As “Futurama” prepares to unleash new episodes on the world in 2010, its producers are looking outside the original cast to complete the voice work.
Twentieth Century Fox confirmed Friday that due to unsuccessful salary negotiations with the original voice cast, the studio will be auditioning replacements.
“We love the ‘Futurama’ voice performers and absolutely wanted to use them, but unfortunately, we could not meet their salary demands,” said the studio. “While replacing these talented actors will be difficult, the show must go on.”
When news first broke that Comedy Central had ordered twenty six new episodes of “Futurama” to air in 2010, there was optimism that the entire cast, which includes John DiMaggio, Maurice LaMarche, Billy West, Tress MacNeille and Katey Sagal, would return to voice their characters.
The studio has not, however, been able to close deals with the actors, who THR says have reportedly “insisted for bumps of several times what they used to make.” Reports indicate that a “modest pay increase” proposal was rejected.
The possibility of the two parties reaching a deal is not out the window, but production is proceeding with acknowledgment of the fact that the leads might not return.