‘Futurama’ Voice Actor John DiMaggio Thinks Cast Should Be Paid More for Revival
John DiMaggio, who voiced beer-chugging, chain-smoking robot Bender in Futurama, has shared more thoughts on the upcoming Hulu revival, stating that the “entire cast” deserves to be paid more.
It was reported last week that a Futurama reboot was in the works, with the show’s original creators, David X. Cohen and Matt Groening, both returning alongside several original cast members. However, despite voicing one of the show’s most popular characters, DiMaggio is not currently on board after negotiations hit a stalemate regarding pay.
“I’ve been thinking about everything that’s been going on these past months and just to be clear, I don’t think that only I deserve to be paid more. I think the entire cast does,” DiMaggio tweeted on Tuesday night. “Negotiations are a natural part of working in show business. Everyone has a different strategy and different boundaries… Some accept offers, some hold their ground.”
Update: #bendergate pic.twitter.com/tBG7d9hQ3R
— John DiMaggio (@TheJohnDiMaggio) February 16, 2022
It was previously confirmed that Billy West, Katey Sagal, Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche, Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr, and David Herman would all be reprising their respective roles in the Hulu revival. And while producers hope for DiMaggio to return too, it has been said that the voice of Bender will be recast should the actor not sign on to the project.
“Bender is part of my soul and nothing about this is meant to be disrespectful to the fans or my Futurama family,” DiMaggio continued in his Twitter statement. “It’s about self-respect.”
“And honestly, being tired of an industry that’s become far too corporate and takes advantage of artists’ time and talent. Look, I wish I could give you every detail so you would understand, but it’s not my place. Thanks again for the love everyone. Still hoping for the best.”
The Futurama revival is expected to begin production in March, with hopes of a 2023 release. DiMaggio, meanwhile, is in New Orleans filming a recurring role on AMC’s upcoming Interview With a Vampire series.
Futurama, Seasons 1-10, Streaming, Hulu
