By Hawking's chair! Futurama is back! (News thread) (No spoilers)

[Reply #280 on:]

Man, this is sounding like that Comic-Con description.

[...] a top-ranking FOX executive decides live, on stage, whether Futurama will make yet another triumphant return or whether it is gone forever! The very fate of Futurama hangs in the balance! Paramedics will be standing by in case the intense excitement causes any panelists to collapse. Raucous celebration or abject despair to follow the news.

I could use some of those paramedics right now, please!

[Reply #281 on:]

The Simpsons is a cash cow, and the Simpsons actors knew full well that they could take Fox to the cleaners during salary negotiations.  Futurama's profit margins are quite a bit thinner.  I don't know if the studio completely lowballed the actors, but offering something like $50K or $60K instead of the $75K Variety claims they are asking for doesn't sound unreasonable to me.

And if this is all a huge joke connected to the Comic-Con presentation, congratulations to Futurama for thoroughly pwning the entire entertainment journalism industry.

[Reply #282 on:]

If this turns out to be a joke....I really don't think anyone will be laughing...

[Reply #283 on:]

http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/2008-12-6-the-fien-print/posts/2009-7-17-clarification-on-the-futurama-recasting-reports

A good long clarification.  He gets in at all the points, and argues similar to mine.  Just better worded.

[Reply #284 on:]

http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/2008-12-6-the-fien-print/posts/2009-7-17-clarification-on-the-futurama-recasting-reports

"My bet? Everybody eventually makes nice and the panel celebrates FOX acquiring new "Futurama" episodes and the return of the vocal cast. But I know absolutely nothing."

boy I hope this is a correct prediction...

[Reply #285 on:]

http://www.wired.com/underwire/2009/07/fox-ditching-futuramas-voice-actors/

and

http://newsifact.blogspot.com/2009/07/republicans-applaud-fox-for-futurama-re.html

Here's new ones.

[Reply #286 on:]

I'm thinking it's a joke.

I'm hoping so, HoJay.  If not, then the suits at the network need to have their heads examined (or their asses handed to them).  Geez, talk about generating bad will.  You don't mess with something that's been brought back by popular demand.  

The Simpsons is a cash cow, and the Simpsons actors knew full well that they could take Fox to the cleaners during salary negotiations.  Futurama's profit margins are quite a bit thinner.  I don't know if the studio completely lowballed the actors, but offering something like $50K or $60K instead of the $75K Variety claims they are asking for doesn't sound unreasonable to me.

And if this is all a huge joke connected to the Comic-Con presentation, congratulations to Futurama for thoroughly pwning the entire entertainment journalism industry.

I don't remember exactly what the VA's from the Simpsons are getting, but it's really up there; I think Nancy Cartwright (or one of the other female VA's) was making $5 Million a year from it or something like that.  I remember it was a big number, because she recently donated an entire year's salary to the Church of Scientology...

[Reply #287 on:]

I'm thinking it's a joke.

I'm hoping so, HoJay.  If not, then the suits at the network need to have their heads examined (or their asses handed to them).  Geez, talk about generating bad will.  You don't mess with something that's been brought back by popular demand.

"Thanks for buying our DVDs is super high numbers that we could possibly had imagined.  And you even continued to do so with those films we made for you.  Well, now we brought back the show as with two TV seasons, but with certain cut backs.  Oh and, fuck you."

[Reply #288 on:]

Part of me would like to think that if the worst came to the worst and the likes of West, Sagal, et al were replaced that Groening and DXC would just call off the whole project. I don't think that there is anyone who would accept new episodes with a completely different voice cast.

Why? Because it'd be fucking rubbish.

[Reply #289 on:]

Part of me would like to think that if the worst came to the worst and the likes of West, Sagal, et al were replaced that Groening and DXC would just call off the whole project. I don't think that there is anyone who would accept new episodes with a completely different voice cast.

Why? Because it'd be fucking rubbish.

Now ask yourself this question; who else would want to voice for Futurama?  I am not saying it wouldn't be awesome, but wouldn't you feel a big void in your soul when doing someone else's job?  You took his job!  I doubt many will audition anyway.

[Reply #290 on:]

Part of me would like to think that if the worst came to the worst and the likes of West, Sagal, et al were replaced that Groening and DXC would just call off the whole project. I don't think that there is anyone who would accept new episodes with a completely different voice cast.

Why? Because it'd be fucking rubbish.

Now ask yourself this question; who else would want to voice for Futurama?  I am not saying it wouldn't be awesome, but wouldn't you feel a big void in your soul when doing someone else's job?  You took his job!  I doubt many will audition anyway.

Indeed, a replacement would never be accepted by the fans so there's little motivation.

I'm pretty sure the original cast will be signed up though.

[Reply #291 on:]

I'm confident MG and DXC won't let this happen. But - God forbid - if the worst does happen, I'm afraid I'll probably boycott any new Futurama.

[Reply #292 on:]

Maybe there are severe penalties in the contract that 20th Century Fox signed with CC if they bail out, I dunno.  Certainly from a PR perspective cancelling Futurama is much better than running it with subpar voice actors; at least that way the studio can blame it on the "greedy actors" (whether or not their demands are in fact close to market value) instead of looking like skinflints by casting new voices.

[Reply #293 on:]

I'm confident MG and DXC won't let this happen. But - God forbid - if the worst does happen, I'm afraid I'll probably boycott any new Futurama.

ditto...

[Reply #294 on:]

I am getting more the vibe of this being a stunt.

Futurama got renewed - hurray - now we can all talk about something else.  You see, when you make people happy, they don't really get all that interested, they are just happy.  But when you piss people off, oh, I bet you it will get attention.  My goodness will people talk about it.

Then when it all works out, people will have a lot more Futurama on their minds, that's for sure.

[Reply #295 on:]

Just like with new coke.

[Reply #296 on:]

Just like with new coke.

New Futurama.

[Reply #297 on:]

Futurama: The Pepsi Coke Generation

[Reply #298 on:]

"It's like Futurama, but it's bad Futurama!"

"Can't afford that expensive Futurama?  Get New Futurama, it's twice as cheap, but quality is also thereafter.  Hear your favourite catchphrases being recorded by some douche bag.  It's not the same, but damn did we save money making it."

http://voiceactors.wordpress.com/2009/07/17/fox-attempting-to-recast-futurama/

And if you’re a voice-over actor reading this and considering auditioning, I’m passing along a message I just received from cartoon voice actor Bob Bergen on this subject to his fellow character voice actors:

Many of you in the business have heard about Futurama auditions. This is a negotiation ploy!! The cast of The Simpsons have had to go through this several times over the years.

Bottom line is, the cast of Futurama deserve whatever amount they are asking for. The network and studio make zillions more than these actors ever will!!

Many of in the Futurama cast are friends of mine. I respect their talent, and I respect them as people.

I’m asking that if you are asked to audition for this, please respectfully pass. There will be more gigs, I promise!

I believe in karma. And I know what goes around comes around. Don’t advance your career by damaging someone else’s.

[Reply #299 on:]

Great news, I was only like 11 when the show started it but I loved it from day one and it was the only shows whose cancellation really upset me. So roughly when is the first new episode likely to air?

[Reply #300 on:]

At this point I'd be willing to put $200 on it being some kind of stunt.

[Reply #301 on:]

At this point I'd be willing to put $200 on it being some kind of stunt.

At what odds?

[Reply #302 on:]

1:1. Either I get $200 and Futurama or lose both. Simple

[Reply #303 on:]

Great news, I was only like 11 when the show started it but I loved it from day one and it was the only shows whose cancellation really upset me. So roughly when is the first new episode likely to air?

I would say July or August, 2010.

Also, http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2009_07_17.html#017446

[Reply #304 on:]

Walter Cronkite, R.I.P is dead nooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!1111111

[Reply #305 on:]

This is Walter Cronkite saying, I told you so.

[Reply #306 on:]

So Comic Con will be interesting...

Do Billy West and Katey Segal show up on Saturday?

What do Matt Groening and David Cohen have to say?

Is someone going to make a total arse out of the FOX Exec?

Can someone videotape the hour session an post it on Youtube with searchable links everywhere?

I don't frequent Comic Con - but Damn!  I would have gotten tickets.

[Reply #307 on:]

So Comic Con will be interesting...

Do Billy West and Katey Segal show up on Saturday?

What do Matt Groening and David Cohen have to say?

Is someone going to make a total arse out of the FOX Exec?

Can someone videotape the hour session an post it on Youtube with searchable links everywhere?

I don't frequent Comic Con - but Damn!  I would have gotten tickets.

I think we'll know one way or the other before Comic-Con.  You surprise people at comic-con with a trailer or the rough cut of a scene, you don't ambush them with bad news there.  It'd be a PR nightmare like  you'd never believe.  Someone who had been to comic-con before said that the room where the panel is can hold a couple thousand people.  You want to tick off a group of die-hard fans in a group that big?

Between the heat, the crowds, and the price-gouging, you're already at riot conditions, then this?

I'm still thinking this is a joke.  Even if it's considered a negotiation tactic in Hollywood, how would experienced performers like those in the cast and their agents ever fall for it?

[Reply #308 on:]

The official press release says Billy, John, Katey, Maurice, Matt, and DXC will be at the panel. I've also heard that Phil LaMarr will be at Comic-Con, but not sure if he'll also be on the panel.

The most important thing to come out of Comic-Con, of course, is a video of the panel.

[Reply #309 on:]

The official press release says Billy, John, Katey, Maurice, Matt, and DXC will be at the panel. I've also heard that Phil LaMarr will be at Comic-Con, but not sure if he'll also be on the panel.

The most important thing to come out of Comic-Con, of course, is a video of the panel.

Isn't there usual an official taping of each panel at Comic-Con?

[Reply #310 on:]

Isn't there usual an official taping of each panel at Comic-Con?

I don't think so (although I could be wrong), but all the videos i've seen is just somebody in the audience with a camera

[Reply #311 on:]

Isn't there usual an official taping of each panel at Comic-Con?

I don't think so (although I could be wrong), but all the videos i've seen is just somebody in the audience with a camera

Usually it's just someone with a camera, especially if you want it soon, but there are official recordings done, that are edited and put on a company's website.  I know if you bought the Firefly documentary you get a whole mess of very well shot, edited con panels with a proper sound mix.

Any immediate news from the panel would be a camera someone snuck in, or just a written summary of it.

Still, I can't imagine going into the panel with no announcement, unless it was good news.  I'm clearing my entire Saturday at Comic-Con for this.

[Reply #312 on:]

I'm clearing my entire Saturday at Comic-Con for this.

Ditto.  And given that everyone else that day will probably be doing the same thing... honestly I'll won't be surprised if I don't make it in, no matter what hour I show up at.

But I guess that's what the four hour signing session with the VAs is for.

I can't find LaMarr's name in any of the panel descriptions on the official web site, but there's a chance he (and any of the other VAs from the show) might pop up at one of the Cartoon Voices panels that are held during the weekend.  I'll definitely be at Sunday's panel.

[Reply #313 on:]

Could you imagine if there's no announcement before

Ditto.  And given that everyone else that day will probably be doing the same thing... honestly I'll won't be surprised if I don't make it in, no matter what hour I show up at.

But I guess that's what the four hour signing session with the VAs is for.

I can't find LaMarr's name in any of the panel descriptions on the official web site, but there's a chance he (and any of the other VAs from the show) might pop up at one of the Cartoon Voices panels that are held during the weekend.  I'll definitely be at Sunday's panel.

Could you imagine the audience if there's no announcement before Comic-con?  The Seth McFarlene panels (or maybe just one) is right before the Futurama one, so all those already upset hostile fans in a room with Fox's newest sweetheart...yeesh.

Also speaking of animation panels, a little off topic, but this one sounds amazing and I am crushed that I can't make it:

"12:45-2:15 Disney: Animation Panel— Walt Disney Pictures, Disney•Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios present a director panel with previously unseen footage from its upcoming animated slate, including Toy Story & Toy Story 2 – Double Feature, Beauty And The Beast, Toy Story 3, Prep & Landing, The Princess and the Frog and Ponyo. Special guests include Lee Unkrich, Kirk Wise, Ron Clements, John Musker, and Hayao Miyazaki. John Lasseter hosts the panel, with Patton Oswalt moderating. Hall H"

Miyazaki! Pixar! Patton!  ....heartbreak... 

[Reply #314 on:]

I'd suggest going straight to that room the very moment the Con opens Saturday. Seriously. Given the notoriety of what's happening to Futurama, this may be the most demanded panel of all the Con. The first panel in Ballroom 20, where the panel will be, is at 10 and is Chuck, so if you can bare through 3 hours of Chuck, Family Guy, The Cleveland Show (which seems quite easy), do it!

[Reply #315 on:]

Hell, I'm planning on showing up before the convention center even opens.  When I went in 2007 the first panel I tried to hit on Saturday was the Avatar: tLA panel, and the room was already full.  Apparently people had been camping out in there since 6 a.m. (though I have no idea how they actually got in there).  I'll try to get up to Ballroom 20 tonight and see how early people can actually line up for it.

And I don't remember where I heard this (so don't take my word for it, blahblahblah), but according to my notes the Futurama VAs (sans Katey ) are supposed to be doing a signing on Saturday in Autograph Alley 10 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

[Reply #316 on:]

And I don't remember where I heard this (so don't take my word for it, blahblahblah), but according to my notes the Futurama VAs (sans Katey ) are supposed to be doing a signing on Saturday in Autograph Alley 10 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Straight from Comic-Con.org's  text to your eyes:

"Futurama Voice Actors
Billy West, Maurice LaMarche, John Di Maggio
Saturday   AA10   3:00 pm–7:00 pm"

I'd really like to get Phil LaMarr's autograph, too as I am a huge Samurai Jack and Justice League/JLU fan, as well.  Maybe he'll be a surprise guest.

[Reply #317 on:]

Comic-Con venturing PEELers: will you be updating us on the Con activities? It would be quite clool if somebody made updates live from the floor. Also, did any of you bring a camcorder for the panel and/or signing session?

Phil said on his Facebook that he will be at Comic-Con, but didn't say where, when, or for what. They all love the fans, so it would be quite interesting to meet them and get their autographs.

[Reply #318 on:]

Comic-Con venturing PEELers: will you be updating us on the Con activities? It would be quite clool if somebody made updates live from the floor.

...I am considering bringing my laptop on Saturday for this purpose (free wifi!), but doing so almost guarantees that I won't be asking a question, because there's a snowball's chance in hell that I'm going to be able to stuff the bulky thing back into my bag in the 30 seconds it takes people to bum rush the mic.  Not that I have a question at the moment anyway, besides the obvious one that everyone's probably eager to ask.

I brought my camera and I'm trying to take pictures for you all.  I meant to get a few tonight of the Toynami action figures and the FOX/Bongo/et. al. booths, but the hall was so packed I could barely move from one booth to the next.  I'll try again tomorrow evening, when hopefully most people will be at various panels.

I did make it to the FOX booth to grab a few freebies, where I was informed that they will actually be handing out tickets for the Futurama signing the day before.  No ticket, no autographs. :/  According to the booth employee I asked, this is their policy for ALL of their signing sessions this year, despite what it says in the official schedule book.

Oh, and when I asked how early people could get into Ballroom 20 on Saturday, the guy laughed at me and told me people camp out overnight.  I didn't think that was even possible, but there you go.

[Reply #319 on:]

Hold up...you need tickets for the Futurama cast signing? Even though the Comic Con site says it's not part of the limited, ticket-required signings? Ugh...fuck that shit. Fuck you again, FOX. Fuck you. Lots of people gonna be pissed when they show up to the signing and get turned away...

If that's the case, how many tickets are they giving out and do you know what time on Friday they're giving them out?

Oh yeah, I will bring my iPod touch, so I will TRY to post updates often.