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

[#520 :]

She already had ComicCon on her agenda.  She had a paid-for room in San Diego.

Not true.  Maurice LaMarche stated that Fox kept the actors' hotels and Comic-Con registrations "alive" but at their expense.  Fox wasn't paying for anything.

Katey Sagal might be an awful person.  She might be the nicest person in the world.  None of us knows her personally and it's kind of ridiculous to raise all this conjecture about why she doesn't do many related appearances, commentaries, etc. without her or anyone in-the-know actually saying anything concrete about it.  She may have perfectly good reasons (such as, yes, being busy, not feeling she could add much to them, not receiving the right compensation, contractual reasons, being humble regarding her work, etc.) that really would have nothing to do with her "not caring" about the fans.

[#521 :]

OK, you've given your two-cents worth - that's what's it's worth.

I, for one, am increasingly tired of seeing Hollywood celebs make assloads of money yet never once consider that the fans who make far, far less money are the ones responsible for their stratospheric lifestyle.

She still had ComicCon on her schedule.  She could have spent the money for the room and she could have spent the time thanking the fans for making her rich beyond belief.

So, Barty (may I call you "Barty"?  Never mind, I will.).  Barty, your message was a post full of nothing, almost like a politican sticking his finger in the air to test the winds of public opinion.

At least I have an opinion and I'm willing to stand my ground.

Word.

[#522 :]

I know that regardless of what I say, Ralph, that won't change your opinion.  That's what standing ground is all about; ignoring evidence, fighting opponents with everything, even if it is pointless, just like Obama's birth certificate.

But I am gonna say it anyway.

You know as much as I know.  And I know, that the Futurama panel was her only schedule at Comic-Con.  Unlike the other actors, she did not have autograph signing to attend to.  You probably ask, "why don't she just go do that then?"  Because you cannot make these sort of changes this quickly before Comic-Con.  Unless, of course, you are Fox and wants to piss off a whole ballroom of people.

I dunno what didn't make her go.  Maybe Comic-Con was already in a busy schedule, where it would have been practical prior to the whole recasting incident for her not to go anyway, but she wanted to go anyway for the fans.  But without a panel or similar to attend to, she may have decided to focus her commitments elsewhere.

Does she care for the fans?  I dunno, but I she does.  Does she realise how important the fans are to keep her with a job?  I think she does too, but still, cannot be certain.

Look, I can theorise all night long about why she didn't go.  But it remains to this point that we simply do not know.  Maybe she does hate us all.  I dunno.

I have no opinion, and I am willing to stand my ground.

Word.

[#523 :]

OK, you've given your two-cents worth - that's what's it's worth.

I, for one, am increasingly tired of seeing Hollywood celebs make assloads of money yet never once consider that the fans who make far, far less money are the ones responsible for their stratospheric lifestyle.

She still had ComicCon on her schedule.  She could have spent the money for the room and she could have spent the time thanking the fans for making her rich beyond belief.

So, Barty (may I call you "Barty"?  Never mind, I will.).  Barty, your message was a post full of nothing, almost like a politican sticking his finger in the air to test the winds of public opinion.

At least I have an opinion and I'm willing to stand my ground.

Word.

You're entitled to your opinion, but you supported it by making a claim that was factually incorrect, then stating your opinion as if it was, itself, fact.

Svip is right, none of us actually knows Sagal, or her reasons for not being there.  For all we know, there could have been legal/contractual reasons that she couldn't be there, or family matters to attend to that would be a bit more important than selling autographs for an hour or so.

The only information we really have are a limited number of stories from people who've worked with her or met her in person which, I might add, all seem to suggest that she's actually a very nice individual.  But whatever her reasons for not being there, innocent or nefarious, we don't KNOW, and it's at best slander to outright accuse her of not caring about her fans when there is little in the way of actual facts to back up such an accusation. 

You seem to be fond of insulting people, but even an opinion or insult towards another has to have some sort of factual basis in order for anyone to take it seriously.

[#524 :]

When I've seen her on talk shows she mostly talks about her husband and children and a only the standard promo bit about her shows. I imagine she just is trying to find as much time for them as possible around her work schedule.

Not sure where Ralph is getting his the basis of his negativity about her other than he seems to get the actress confused with the character and both of them with his ex. Sounds more like a corporate divide-and-conquer ploy rather than anything based on his actual experience.

[#525 :]

@ Futz:

Which "Ex" would you be speaking of?

@ Bartman:  

Sorry you read my response as "an insult".  I'm usually rather civil to fellow Coloradoans.

edit:

But whatever her reasons for not being there, innocent or nefarious, we don't KNOW, and it's at best slander to outright accuse her of not caring about her fans when there is little in the way of actual facts to back up such an accusation.

First of all, anything that's a lie in print is libel, not slander.  (Ask HJS if she knows about libel.)

Second:  I stated an observation and opinion, not  anything otherwise.   The facts that I'm using are that she has never done a commentary, she's shown up at one ComicCon (although somebody stated she appeared at a ComicCon prior to 2007's.)  With the money she makes, her hotel reservation wasn't cancelled and she had ComicCon scheduled, she could have easily paid for a night and made an appearance with the other VA's during the autograph session - I'm sure the sponsors of ComicCon wouldn't have been offended (another Celeb to be able to advertise as you never know who may show up.

Third:  I don't go out of my way to insult people, despite what you may think.  I can have reasonable debates with people.  As a matter of fact, I get insulted a hell of a lot more than I insult others.

@ Svip:

She could have shown up at the signing that Billy and others were at.  No big deal - just thirty or so minutes to tell the fans that appreciates the support (unless she's so insulated from the world that she doesn't know the fans are trying to convince FOX the current VA's are worth the price they're asking.)  A few years ago at DragonCon, Walter Koenig wasn't on the "Trek Trak" but he decided at the last minute to come with George Takai (they shared George's room).  There didn't seem to be a problem with his unplanned and unannounced appearance.  He didn't even have any pictures or anything to hawk - he just wanted to be near the fans and Takai offered to share his room.  

I have my opinion - it just rankles me that she's so busy she doesn't have time to do a single commentary on the DVD's or mingle with the fans.  She's not the only person I feel that way about - most of Hollywood and celebrities fit in that catagory for me.

And yes, Futz, I know there is a difference between Katey's character and any real-life personna she has.  

Damned, you guys get your panties wadded up over any comment that doesn't kiss these VA's asses from cheek to shining cheek.  I'm sorry my observation and opinion has injured and wounded each of you to come to her defense and honor.

So there.

Jesus Christ...

[#526 :]

I find it hilarious that everyone is reading into this whole Sagal thing WAAAAAY too much...

Nerd1: "Katey missed the Comic-Con!"
Nerd2: "She's a stuck up bitch!"
Nerd3: "No, she's too busy being awesome!"
Nerd4: "What if she was abducted by aliens???!!11@"

[#527 :]

I know nothing about Katey Sagal's attitudes towards the fans or what her schedule looks like, but I want to throw out that she was scheduled to show up for the 11:45 AM signing at the FOX booth that day (the one I didn't attend).  I know Billy West was planning on attending it, so it seems the VAs weren't uninvited to it like they were to the panel.  I don't know if she actually attended it or not, though.

[#528 :]

I'm not offended by your opinions about Sagal, Ralph, but I do think the "She doesn't do commentaries" justification is kind of flimsy. I mean, Lauren Tom does do 'em; Dave Herman doesn't do 'em. Like I said earlier, I've gotten the vibe that Katey's not all that connected to the fanbase, but I don't think of it as a character flaw on her part; and like you say, there are a lot of other actors and actresses who dismiss their fans in much the same way. I don't think she means it as a snub--I just think she views her family and her work as more important than meeting some fans at Comic-Con. Personally, I can't fault her for that.

[#529 :]

I find it hilarious that everyone is reading into this whole Sagal thing WAAAAAY too much...

Nerd1: "Katey missed the Comic-Con!"
Nerd2: "She's a stuck up bitch!"
Nerd3: "No, she's too busy being awesome!"
Nerd4: "What if she was abducted by aliens???!!11@"

You forgot:

"Kirk's a better Captain than Picard!"
"Is Not!"
"At least Picard's not afraid to let people know that he's bald!"
"You take that back!"

Damned.  Make one observation and opinion and the peasants are picking up the torches and pitchforks.

O.K.  KATEY LOVES ALL OF US AND SHITS CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM!

I hope everybody is happy now.

Christ...

edit:  Even though she'll hate me if she ever sees these posts, I'm still campaigning for her and the other VA's to be retained by FOX.  Nobody else could do Leela.

I hope that will make you hero-worshipping nerds happy. and

[#530 :]

@ Futz:

Which "Ex" would you be speaking of?

@ Bartman: 

Sorry you read my response as "an insult".  I'm usually rather civil to fellow Coloradoans.

It was the "Barty" part I was referring to.  I didn't really care, but just sayin', it definitely came off as a sly insult.

Anyway, the fact is there could be plenty of reasons Sagal doesn't do many Cons or commentaries.  For one thing, if she's not being compensated, there's not only those costs but also the costs for travel, eating out, etc.  More specifically, there are also complicated legal matters (these things tend to get complicated when contracts and agents are involved), personal family obligations, and even just a preference among many actors and other artists not to talk too much about their work and let it speak for itself.  Some actors are even notoriously shy and uncomfortable about giving interviews (commentaries would fall under that too), and often they are the seemingly eccentric people you wouldn't really expect.  Christopher Lloyd is one.  Sacha Baron Cohen, to some extent, is another.

We don't know what exactly happened.  Maybe when there was no longer an "official" reason for her to be there she was longer able to get an exemption from another contractual obligation.  Maybe it just wasn't worth a long trip for one hour of autographs when she has a family to tend to.  Maybe her agent stipulated that she couldn't go.  Maybe she's a terrible person and just hates the fans.  Who knows.  Regardless, it's worth remembering that no matter how much these people love the show (and the fans), it is still for them a "job" and not the obsession us fans turn it into.

[#531 :]

Maybe Futurama's just a job to Katey Sagal.  Nothin' wrong with that.

[#532 :]

So anyway, is this article 100% official? http://www.killerfilm.com/articles/read/good-news-everyone-futuramas-back-but-dont-get-too-excited-10820

[#533 :]

Is that quote from Fox new?  It sounds really similar to something I thought they said when all this news first came to light.

Otherwise, most of what that article mentions is old hat (and they're wrong about Phil LaMarr being the only one to return; Lauren Tom's job is also "safe" for the moment).

[#534 :]

I'm not sure if I'm interpreting this right: Does this mean an agreement with the original cast is now 100% out of the question?
http://www.scifisquad.com/2009/07/31/futurama-to-return-without-its-original-voice-cast/

[#535 :]

There's no new news in any of those links. They're all using sensationalist headlines to nap you into reading the story just so they can get you to rummage around their site. There has been no new news since Comic-Con on whether or not Futurama will return with or without the original cast.

[#536 :]

I don't know if this means anything:

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/674841

Now for something completely different... 

[#537 :]

Sure hope it does.

[#538 :]

Well that's a relief.  Hopefully it is true.

Figured it would be resolved, but yeah, after hearing those auditions, my mind boggled.


edit: |   I know, the bit about the film makes you wonder...    but even if that part's not
       V    true, or is misinformation, the other part could still be correct.

[#539 :]

From above linked article from The Star:
Los Angeles, Calif.–The Star has learned exclusively that the voice cast of Futurama has just signed a new contract with Fox after weeks of intense salary negotiations.

As late as last week, the network was threatening to replace the original voices of Matt Groening's cult-hit cartoon, to the point of actually announcing a casting call for voice actors to replace them.

The compromise agreement, with the studio paying more and the actors accepting less, comes after the announcement of a 26-episode pick-up here by Comedy Central. Futurama also airs internationally in syndication, has produced four bestselling straight-to-DVD movies (later cut into episodes) and an upcoming feature film.

... An upcoming feature film? Either new news or they took DXC's comments at Comic-Con out of context.

[#540 :]

Double posting so both threads see this and nothing gets said by thirty people.

From Mo's Facebook:

Maurice LaMarche  had a productive afternoon... he finally cleaned up his backyard - threw away all the sun-scarred cracked pool toys, peeling boogie boards, an old broom, deflated faded basketball, and, oh yeah, closed his Futurama deal.

We're back baby! Please insert liquor!

[#541 :]

When I read that I actually said "Yes!" and quite loud I might add...

[#542 :]

How Ironic. I just started watching Bender's Game.
As that little kid from bender's game playing DD says:
"OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD!!!"
We're back baby!!!
HOORAY!

[#543 :]

Hmmmm....

Maurice LaMarche  How nice that a Canadian paper got to break the story. Hmm... I wonder who their source was?

[#544 :]

@leiapadme77:   That's not ironic. That's coincidental.

[#545 :]

--

@leiapadme77:   That's not ironic. That's coincidental.

Oh yeah, sorry.
The use of words expressing something other than their literal intention, now THAT is irony!!!
 <3 bender

[#546 :]

"The use of words expressing something other than their literal intention." Now that is irony.

Damn you leiapadme77!!!

[#547 :]

It's like double soup Tuesday at the orphanarium.

[#548 :]

When I'm watching all new Futurama with the original cast everyday is like Double Soup Tuesday at the orphanarium.

[#549 :]

Ok walmart, you win, i won't burn you down...... although I promised peel I would

[#550 :]

Whilst it's a relief and a boon to have Futurama back with the original cast, expect the increased cost to be FOX's justification for the next cancellation.

[#551 :]

True 'dat.

[#552 :]

Every silver lining has a grey cloud...

[#553 :]

Whilst it's a relief and a boon to have Futurama back with the original cast, expect the increased cost to be FOX's justification for the next cancellation.

Can't they just cancel The Cleveland Show instead?

[#554 :]

You seem to forget this is fox we're talking about

[#555 :]

You seem to forget this is fox we're talking about

Well.  Then they can just get the show back on FOX to make it a network show and make its high production cost reasonable!

[#556 :]

Whilst it's a relief and a boon to have Futurama back with the original cast, expect the increased cost to be FOX's justification for the next cancellation.

Can't they just cancel The Cleveland Show instead?

Ask, nay, demand this in a strongly worded email. Do it in red. Your computer should have 512 different shades of red. Use them all.

[#557 :]

Ask, nay, demand this in a strongly worded email. Do it in red. Your computer should have 512 different shades of red. Use them all.

Simpsons references, on MY PEEL?

It's more likely than you think...

[#558 :]

I was randomly reading though Wikipedia about the Simpsons when I came across this:

"There was intense pressure on producers of the show to create extra episodes in each season and the plan was to make four clip shows per season to meet that limit."

"The Fox network's reasoning was that clip shows cost half of what a normal episode cost to produce, but they could sell syndication rights at full price."

Fucking money grubbing bastards till the end.

I won't be surprised if we start getting Futurama clip shows.

[#559 :]

Clip shows have once advantage over being cheap; audiences do at time like old classic moments.

I mean, Friends fans loved it.  Oh wait, we are not supposed to be like that show, aren't we?  *shiver*

But I have seen excellent done clip shows.  I think it was on Scrubs once, where I actually enjoyed that episode.  Even though I had not seen most of the clips, as I am not a regular Scrubs watcher (you may kill me now or whatever).

Clip shows are like time travel plot devices and meta-jokes.  They can be extremely good if done right, but most of the time, they just plain suck.