get an impression of the voice. This call was later broken by ''Forces of Geek''.<ref name="announcement-forcesofgeek">{{cite web |url=http://www.forcesofgeek.com/2009/07/is-fox-planning-to-recast-futurama.html |title=Is FOX Planning to Recast FUTURAMA? |publisher=Forces of Geek |date=2009-07-17 |author=Blitz, Stefan |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref>
Before 20th Century Fox Television's official statement, [[Phil LaMarr]] posted about an audition call for some of the main characters on ''Futurama'' as well as [[Kif Kroker]] and [[Zapp Brannigan]]. The call also included links to videos of characters so actors could get an impression of the voice. News of this call was later broken by ''Forces of Geek''.<ref name="announcement-forcesofgeek">{{cite web |url=http://www.forcesofgeek.com/2009/07/is-fox-planning-to-recast-futurama.html |title=Is FOX Planning to Recast FUTURAMA? |publisher=Forces of Geek |date=2009-07-17 |author=Blitz, Stefan |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref>


Moments later, the story was confirmed by 20th Century Fox Television in a statement:<ref name="announcement-variety">{{cite web |url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118006123.html?categoryid=14&cs=1&nid=2562 |title='Futurama' without original voices? |author=Schneider, Michael |publisher=Variety |date=2009-07-17 |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref>
Moments later, the story was confirmed by 20th Century Fox Television in a statement:<ref name="announcement-variety">{{cite web |url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118006123.html?categoryid=14&cs=1&nid=2562 |title='Futurama' without original voices? |author=Schneider, Michael |publisher=Variety |date=2009-07-17 |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref>
Line 17: Line 17:
}}
}}


[[Maurice LaMarche]] and [[John DiMaggio]] later confirmed the story on their Facebook pages as well.<ref name="announcement-macleans">{{cite web |url=http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/07/17/plus-they-can-replace-them-and-no-one-can-tell-the-diddley-ifference/ |title=“Plus, they can replace them, and no one can tell the diddley-ifference!” |publisher=MacLeans.ca |date=2009-07-17 |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref>
[[Maurice LaMarche]] and [[John DiMaggio]] later confirmed the story on their Facebook pages.<ref name="announcement-macleans">{{cite web |url=http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/07/17/plus-they-can-replace-them-and-no-one-can-tell-the-diddley-ifference/ |title=“Plus, they can replace them, and no one can tell the diddley-ifference!” |publisher=MacLeans.ca |date=2009-07-17 |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref>


=== Immediate reaction ===
=== Immediate reaction ===


The immediate fan reaction to the news was part denial and part suggesting it might be the other thing.  Analysis quickly spread out claiming that the whole thing was purely was a negotiation ploy by 20th Century Fox Television in order to force the voice actors to cave in for a lower salary.<ref name="analysis-hitfix">{{cite web |url=http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/2008-12-6-the-fien-print/posts/2009-7-17-clarification-on-the-futurama-recasting-reports |title=Clarification on the 'Futurama' recasting reports |publisher=HitFix |author=Fienberg, Daniel |date=2009-07-17 |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref><ref name="vaitn">{{cite web |url=http://voiceactors.wordpress.com/2009/07/17/fox-attempting-to-recast-futurama/ |title=Futurama Being Recast With Sound-Alikes? Yikes! |publisher=Voice Actors in the News |author=Crumpton, Craig |date=2009-07-17 |accessdate=2007-07-27}}</ref>  Immediate reactions elsewhere included that it being a publicity stunt to stir up more talk about ''Futurama''.<ref name="announcement-avclub">{{cite web |url=http://www.avclub.com/articles/futurama-to-get-recast-updated-and-updated-again,30532/ |title=''Futurama'' to get recast? |author=Phipps, Keith |publisher=A.V. Club |date=2009-07-17 |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref>
The immediate fan reaction to the news was anger and scepticism.  Fans quickly predicted that the whole thing was merely a negotiation ploy by 20th Century Fox Television to force the voice actors to cave in and sign up to work for a lower salary.<ref name="vaitn">{{cite web |url=http://voiceactors.wordpress.com/2009/07/17/fox-attempting-to-recast-futurama/ |title=Futurama Recasting Full Coverage |publisher=Voice Actors in the News |author=Crumpton, Craig |date=2009-07-17 |accessdate=2009-08-04}}</ref><ref name="analysis-hitfix">{{cite web |url=http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/2008-12-6-the-fien-print/posts/2009-7-17-clarification-on-the-futurama-recasting-reports |title=Clarification on the 'Futurama' recasting reports |publisher=HitFix |author=Fienberg, Daniel |date=2009-07-17 |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref><ref name="analysis-newsfromme">{{cite web |url=http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2009_07_17.html#017446 |title=Recasting About |site=news from me |author=Evanier, Mark |date=2009-07-17 |accessdate=2009-07-30}}</ref>  Immediate reactions elsewhere included speculation of it being a publicity stunt to stir up more talk about ''Futurama''.<ref name="announcement-avclub">{{cite web |url=http://www.avclub.com/articles/futurama-to-get-recast-updated-and-updated-again,30532/ |title=''Futurama'' to get recast? |author=Phipps, Keith |publisher=A.V. Club |date=2009-07-17 |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref>


In addition, ''Variety'' reported that the actors had asked for 75,000 dollars per episode in salary demands,<ref name="announcement-variety"/> something other people picked up, but it was a figure that at the time was neither confirmed by 20th Century Fox Television or the voice actor's reps.<ref name="analysis-examiner">{{cite web |url=http://www.examiner.com/x-1486-LA-Personalities-Examiner~y2009m7d17-Not-going-back-to-Futurama-Cult-hit-animated-TV-series-finds-its-cast-in-a-salary-dispute |title=Not going back to 'Futurama?': Cult hit animated TV series finds its cast in a salary dispute |publisher=Examiner |author=Carreon, Jorge |date=2009-07-17 |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref>
In addition, ''Variety'' reported that the actors had asked for 75,000 dollars per episode in salary demands.<ref name="announcement-variety"/> However, at the time, it was neither confirmed by 20th Century Fox Television nor the voice actor's reps.<ref name="analysis-examiner">{{cite web |url=http://www.examiner.com/x-1486-LA-Personalities-Examiner~y2009m7d17-Not-going-back-to-Futurama-Cult-hit-animated-TV-series-finds-its-cast-in-a-salary-dispute |title=Not going back to 'Futurama?': Cult hit animated TV series finds its cast in a salary dispute |publisher=Examiner |author=Carreon, Jorge |date=2009-07-17 |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref> This claim was later disputed by [[Phil LaMarr]] on his Facebook page.


== Alternative theories ==
== Alternative theories ==
Despite the two more obvious versions, other theories started appearing to explain the whole ordeal. Though, after the panel, people are confident that it is a negotiation tactic rather than anything else.<ref name="comiccon-hitfix"/>
 
Despite the two more obvious versions, other theories started appearing to explain the whole ordeal. Although, after the Comic-Con panel, people are confident that it was a negotiation tactic more than anything else.<ref name="comiccon-hitfix"/>


=== Union requirement ===
=== Union requirement ===


Some fans suggested that it was a Union requirement to recast actors for a show returning, just to have said they've done it.  However, this was quickly rebuttal with references to how neither ''Family Guy'' or ''Futurama'' itself had to be recast when it returned.
Some fans suggested that it was a Union requirement to recast actors for a returning show.  However, this was quickly rebutted with references to how neither ''Family Guy'' nor ''Futurama'' itself had to be recast when they returned.


=== Publicity stunt ===
=== Publicity stunt ===


Perhaps the most popular theory, fans speculated that the whole ordeal was put together by 20th Century Fox Television as well as the show runners and voice actors to stir up more publicity for ''Futurama'' up until the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con, where its truth was supposed to be revealed.<ref name="publicytstunt-slurmed">{{cite web |url=http://slurmed.com/?p=news&date=2009/07/18_02 |title=Futurama voice cast replacement analysis |author=Sánchez, JavieR |publisher=The Futurama Point |date=2009-07-18 |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref>
Perhaps the most popular theory; fans speculated that the whole ordeal was put together by 20th Century Fox Television as well as the show's runners and voice actors to stir up more publicity for ''Futurama''. The theory held up until the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con, where supposedly the truth would be revealed.<ref name="publicytstunt-slurmed">{{cite web |url=http://slurmed.com/?p=news&date=2009/07/18_02 |title=Futurama voice cast replacement analysis |author=Sánchez, JavieR |publisher=The Futurama Point |date=2009-07-18 |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref>


After the cast was dis-invited,<ref name="vaitn"/><ref name="analysis-slurmed"/> the publicity stunt theory lessen in substance as it would seem rough of 20th Century Fox Television to dis-invite its cast for a stunt.  However, [[John DiMaggio]]'s singing in an interview a day prior to the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con panel regarding the question on the negotiation,<ref name="igntv-interview">{{cite web |url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/100/1007163p1.html |title=SDCC 09: Bender Comments on Futurama Recasting |publisher=IGN TV |author=Goldman, Eric |date=2009-07-24 |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref> seemed odd considering that he was dealing with a negotiation for one of his favourite jobs.  Though, some dismissed this as DiMaggio being confident that the cast would return.<ref name="igntv-interview-analysis-god">{{cite web |url=http://geeksofdoom.com/2009/07/25/futurama-star-john-dimaggio-is-confident-all-cast-will-return/ |title=‘Futurama’ Star John DiMaggio Is Confident All Cast Will Return |publisher=Geeks of Doom |author=The Movie God |date=2009-07-24 |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref>
After the cast was dis-invited,<ref name="vaitn"/><ref name="analysis-slurmed"/> popularity of the publicity stunt theory diminished as it would be improper for 20th Century Fox Television to dis-invite its cast as part of a stunt.  However, [[John DiMaggio]]'s singing in an interview<ref name="igntv-interview">{{cite web |url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/100/1007163p1.html |title=SDCC 09: Bender Comments on Futurama Recasting |publisher=IGN TV |author=Goldman, Eric |date=2009-07-24 |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref> regarding the negotiation, a day prior to the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con panel, seemed odd considering that he was dealing with a negotiation for one of his favourite jobs.  Though, some dismissed this as DiMaggio being confident that the cast would return.<ref name="igntv-interview-analysis-god">{{cite web |url=http://geeksofdoom.com/2009/07/25/futurama-star-john-dimaggio-is-confident-all-cast-will-return/ |title=‘Futurama’ Star John DiMaggio Is Confident All Cast Will Return |publisher=Geeks of Doom |author=The Movie God |date=2009-07-24 |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref>


However, with no presence of the ''Futurama'' cast at the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con, this theory was finally put to rest.
However, with no presence of the ''Futurama'' cast at the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con, this theory was finally put to rest.
Line 46: Line 47:
When the news broke, the ''Futurama'' fan base quickly mobilised.  Several of the sites reporting on the news advised its readers to sign petitions,<ref name="vaitn"/> send e-mails to 20th Century Fox Television executives<ref name="vaitn"/> or the casting director, Scott Muller,<ref name="announcement-forcesofgeek"/> and/or join Facebook groups<ref name="vaitn"/> to voice their discontent with the decision.
When the news broke, the ''Futurama'' fan base quickly mobilised.  Several of the sites reporting on the news advised its readers to sign petitions,<ref name="vaitn"/> send e-mails to 20th Century Fox Television executives<ref name="vaitn"/> or the casting director, Scott Muller,<ref name="announcement-forcesofgeek"/> and/or join Facebook groups<ref name="vaitn"/> to voice their discontent with the decision.


With the extensive roar from the fan base, the cast in question responded with much appeasing of the fan base.  [[Billy West]] personally thanked his readers on his forum,<ref name="castresponse-bw">{{cite web |url=http://www.billywest.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4878&PN=1 |title=A BIG THANK YOU....... |author=West, Billy |date=2009-07-22 |site=All Things Billy West Forums |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref> [[John DiMaggio]] applauded the support in his ''IGN TV'' interview,<ref name="igntv-interview"/> while [[Maurice LaMarche]] and [[Phil LaMarr]] expressed their gratitude on their respective Facebook pages.<ref name="vaitn"/>
With the extensive uproar from the fan base, the cast members responded with much appeasing of the fan base.  [[Billy West]] personally thanked his readers on his forum.<ref name="confirmation-castresponse-bw">{{cite web |url=http://www.billywest.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4883&PN=1 |title=HI! |author=West, Billy |date=2009-08-02 |accessdate=2009-08-06 |site=All Things Billy West Forums}}</ref><ref name="castresponse-bw">{{cite web |url=http://www.billywest.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4878&PN=1 |title=A BIG THANK YOU....... |author=West, Billy |date=2009-07-22 |site=All Things Billy West Forums |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref> [[John DiMaggio]] applauded the support in his ''IGN TV'' interview.<ref name="igntv-interview"/>Also, [[Maurice LaMarche]] and [[Phil LaMarr]] expressed their gratitude on their respective Facebook pages<ref name="vaitn"/> and through a video.<ref name="confirmation-castresponse-mm">{{cite web |url=http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff241/leiapadme77/?action=view&current=WMCap48.flv |title=Video of Maurice LaMarche thanking the fans |site=Photobucket |author=LaMarche, Maurice |date=2009-08-01 |accessdate=2009-08-06}}</ref>


=== Other media ===
=== Other media ===
 
The fan base is not the only group to express their opinions. [[Adult Swim]] responded with a small piece on their channel regarding the recasting ploy, saying that if Fox did it their way, the show would fail again, and when they gave it back to Adult Swim, they would do it right again.<ref name="adultswim-fmmb">{{cite web |url=http://futurama-madhouse.com.ar/forum/index.php?topic=3324.msg125901#msg125901 |title="Futurama Being Recast?" Page 6 |site=[[Futurama Madhouse Message Board]] |author="marloc clownface" |date=2009-07-27 |accessdate=2009-07-29}}</ref><ref name="adultswim-peel">{{cite web |url=http://www.peelified.com/index.php?topic=18115.msg1051976#msg1051976 |title="FOX screws the show again: Dropping original cast Voice Actors" Page 9 |site=[[PEEL]] |author="luvtheshows" |date=2009-07-27 |accessdate=2009-07-29}}</ref>
Not only the fan base itself, but also the former cable rerunner of the series, [[Adult Swim]], responded with a small piece on their channel, regarding the recasting ploy, and told 20th Century Fox Television, as well as [[Comedy Central]], that if they did it their way, the show would fail again, and when they gave it back to adult swim, they would do it right again.<ref name="adultswim-fmmb">{{cite web |url=http://futurama-madhouse.com.ar/forum/index.php?topic=3324.msg125901#msg125901 |title="Futurama Being Recast?" Page 6 |site=[[Futurama Madhouse Message Board]] |author="marloc clownface" |date=2009-07-27 |accessdate=2009-07-29}}</ref><ref name="adultswim-peel">{{cite web |url=http://www.peelified.com/index.php?topic=18115.msg1051976#msg1051976 |title="FOX screws the show again: Dropping original cast Voice Actors" Page 9 |site=[[PEEL]] |author="luvtheshows" |date=2009-07-27 |accessdate=2009-07-29}}</ref>


== 2009 San Diego Comic-Con ==
== 2009 San Diego Comic-Con ==
Line 56: Line 56:
=== Dis-invitation ===
=== Dis-invitation ===


A ''Futurama'' panel was scheduled for the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con on 25 July, 2009.<ref name="comiccon">{{cite web |url=http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci09_prog_sat.php |title=Programming for Saturday, July 25 |publisher=Comic Con |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref> Including show runners, [[Matt Groening]] and [[David X. Cohen]], voice actors [[John DiMaggio]], [[Billy West]], [[Katey Sagal]] and [[Maurice LaMarche]] was also scheduled to be there.  However, on 22 July 20th Century Fox Television dis-invited the voice actors to participate at the panel.<ref name="analysis-slurmed">{{cite web |url=http://slurmed.com/?p=news&date=2009/07/24_01 |title=The Voice Cast + The Panel at the San Diego Comic Con |author=Sánchez, JavieR |date=2009-07-24 |publisher=The Futurama Point |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref>
A ''Futurama'' panel was scheduled for the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con on 25 July, 2009 <ref name="comiccon">{{cite web |url=http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci09_prog_sat.php |title=Programming for Saturday, 25 July |publisher=Comic Con |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref> that would feature the show runners, [[Matt Groening]] and [[David X. Cohen]], voice actors [[John DiMaggio]], [[Billy West]], [[Katey Sagal]] and [[Maurice LaMarche]] were also scheduled to be there.  However, on 22 July, 20th Century Fox Television dis-invited the voice actors from participation in the panel.<ref name="analysis-slurmed">{{cite web |url=http://slurmed.com/?p=news&date=2009/07/24_01 |title=The Voice Cast + The Panel at the San Diego Comic Con |author=Sánchez, JavieR |date=2009-07-24 |publisher=The Futurama Point |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref>


=== The panel ===
=== The panel ===
[[File:David X. Cohen & Matt Groening by Gage Skidmore.jpg|thumb|right|[[David X. Cohen]] and [[Matt Groening]] at the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con ''Futurama'' panel.]]
[[File:David X. Cohen & Matt Groening by Gage Skidmore.jpg|thumb|right|[[David X. Cohen]] and [[Matt Groening]] at the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con ''Futurama'' panel.]]
The panel began without the actors present, and an announcement by the [[Hypnotoad]] telling people to ignore their lack of presence.<ref name="comiccon-cinemablend">{{cite web |url=http://www.cinemablend.com/television/Comic-Con-Futurama-Ignores-Controversy-Promises-To-Take-On-Twitter-18844.html |title=Comic Con: Futurama Ignores Controversy, Promises To Take On Twitter |publisher=Cinema Blend |date=2009-07-25 |accessdate=2009-07-27 |author=Perkis, Ed}}</ref>  Cohen and Groening then walked upon stage to explain that they were very concerned about the situation, and hoping it would be sorted out soon, but could however not speak on the matter for negotiation reasons.<ref name="comiccon-cinemablend"/>  In addition to not commenting on the matter, the audience was asked not to ask questions on the dispute, making it a somewhat uncomfortable matter, in their attempt to avoid the elephant in the room.<ref name="comiccon-hitfix"/>
The panel began without the actors present, and an announcement by the [[Hypnotoad]] told people to ignore the lack of their presence.<ref name="comiccon-cinemablend">{{cite web |url=http://www.cinemablend.com/television/Comic-Con-Futurama-Ignores-Controversy-Promises-To-Take-On-Twitter-18844.html |title=Comic Con: Futurama Ignores Controversy, Promises To Take On Twitter |publisher=Cinema Blend |date=2009-07-25 |accessdate=2009-07-27 |author=Perkis, Ed}}</ref>  Cohen and Groening then walked up on stage to explain that they were very concerned about the situation and hoped it would be sorted out soon, but could not speak on the negotiation matter.<ref name="comiccon-cinemablend"/>  In addition, the audience was asked not to ask questions about the dispute.<ref name="comiccon-hitfix">{{cite web |url=http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/2008-12-6-the-fien-print/posts/nothing-ado-about-much-for-futurama-at-comic-con |title=Nothing ado about much for 'Futurama' at Comic-Con |publisher=HitFix |author=Fienberg, Daniel |date=2009-07-26 |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref>
 
Producer [[Claudia Katz]] and writers [[Patric M. Verrone]], [[Eric Kaplan]] and [[Michael Rowe]] were also present at the panel.<ref name="transcript-comicbookresources">{{cite web |url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=22372 |title=CCI: Futurama |publisher=Comic Book Resources |author=Cronan, Mark |date=2009-08-02 |accessdate=2009-08-04}}</ref>  While the panel itself revealed little new information about the situation except for Cohen's and Groening's support for the voice actors and some plot points coming up in the new season, the structure of the panel did put an end to the publicity stunt theories, which would have required some sort of announcement at the panel by 20th Century Fox Television.
 
== Expectations ==
After the Comic-Con panel finished, many fans had a sense of uncertainty due to the lack of information on the matter<ref name="comiccon-hitfix"/>  and some people were concerned about the possible outcome of the ploy.<ref name="comiccon-hitfix"/>
 
Some sources concluded that the production of the show had been delayed because of the dispute,<ref name="comiccon-variety">{{cite web |url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118006493.html?categoryid=14&cs=1&ref=bd_tv |title=Groening speaks about new 'Futurama' |author=Maxwell, Erin |publisher=Variety |date=2009-07-25 |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref> while others went out with stories suggesting that the production had been put entirely on hold,<ref name="comiccon-ugo">{{cite web |url=http://tvblog.ugo.com/tv/new-futurama-on-hold-actors-fight-with-studio |title=New Futurama On Hold - Actors Fight With Studio |publisher=UGO TV |author="parker" |date=2009-07-25 |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref> and even suspicion of cancellation:<ref name="comiccon-ugo"/>
 
{{quote|1=The show was cancelled and all the actors went on to make other commitments. It's the studio who can't decide on how to get everyone on board.
|4=An "industry insider"
}}
 
The comment was clear though. If the cast did not return, then there would be no new ''Futurama'' at all.<ref name="comiccon-ugo"/>  However, the later statement released by [[Matt Groening]] and [[David X. Cohen]]<ref name="confirmation-torontostar"/><ref name="confirmation-igntv"/> seemed to hint that production had stopped with their comment: "[t]he call has already gone out to the animators to put the mouths back on the characters".


While the panel itself revealed no new information except for Cohen's and Groening's support for the voice actors and the obvious plot points coming up, the structure of the panel did put an end to the publicity stunt theories, which would have required some sort of announcement at the panel by 20th Century Fox Television.  Something which did not come.
== Confirmation ==


== Outcome ==
On 31 July (around noon, Pacific time), 2009, 20th Century Fox Television announced that [[Katey Sagal]], [[Maurice LaMarche]] and [[Tress MacNeille]] had signed contracts.<ref name="confirmation-variety"/>  Later that day, [[Billy West]] and [[John DiMaggio]] also sealed their deals with 20th Century Fox Television.<ref name="confirmation-igntv"/>  [[David X. Cohen]] and [[Matt Groening]] released a joint statement on the matter:<ref name="confirmation-torontostar"/><ref name="confirmation-igntv"/>


What the eventual outcome of the negotiations remains to be seen, though many people are confident that the original voice actors will return.<ref name="analysis-newsfromme">{{cite web |url=http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2009_07_17.html#017446 |title=Recasting About |site=news from me |author=Evanier, Mark |date=2009-07-17 |accessdate=2009-07-30}}</ref>  John DiMaggio himself seemed so confident that they will return that he was willing to break out in song for his interviewer.<ref name="igntv-interview"/><ref name="igntv-interview-analysis-god"/>
{{quote
|1=We are thrilled to have our incredible cast back. The call has already gone out to the animators to put the mouths back on the characters.
|4=David X. Cohen
}}


Despite the positive behaviour of the voice actors, other sources are claiming that there are "no plans" for 20th Century Fox Television and the voice actors to continue talks as of 25 July.<ref name="comiccon-variety">{{cite web |url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118006493.html?categoryid=14&cs=1&ref=bd_tv |title=Groening speaks about new 'Futurama' |author=Maxwell, Erin |publisher=Variety |date=2009-07-25 |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref>  In addition, others describe the Comic-Con panel as a missed opportunity for dismissing some of the speculation.<ref name="comiccon-hitfix">{{cite web |url=http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/2008-12-6-the-fien-print/posts/nothing-ado-about-much-for-futurama-at-comic-con |title=Nothing ado about much for 'Futurama' at Comic-Con |publisher=HitFix |author=Fienberg, Daniel |date=2009-07-26 |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref>  Fienberg at ''HitFix'' goes onto say that the entire possibility of 20th Century Fox Television ''actually'' hiring a new cast or keeping the old one remains an open question.<ref name="comiccon-hitfix"/>
20th Century Fox Television also released a statement:<ref name="confirmation-igntv"/>


=== On hold? ===
{{quote
|1=Just wanted you to know that we now have deals with the entire ''Futurama'' voice cast to return: John DiMaggio, Maurice LaMarche, Billy West, Tress MacNeille and Katey Sagal.
|4=20th Century Fox Television
}}


After the panel, some source have reported that the production of ''Futurama'' has been delayed because of the dispute.<ref name="comiccon-variety"/>  UGO TV even went as far as claiming it had been put entirely on hold,<ref name="comiccon-ugo">{{cite web |url=http://tvblog.ugo.com/tv/new-futurama-on-hold-actors-fight-with-studio |title=New Futurama On Hold - Actors Fight With Studio |publisher=UGO TV |author="parker" |date=2009-07-25 |accessdate=2009-07-27}}</ref> as well citing an industry insider source claiming the show had been cancelled.<ref name="comiccon-ugo"/>
[[David X. Cohen]] and [[Matt Groening]] personally responded to all the fans who participated in the e-mail campaign against the recasting ploy later August 2009.<ref name="recasting-response">{{cite web |url=http://www.peelified.com/index.php?topic=17870.msg1060183#msg1060183 |title="New Futurama speculations (Spoilers ahoy)" Page 10 |author="mossy" |site=[[PEEL]] |date=2009-08-24 |accessdate=2009-08-25}}</ref>


{{quote|1=The show was canceled and all the actors went on to make other commitments. It's the studio who can't decide on how to get everyone on board.
{{quote
|4=An "industry insider"
|1=Dear Futurama Fan,
 
Thank you for voicing your strong support for Futurama and the original voice cast.  We appreciate the time you took to fire off a thoughtful and/or concerned and/or homicidal e-mail message to our casting director, Scott Muller.  (Rest assured, not a single one of these e-mails reached the actual decision-makers at 20th Century Fox Television.  For future reference, please note that Scott Muller is in fact one of Futurama's biggest fans, and was instrumental in bringing about the return of the cast.  Please hoist a bottle of Olde Fortran for Scott!)
 
Speaking of the cast returning...  good news, everyone!  The cast is returning!  All of our series regulars are back in action for Season 6.  Billy West, Katey Sagal, John DiMaggio, Maurice LaMarche, Tress MacNeille, Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr, and David Herman are all on board and have already begun delivering their customary virtuoso performances.  The all-new Futurama episodes are slated to air on Comedy Central beginning in June, 2010.
 
We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support for the series.  Your loyalty over the years has kept the show going through its original four seasons on FOX, its subsequent reincarnations on Adult Swim and DVD, and now its Bendiferous return to life on Comedy Central. See you in the (near) future!
|4=David X. Cohen & Matt Groening
}}
}}


Though, the UGO TV source seems doubtful as neither the actors have expressed any sort of "moving onto other commitments", which they weren't already participating in, as well as the source claimed that voice actors had boycotted the panel,<ref name="comiccon-ugo"/> rather than being dis-invited by 20th Century Fox Television.<ref name="vaitn"/>
=== Payment ===
Reports say that 20th Century Fox Television agreed to a pay more than they originally offered, while the actors agreed to accept less than they originally wanted.<ref name="confirmation-torontostar"/> The actors asked in the final negotiations for 40,000 dollars per episode,<ref name="payment-variety">{{cite web |url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118006797.html?categoryId=14&cs=1 |title=Future set for 'Futurama' |author=Schneider, Michael |publisher=Variety |date=2009-08-02 |accessdate=2009-08-02}}</ref> but it seems they have settled for less than that in the end.<ref name="payment-igntv">{{cite web |url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/101/1010015p1.html |title=Futurama Status Update |author=Goldman, Eric |publisher=IGN TV |date=2009-08-03 |accessdate=2009-08-03}}</ref>  Where the original figure of 75,000 dollars per episode came from remains disputed.<ref name="open-letter">{{cite web |url=http://voiceactors.wordpress.com/2009/08/01/futurama-cast-open-letter/ |title=An Open Letter to ‘Variety’ and ‘The Hollywood Reporter’ |author=Crumpton, Craig |publisher=Voice Actors in the News |date=2009-08-01 |accessdate=2009-08-03}}</ref>
 
According to [[Katey Sagal]], the voice actors originally asked for more than they were usually paid, as she put "season 6 payment", and the production studio did not originally offer that.<ref name="payment-ks-tvs">{{cite web |url=http://www.tvsquad.com/2009/08/07/katey-sagal-talks-about-contentious-futurama-negotiations-tca/ |title=Katey Sagal talks about contentious Futurama negotiations - TCA Report |publisher=TV Squad |author=Keller, Joel |date=2009-08-07 |accessdate=2009-08-07}}</ref>
 
=== Supporting cast ===


However, the UGO TV article can also be regarded with what would seem obvious by now, that if the original voice actors do not return, then there will be no new ''Futurama'', which gives the idea of putting it on hold some credibility.  Because 20th Century Fox Television may seem uncertain as to whether the voice actors and them well eventually come to an agreement, if that is not certain, then it is a waste of production to continue with the other work on the show, such as writing and early animation.
When the main cast settled with [[20th Century Fox Television]], the supporting cast, consisting of [[Lauren Tom]], [[Phil LaMarr]], [[Frank Welker]] and [[David Herman]], were not settled. The following week on 3 August, they began negotiation.<ref name="vaitn"/>  By 7 August, the negotiations with the supporting cast were settled, and all the actors are back on board with the ''Futurama'' production team, <ref name="vaitn"/>  which is appropriate as the first table read for [[season 6]] started on the very same day.<ref name="vaitn"/>


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist|2}}
<references />


[[Category:Futurama]]
[[Category:Futurama]]
[[Category:Production]]
[[Category:Production]]

Latest revision as of 00:50, 21 February 2022

On 17 July, 2009, 20th Century Fox Television announced it would hold open auditions to recast the characters for Futurama's upcoming sixth production season[1][2] when they failed to meet the salary demands of the voice actors. This announcement outraged the fans and lead to much speculation.[3]

On 31 July, 2009, Katey Sagal, Maurice LaMarche, Tress MacNeille, Billy West and John DiMaggio all sealed their deal with 20th Century Fox Television.[3][4][5][6] Supporting cast, including Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr, Frank Welker and David Herman, were settled a week later.[4]

Original dispute

When Futurama was officially revived for its sixth production season, it was assumed that the voice actors of the show were also expected to return and that a contract had already been signed.

Announcement

Before 20th Century Fox Television's official statement, Phil LaMarr posted about an audition call for some of the main characters on Futurama as well as Kif Kroker and Zapp Brannigan. The call also included links to videos of characters so actors could get an impression of the voice. News of this call was later broken by Forces of Geek.[1]

Moments later, the story was confirmed by 20th Century Fox Television in a statement:[2]

“ We love the 'Futurama' voice performers and absolutely wanted to use them, but unfortunately, we could not meet their salary demands. 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. ”

—20th Century Fox Television

Maurice LaMarche and John DiMaggio later confirmed the story on their Facebook pages.[7]

Immediate reaction

The immediate fan reaction to the news was anger and scepticism. Fans quickly predicted that the whole thing was merely a negotiation ploy by 20th Century Fox Television to force the voice actors to cave in and sign up to work for a lower salary.[4][8][9] Immediate reactions elsewhere included speculation of it being a publicity stunt to stir up more talk about Futurama.[10]

In addition, Variety reported that the actors had asked for 75,000 dollars per episode in salary demands.[2] However, at the time, it was neither confirmed by 20th Century Fox Television nor the voice actor's reps.[11] This claim was later disputed by Phil LaMarr on his Facebook page.

Alternative theories

Despite the two more obvious versions, other theories started appearing to explain the whole ordeal. Although, after the Comic-Con panel, people are confident that it was a negotiation tactic more than anything else.[12]

Union requirement

Some fans suggested that it was a Union requirement to recast actors for a returning show. However, this was quickly rebutted with references to how neither Family Guy nor Futurama itself had to be recast when they returned.

Publicity stunt

Perhaps the most popular theory; fans speculated that the whole ordeal was put together by 20th Century Fox Television as well as the show's runners and voice actors to stir up more publicity for Futurama. The theory held up until the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con, where supposedly the truth would be revealed.[13]

After the cast was dis-invited,[4][14] popularity of the publicity stunt theory diminished as it would be improper for 20th Century Fox Television to dis-invite its cast as part of a stunt. However, John DiMaggio's singing in an interview[15] regarding the negotiation, a day prior to the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con panel, seemed odd considering that he was dealing with a negotiation for one of his favourite jobs. Though, some dismissed this as DiMaggio being confident that the cast would return.[16]

However, with no presence of the Futurama cast at the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con, this theory was finally put to rest.

Response

Fan campaigns

When the news broke, the Futurama fan base quickly mobilised. Several of the sites reporting on the news advised its readers to sign petitions,[4] send e-mails to 20th Century Fox Television executives[4] or the casting director, Scott Muller,[1] and/or join Facebook groups[4] to voice their discontent with the decision.

With the extensive uproar from the fan base, the cast members responded with much appeasing of the fan base. Billy West personally thanked his readers on his forum.[17][18] John DiMaggio applauded the support in his IGN TV interview.[15]Also, Maurice LaMarche and Phil LaMarr expressed their gratitude on their respective Facebook pages[4] and through a video.[19]

Other media

The fan base is not the only group to express their opinions. Adult Swim responded with a small piece on their channel regarding the recasting ploy, saying that if Fox did it their way, the show would fail again, and when they gave it back to Adult Swim, they would do it right again.[20][21]

2009 San Diego Comic-Con

Dis-invitation

A Futurama panel was scheduled for the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con on 25 July, 2009 [22] that would feature the show runners, Matt Groening and David X. Cohen, voice actors John DiMaggio, Billy West, Katey Sagal and Maurice LaMarche were also scheduled to be there. However, on 22 July, 20th Century Fox Television dis-invited the voice actors from participation in the panel.[14]

The panel

David X. Cohen and Matt Groening at the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con Futurama panel.

The panel began without the actors present, and an announcement by the Hypnotoad told people to ignore the lack of their presence.[23] Cohen and Groening then walked up on stage to explain that they were very concerned about the situation and hoped it would be sorted out soon, but could not speak on the negotiation matter.[23] In addition, the audience was asked not to ask questions about the dispute.[12]

Producer Claudia Katz and writers Patric M. Verrone, Eric Kaplan and Michael Rowe were also present at the panel.[24] While the panel itself revealed little new information about the situation except for Cohen's and Groening's support for the voice actors and some plot points coming up in the new season, the structure of the panel did put an end to the publicity stunt theories, which would have required some sort of announcement at the panel by 20th Century Fox Television.

Expectations

After the Comic-Con panel finished, many fans had a sense of uncertainty due to the lack of information on the matter[12] and some people were concerned about the possible outcome of the ploy.[12]

Some sources concluded that the production of the show had been delayed because of the dispute,[25] while others went out with stories suggesting that the production had been put entirely on hold,[26] and even suspicion of cancellation:[26]

“ The show was cancelled and all the actors went on to make other commitments. It's the studio who can't decide on how to get everyone on board. ”

—An "industry insider"

The comment was clear though. If the cast did not return, then there would be no new Futurama at all.[26] However, the later statement released by Matt Groening and David X. Cohen[3][6] seemed to hint that production had stopped with their comment: "[t]he call has already gone out to the animators to put the mouths back on the characters".

Confirmation

On 31 July (around noon, Pacific time), 2009, 20th Century Fox Television announced that Katey Sagal, Maurice LaMarche and Tress MacNeille had signed contracts.[5] Later that day, Billy West and John DiMaggio also sealed their deals with 20th Century Fox Television.[6] David X. Cohen and Matt Groening released a joint statement on the matter:[3][6]

“ We are thrilled to have our incredible cast back. The call has already gone out to the animators to put the mouths back on the characters. ”

—David X. Cohen

20th Century Fox Television also released a statement:[6]

“ Just wanted you to know that we now have deals with the entire Futurama voice cast to return: John DiMaggio, Maurice LaMarche, Billy West, Tress MacNeille and Katey Sagal. ”

—20th Century Fox Television

David X. Cohen and Matt Groening personally responded to all the fans who participated in the e-mail campaign against the recasting ploy later August 2009.[27]

“ Dear Futurama Fan,

Thank you for voicing your strong support for Futurama and the original voice cast. We appreciate the time you took to fire off a thoughtful and/or concerned and/or homicidal e-mail message to our casting director, Scott Muller. (Rest assured, not a single one of these e-mails reached the actual decision-makers at 20th Century Fox Television. For future reference, please note that Scott Muller is in fact one of Futurama's biggest fans, and was instrumental in bringing about the return of the cast. Please hoist a bottle of Olde Fortran for Scott!)

Speaking of the cast returning... good news, everyone! The cast is returning! All of our series regulars are back in action for Season 6. Billy West, Katey Sagal, John DiMaggio, Maurice LaMarche, Tress MacNeille, Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr, and David Herman are all on board and have already begun delivering their customary virtuoso performances. The all-new Futurama episodes are slated to air on Comedy Central beginning in June, 2010.

We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support for the series. Your loyalty over the years has kept the show going through its original four seasons on FOX, its subsequent reincarnations on Adult Swim and DVD, and now its Bendiferous return to life on Comedy Central. See you in the (near) future!

”

—David X. Cohen & Matt Groening

Payment

Reports say that 20th Century Fox Television agreed to a pay more than they originally offered, while the actors agreed to accept less than they originally wanted.[3] The actors asked in the final negotiations for 40,000 dollars per episode,[28] but it seems they have settled for less than that in the end.[29] Where the original figure of 75,000 dollars per episode came from remains disputed.[30]

According to Katey Sagal, the voice actors originally asked for more than they were usually paid, as she put "season 6 payment", and the production studio did not originally offer that.[31]

Supporting cast

When the main cast settled with 20th Century Fox Television, the supporting cast, consisting of Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr, Frank Welker and David Herman, were not settled. The following week on 3 August, they began negotiation.[4] By 7 August, the negotiations with the supporting cast were settled, and all the actors are back on board with the Futurama production team, [4] which is appropriate as the first table read for season 6 started on the very same day.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b c Blitz, Stefan (17 July 2009). "Is FOX Planning to Recast FUTURAMA?". Forces of Geek. Retrieved on 27 July 2009.
  2. ^ a b c Schneider, Michael (17 July 2009). "'Futurama' without original voices?". Variety. Retrieved on 27 July 2009.
  3. ^ a b c d e Salem, Rob (31 July 2009). "Futurama cast members ink new deal with Fox". Toronto Star. Retrieved on 01 August 2009.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Crumpton, Craig (17 July 2009). "Futurama Recasting Full Coverage". Voice Actors in the News. Retrieved on 04 August 2009.
  5. ^ a b Schneider, Michael (31 July 2009). "'Futurama' cast returning for reboot". Variety. Retrieved on 01 August 2009.
  6. ^ a b c d e "Futurama Voice Cast Returning!". IGN TV. 31 July 2009. Retrieved on 01 August 2009.
  7. ^ "“Plus, they can replace them, and no one can tell the diddley-ifference!”". MacLeans.ca. 17 July 2009. Retrieved on 27 July 2009.
  8. ^ Fienberg, Daniel (17 July 2009). "Clarification on the 'Futurama' recasting reports". HitFix. Retrieved on 27 July 2009.
  9. ^ Evanier, Mark (17 July 2009). Recasting About. (news from me.) Retrieved on 30 July 2009.
  10. ^ Phipps, Keith (17 July 2009). "Futurama to get recast?". A.V. Club. Retrieved on 27 July 2009.
  11. ^ Carreon, Jorge (17 July 2009). "Not going back to 'Futurama?': Cult hit animated TV series finds its cast in a salary dispute". Examiner. Retrieved on 27 July 2009.
  12. ^ a b c d Fienberg, Daniel (26 July 2009). "Nothing ado about much for 'Futurama' at Comic-Con". HitFix. Retrieved on 27 July 2009.
  13. ^ Sánchez, JavieR (18 July 2009). "Futurama voice cast replacement analysis". The Futurama Point. Retrieved on 27 July 2009.
  14. ^ a b Sánchez, JavieR (24 July 2009). "The Voice Cast + The Panel at the San Diego Comic Con". The Futurama Point. Retrieved on 27 July 2009.
  15. ^ a b Goldman, Eric (24 July 2009). "SDCC 09: Bender Comments on Futurama Recasting". IGN TV. Retrieved on 27 July 2009.
  16. ^ The Movie God (24 July 2009). "‘Futurama’ Star John DiMaggio Is Confident All Cast Will Return". Geeks of Doom. Retrieved on 27 July 2009.
  17. ^ West, Billy (02 August 2009). HI!. (All Things Billy West Forums.) Retrieved on 06 August 2009.
  18. ^ West, Billy (22 July 2009). A BIG THANK YOU........ (All Things Billy West Forums.) Retrieved on 27 July 2009.
  19. ^ LaMarche, Maurice (01 August 2009). Video of Maurice LaMarche thanking the fans. (Photobucket.) Retrieved on 06 August 2009.
  20. ^ "marloc clownface" (27 July 2009). "Futurama Being Recast?" Page 6. (Futurama Madhouse Message Board.) Retrieved on 29 July 2009.
  21. ^ "luvtheshows" (27 July 2009). "FOX screws the show again: Dropping original cast Voice Actors" Page 9. (PEEL.) Retrieved on 29 July 2009.
  22. ^ "Programming for Saturday, 25 July". Comic Con. Retrieved on 27 July 2009.
  23. ^ a b Perkis, Ed (25 July 2009). "Comic Con: Futurama Ignores Controversy, Promises To Take On Twitter". Cinema Blend. Retrieved on 27 July 2009.
  24. ^ Cronan, Mark (02 August 2009). "CCI: Futurama". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved on 04 August 2009.
  25. ^ Maxwell, Erin (25 July 2009). "Groening speaks about new 'Futurama'". Variety. Retrieved on 27 July 2009.
  26. ^ a b c "parker" (25 July 2009). "New Futurama On Hold - Actors Fight With Studio". UGO TV. Retrieved on 27 July 2009.
  27. ^ "mossy" (24 August 2009). "New Futurama speculations (Spoilers ahoy)" Page 10. (PEEL.) Retrieved on 25 August 2009.
  28. ^ Schneider, Michael (02 August 2009). "Future set for 'Futurama'". Variety. Retrieved on 02 August 2009.
  29. ^ Goldman, Eric (03 August 2009). "Futurama Status Update". IGN TV. Retrieved on 03 August 2009.
  30. ^ Crumpton, Craig (01 August 2009). "An Open Letter to ‘Variety’ and ‘The Hollywood Reporter’". Voice Actors in the News. Retrieved on 03 August 2009.
  31. ^ Keller, Joel (07 August 2009). "Katey Sagal talks about contentious Futurama negotiations - TCA Report". TV Squad. Retrieved on 07 August 2009.
Retrieved from "https://theinfosphere.org/index.php?title=Recasting_ploy&oldid=162495"