Voice Of Bender Thinks Whole Cast Of Futurama Should Be Paid More For Reboot: ‘It’s About Self Respect’
John DiMaggio said Bender is part of his soul.
The voice of the iconic robot Bender still hasn't signed on for the reboot of Futurama.
The show is returning via streaming service Hulu for another 20 episodes with the original creators Matt Groening and David X. Cohen on board, as well as much of the original cast.
John DiMaggio - the voice behind such lines as 'Bite my shiny metal ass' and 'I'm so embarrassed. I wish everybody else was dead' - however, hasn't come on board yet.
He said he's still hoping for a positive outcome, but he's had to draw the line and ask for more money.
"Bender is part of my soul and nothing about this is meant to be disrespectful to the fans or my Futurama family," he said on Twitter.
"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."
He said he wished he could give fans more details of what's unfolding in what's been dubbed #BenderGate, but said it wasn't his place.
He also implied he understood why his former cast mates had already signed on the dotted line.
"I don't think that only I deserve to be paid more. I think the entire cast does," he said.
"Negotiations are a natural part of working in show business.
"Everyone has a different strategy and different boundaries. Their price.
"Some accept offers, some hold their ground."
Futurama follows 25-year-old Phillip Fry (voiced by West).
In 1999, the character, a slacker and pizza delivery guy, accidentally freezes himself and wakes up 1,000 years later.
In the 'future' he meets a cast of characters who change his life.
The rebooted show will be produced by 20th Television Animation.
Marci Proietto, head of 20th Television Animation, noted the unique advantages animated shows had when it comes to revivals.
"What I love about animation is that it's possible for a successful show to take a pause and then resume years later, even on a different platform, and pick up right where it left off," he said.
"Futurama is one of those shows."
He said it was a win for the fans who have loved the show since the beginning, but he also predicted new people will discover Futurama for the first time.
Distribution plans for the show in Australia are not yet clear.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyVivienne Kelly