Many fans aren’t happy that John DiMaggio might not be the voice of the lovable, foul-mouthed robot Bender when Futurama returns on Hulu, and the actor apparently feels the same.
DiMaggio took to Twitter to raise awareness regarding his absence in Futurama‘s revival. Beyond his initial statements on the matter, the actor has been retweeting and favoriting messages from fans who are similarly upset. The hashtag #JohnDiMaggioIsBender began trending on social media as many fans threatened to boycott the new season if he isn’t reinstated. Some have pointed out the irony of relying on Bender to promote the show, while DiMaggio — who played a major part in making the animated bending unit popular — won’t be involved.
If they make an animated show set in the 31st Century without @TheJohnDiMaggio voicing Bender, I just don’t see how you call the show Futurama, because it won’t be.@hulu can bite my shiny (not metal) ass if they think anyone is going to stream that show.
I won’t. https://t.co/cdTPBoVhvq
— Grant Stern is boosted! (@grantstern) February 10, 2022
Other objections stem from the unethical practices present within the entertainment industry, and how voice actors are generally undervalued. Fellow voice actor Tara Strong, whose long resume includes The Fairly Oddparents, Powerpuff Girls and Batman: The Animated Series, praised DiMaggio for the success of Futurama and weighed in on the unfair treatment of voice actors in the industry.
DiMaggio has been the voice of Bender since Futurama first aired on Fox in 1999 and has been an integral part of the cast throughout the show’s many seasons and films. As Philip J. Fry’s best friend and member of the Planet Express crew, he’s known for raising mischief, getting out of trouble and delivering some of the show’s most memorable quotes. It’s difficult for many fans to imagine another actor potentially filling that role.
I feel like the idea of @TheJohnDiMaggio as a replaceable element of Futurama is part of a wider issue of an industry that doesn’t respect voice actors on the same level as live action actors. You’ll see voice actors who MADE a character treated like no live action actor would be
— Kelly Turnbull (@Coelasquid) February 10, 2022
Everyone in the industry saw the audition notice go out two weeks ago for Bender, asking for a voice match for John DiMaggio. Seeing it, I said out loud “Shove it!” in my best Bender voice, which will always just be a fanboy cosplay of John DiMaggio.
— James Adomian (@JAdomian) February 10, 2022
Hulu should just pay DiMaggio, love Futurama but Bender is the face of the show
— Mr. Chau (@Srirachachau) February 10, 2022
There are reportedly half a dozen characters also not returning for Futurama‘s revival, and the table read is set to take place next week. While the show will see the return of creators Matt Groening and David X. Cohen, fans are skeptical about the series’ quality if it lacks several significant performers. Audiences will have to wait and see if their pleas are taken seriously, or if there will be a new Bender when the season premieres.
While DiMaggio remains an unknown variable, Hulu’s Futurama will see the return of Billy West, Katey Sagal, Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche, Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr and David Herman. The series does not yet have a release date.
Source: Twitter
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