Latest on “Futurama” Cast Change Reports

As of press time, Twentieth Century FOX was still officially looking to replace the “Futurama” voice cast, although some within the industry believe the two sides will ultimately work out a deal.

News broke late in the week that negotiations between the studio and the principal voice actors–Billy West, Katey Sagal, John DiMaggio, Maurice LaMarche and Tress MacNeille–ended when the sides could not agree on pay for new episodes of the animated series. Variety reports that the cast members are each asking for $75,000 per episode to resume work on the show as it prepares for a move to Comedy Central.

Sources were unclear on what the studio offered, but a THR report claimed the 20th Century FOX offer did mark a “modest” pay raise; the $75,000 figure is reportedly “several times” what the actors used to make.

As part of the move to cable, the “Futurama” production budget, according to Variety, has been “dramatically slashed,” with the writing staff trimmed and the episode delivery schedule shortened.

At least 26 original episodes are set to bow on Comedy Central next year, although the possibility for partnered airing on a broadcast network remained open.

Twentieth Century FOX has officially stated that it aims to produce the episodes with a new voice cast, although those diehard “Futurama” fans who are not vilifying the studio for considering replacing the familiar voices are treating the announcement as a negotiating tactic.