View Full Version : New season of Futurama commissioned
Seems 13 all new episodes have been comissioned by Comedy Central :clap:
http://www.tvsquad.com/2009/06/08/benders-back-baby-new-futurama-episodes-are-in-our-future/
I cannot wait to see this, hopefully the same people and writers which could make for some great episodes.
scoobyood
09-06-2009, 17:59
About frickin time...! It took Fox long enough to decide they don't want to make some money on it.
degeneration
09-06-2009, 18:19
Good News Everybody!
Will this follow on from the wild green yonder? Hope so!
boonspoon
09-06-2009, 18:21
Good News Everybody!
I'm surprised the thread title or the first post didn't have that in it... :D
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/rmuneton/28aki86wu7.jpg
Wee Stinky Balloons
09-06-2009, 19:40
Is noone else a bit worried? I thought the films were quite sub-par
degeneration
09-06-2009, 19:41
Is noone else a bit worried? I thought the films were quite sub-par
Because they were films? :shrug: Maybe it proved it works best in 20 something minute segments?
I agree, I think that the films were hit and miss but the episodes worked well at ~22 minutes.
GAmbrose
09-06-2009, 20:10
"Casting is underway"
Unless they can get all the original cast (and hopefully some of the original writers) it'll be hard to accept it.
Gary A
Fantastic news... just hope it won't be too long before it airs...
Awesome news back in its best format!
LeftHandedGuitarist
09-06-2009, 21:51
Sweet :)
I enjoyed the films.
MetalGearAl
09-06-2009, 21:58
Hmm, let's hope it's a return to form. They told great stories when confined to the 22-minute format.
It's actually 26 new episodes :D:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118004722.html?categoryid=14&cs=1
degeneration
09-06-2009, 22:26
Voice actors Billy West (who played Philip Fry), Katey Sagal (Leela) and John DiMaggio (Bender) have all signed on to return.
This can only be a good thing.
Whooooooooooooooopppppp!!
GProject
09-06-2009, 23:35
Well, this is exactly what they were hoping for when they made the four feature length stories, so good on 'em for actually pulling it off!
The cast were bound to return - they've said on numerous occasions that Futurama is the best gig they could ever get as vocal artists. The writers have just got to absolutely nail those scripts now, because it would be a painful thing to watch it come back and be sub-par.
Does anyone know if the 4 recent titles will get released as a collected set anytime?
Is noone else a bit worried? I thought the films were quite sub-par
Worried might be the wrong word. Less enthusiastic maybe. The films were so-so and if they don't do a better job it'll be a let down. Maybe they weren't good because they were films but really it shouldn't make a difference.
MetalGearAl
10-06-2009, 08:37
Worried might be the wrong word. Less enthusiastic maybe. The films were so-so and if they don't do a better job it'll be a let down. Maybe they weren't good because they were films but really it shouldn't make a difference.
Of course it makes a difference, it's completely different writing for a 90 minute format instead of 22 minutes. Whilst the feature-length episodes had plenty of good gags, the plots just completely dragged and they were an actual chore to watch at times.
Returning to the old format is exactly what the show needs, as with all 4 seasons of the show they've previously shown that they can absolutely nail that format.
General Zod
10-06-2009, 08:44
Plus the films were written partly with a view to making them fairly easy to break down into 3-4 episode segments.
Plus the films were written partly with a view to making them fairly easy to break down into 3-4 episode segments.
That was what failed IMO. They'd have been better as simply "to be continued," with no planning of the break at all.
The movies were sub par ONLY because they were movies. There were more than enough good ideas to show that a series will be great once more.
Niceguygeoff
10-06-2009, 10:50
Great news. I can start polishing up my Zap Brannigan impression once again.
kippa2k1
10-06-2009, 15:44
Once again, the conservative, sandwich-heavy portfolio pays off for the hungry investor!
kiran_mk2
10-06-2009, 22:07
The 4 films are still on my lovefilm list, but I remember thinking Futurama was much better than The Simpsons about 6 years ago, but rewatching some episodes it looks quite dated - and I'm not sure how well it will work as a lot of the humour came from parodying things Fry was used to 1999 that have changed in 3000, but the 2009 world is very different.
Jedibitch
10-06-2009, 22:24
[QUOTE=Nirvana;8642252i have to agree with those saying this may not be "good news everyone". the films were absolutely atrocious, and i fear the franchise has now overstayed its welcome. i hope i'm wrong though...[/QUOTE]
I was so looking forward to the films but after sitting through the pile of dross they were I'm not holding high hopes for this, would love to be proved wrong though as the original episodes were excellent.
The movies were so boring it's hard to believe any original writers were involved.
fattyboombatty
11-06-2009, 14:29
Awesome news back in its best format!
yep, films didn't work for me. 22 minute gems please:D
degeneration
11-06-2009, 17:33
Just occurred to me that we'll get another Anthology of Interest!
Some bad news regarding the new series of Futurama - FOX have put out a casting call for a new voice cast. They're looking to replace Katy Sagal, John DiMaggio, Phil LaMarr, and Maurice LaMarche!! More info here (http://www.blogomatic3000.com/?p=2855).
WTF? They're the essants of the show man THE ESSANTS!
No I don't know if I spelt that right but I'm mighty mad.
ShakeyJake
17-07-2009, 20:22
They might as well just cancel it now
without the actors in place i wont watch it.
I dont want a bender-like voice. i want BENDER!
It's not even back on the air and Fox are dicking it around again:razz:
WTF?! They just don't get it do they! :lol:
Obviously it's a $ issue but a voice cast is just as essential to a character and vibe of an animated series as physical performance is to live action. You don't just get chemistry from any old sound-a-like.
Idiots.
Niceguygeoff
17-07-2009, 20:41
What a bunch of tarts. Yep, may as well put Futurama back in the ground and let it rest in peace.
FFS how can you recast this for all the main characters? WTF are Fox thinking?
Idiots, doesn't sound like they're holding out for more money, article says Fox don't want to pay the going rate for the originals and are looking for the cheaper option :(
Rumour has it they're also getting Rolf Harris to do the animation! ;)
Proof, if proof were needed, that all FOX care about is money.
FOX has made some truly terrible decisions over the years, but this has to be near the top. I really hope Matt Groening puts his foot down, if only to preserve the integrity of Futurama. Surely he doesn't need the money....
::edit
Here is the casting call
Thursday, Jul. 16, 2009, 5:54 PM Pacific
FUTURAMA
Voice Over
Episodic
1/2 hour animated comedy for Twentieth Century Fox Television
SAG
Creators Matt Groening and David X. Cohen
Casting Director: Scott Muller
Shoot/Start Date: August
Pay Rate: TBD
Location: Los Angeles
SUBMIT ELECTRONICALLY
OR
FOR SUBMISSION OF AUDIO ONLY (MP3S ON CD PLEASE) KING OF THE HILL
ATTN: SCOTT MULLER
15821 VENTURA BLVD.
ENCINO, CA
91436
VOICE AUDITIONS MAY BE SENT IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:
1. MP3 AUDIO AUDITIONS ONLINE IN WHATEVER MEANS IS CONVENIENT FOR YOU.
2. MP3 AUDIO AUDITIONS ON CD.
3.EMAILED AS ATTACHMENTS TO: FUTURAMA@SCOTTMULLERCASTING.COM (NOTE: PLEASE USE THIS METHOD SPARINGLY, ATTACHMENTS NOT TO EXCEED 5 MB) AUDITIONS SHOULD BE SENT ASAP AS WE WILL BE MOVING QUICKLY. PRODUCER SESSIONS WILL BE HELD AT A DATE TBD.
We are starting casting immediately for Futurama, a half-hour animated comedy created by Matt Groening and David X. Cohen. Descriptions of these established characters follow, along with links to clips of previous episodes for reference.
SERIES REGULAR ROLES:
[ PHILIP J. FRY (FRY) ]
Fry, a 20th century slacker, works as a pizza delivery boy. On December 21st, 1999, he is cryogenically frozen and wakes up 1000 years in the future in the city of New New York. Through a series of events, Fry tracks down his great (x30) nephew Professor Hubert Farnsworth and lands a job at the Professors Planet Express delivery company as a delivery boy. Fry bunks with Planet Expresss beer-swilling robot, Bender. Fry is constantly trying to win the heart of Leela, the companys ship captain...SERIES REGULAR
http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?videoId=164702&title=flashback-freeze (Episode 5ACV03)
[ TURANGA LEELA (LEELA) ]
Leela, a sexy Cyclops, is the captain of the Planet Express delivery ship. Leela is in charge of every company mission, having her hands full keeping Fry and Bender in line. Her early years were spent in an orphanage where she was a bit of an outcast for having one eye. She took up kickboxing and other similar sports to make up for the lack of friends. She still has problems with men and often gets jealous of Amys (her co-worker) popularity among the opposite sex. She has a soft spot for Fry but is unsure of anything further than that, due to Frys clumsy advances...SERIES REGULAR
http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?videoId=162824&title=leelas-timeline (Episode 4ACV02)
[ BENDER BENDING RODRIQUEZ (BENDER) ]
Bender, a cigar-smoking, booze-guzzling, kleptomaniac robot, had a successful career in bending girders but tired to kill himself when he found out the girders were being used for suicide booths. He was saved by Fry and later took a job at Planet Express. To be able to function properly, Bender needs the chemical energy from alcohol. Excessive drinking is mandatory or he will become sober and unable to control his body. Magnets stuck to his head make him sing like a folk singer...SERIES REGULAR
http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?videoId=188899&title=bender-the-drone (Episode 5ACV05)
[ PROFESSOR HUBERT FARNSWORTH (PROFESSOR) ]
Professor Hubert Farnsworth is the owner of the Planet Express delivery company, which he uses to fund his strange scientific experiments. He also lectures at Mars University on the mathematics of quantum neutrino fields (he made up the name so no one would dare take the course). He is technically 160 years old, but to avoid being picked up by the sunset squad and taken to the near death star he says he is only 150...SERIES REGULAR
http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?videoId=217636&title=back-in-action (Episode 5ACV01)
[ DR. JOHN ZOIDBERG (ZOIDBERG) ]
Dr. Zoidberg, a lobster-like alien, left his home planet of Decapod 10 to become a rich doctor but instead became the Planet Express staff doctor (doesnt pay so well). Zoidberg, who is usually shunned by the rest of the Planet Express crew, is always in search of his next meal. His skill as a surgeon, and basic knowledge of human anatomy, are often called into question. He secretly desires to become a stand-up comedian...SERIES REGULAR
http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?videoId=147743&title=love-lessons (Episode 2ACV05)
FUTURAMA RECURRING ROLES:
[ MOM ]
Mom is the very old, very rich, very ruthless founder of Moms Friendly Robot Company. She has three sons: Walt, Larry, and Igner, who work for the company and help Mom do her dirty work. Many years ago, Farnsworth worked for Moms Friendly Robot Company, and they had a fling, which ended when Mom kept turning Farnsworths cute inventions into mad, killing machines...RECURRING
http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?videoId=147736&title=mothers-day (Episode 2ACV14)
[ ZAPP BRANNIGAN ]
Zapp Brannigan is a 25-star General of the Democratic Order of Planets and has been responsible for several successful wars including a triumph over the pacifists of the Ghandi Nebula. He is always accompanies on mission by his hapless assistant Kif Kroker. Behind all his bravado he is a wimp who is not very intelligent. He once slept with Leela, a fact hat he constantly reminds her of...RECURRING
http://www.hulu.com/watch/60311/futurama-zapp-in-the-shower (Episode 2ACV17)
[ KIF KROKER (KIF) ]
Kif Kroker is a hard working, long suffering alien Lieutenant of the DOOP who does all the hard work and takes the rap for problems usually caused by Zapp Brannigan (his superior officer). Zapp considers Kif to be his most loyal friend however, Kif in fact views Zapp as an imbecile. He is smitten with his current girlfriend Amy. He has no bones and is supported by a system of inflated bladders...RECURRING
http://www.hulu.com/watch/4471/futurama-kif-is-pregnant (Episode 4ACV01)
Niceguygeoff
17-07-2009, 23:24
Fox have stated that they "could not meet [the] salary demands" of the voice performers.
If all the actors wanted was the same rate as before, then fair enough. Fox are dicks for not going ahead, and if they didn't budget for these fees when renewing the show (the inference being that they assumed that the voice cast would sign for a lower rate) then they're even more stupid than I imagined.
But I hope to high heck that the actors haven't asked for/demanded more moolah in the hopes of getting a Simpsons-esque windfall, because Futurama just ain't that big. Re-cast Homer and you'd have rioting in the streets. Re-cast Fry, and you'd be lucky to get a 'meh' out of most people.
I'm confused. Didn't Comedy Central pick up the new season?
Fatbloke
18-07-2009, 07:55
Odd - looking at that casting call, Billy West must be asking for mega-bucks if Fox are willing to cast four different people for the characters he currently does on his own.
As for Maurice LaMarche :notworthy
Pft, I was really looking forward to this and Fox manage to screw it up again seemingly haggling over nickels and dimes.
There is no danger I'll be watching this if its not the original voice talent
Odd - looking at that casting call, Billy West must be asking for mega-bucks if Fox are willing to cast four different people for the characters he currently does on his own.
Voice actors are often paid per line they read, so it doesn't matter how many people they have.
I never thought i'd say this but I really hope they can it :(
This is such a ludicrous move that I still can't help thinking it's just extreme brinkmanship on the part of Fox.
Surely it's in no one's interest for this to be the final outcome?
EdgeOfVictory
18-07-2009, 12:41
really awful news :( i'll refuse to watch if they replace the voices with new ones - it just won't be the same
also, how they can justify getting the original actors for the feature length ones, and ditch them now? makes no sense
This is terrible news. Fox can't seem to do anything right at the moment. They churn out some rubbish movies and screw over most of their tv shows.
I'll probably watch (or at least try to) the first episode to see how wrong it is.
Isn't Matt Groening to say anything about this?
rbullivant
18-07-2009, 18:30
Maybe its just a ploy to get the original actors cheaper? Didn't they try and fail to do it to the Simpsons cast?
R
ryonhilluk
18-07-2009, 19:41
what a stupid, stupid, stupid decision.
could change though. from ign....
'If there's any hope for fans, it's the fact that a casting call for new voice actors doesn't necessarily mean that a deal still can't be made. In fact, Variety points out that when negotiations were going badly for new deals with The Simpsons cast several years ago, similar casting inquiries were made for new actors – and obviously, in that case, the original cast did eventually come to terms on a new deal. Let's all cross our fingers that history repeats itself here...'
GProject
19-07-2009, 00:09
It certainly looks like a consolidated effort by the voice actors - too many main cast members involved for it not to be.
This is about the worst thing that could have happened to this show. Let's hope they can get it sorted out before production starts.
.
So how is it that Fox is deciding the cast when the new series is being shown by Comedy Central? Does Fox own Comedy Central?
http://tvseriesfinale.com/articles/futurama-comedy-central-new-episodes/
2oth Century Fox TV are the studio making the episodes. Comedy Central is the network airing them. (The original seasons were first aired on the Fox network.) So CC are paying for it, but 20th Century Fox TV are making them.
Anyone tempted to send in an audition tape?
Or, as a protest, you could organise for as many people as possible to send one that just says "bring back the original cast!" over and over.
Seems odd that the whole cast is being re-done rather than the odd one or two, as mentioned there must a a united position from the cast.
Hopefully this is all manouvering on the part of Fox to get the cast to do the parts for a lower or standard fee.
I know from interviews that Futurama has a special place in Groenings heart and it seems madness that he would let this happen, its not like he needs the money really.
Anyone else think that it could be a malicious move because Fox execs have suffered at the hands of this show?
Looks like the entire cast has just signed new contracts according to AICN (http://www.aintitcool.com/node/41898), via the Toronto Star. (http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/674841)
The Star has learned exclusively that the entire 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 Futurama voice cast includes John DiMaggio, Maurice LaMarche, Billy West, Tress MacNeille and Katey Sagal.
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.
"We are thrilled to have our incredible cast back. The call has already `gone out to the animators to put the mouths back on the characters," Futurama creators Groening and David X. Cohen said in a joint statement.
That's a relief... it just wouldn't have been the same with soundalikes.
Good News Everyone! :lol: :D
Well thank **** for that! :)
GProject
02-08-2009, 00:14
Disaster averted. Normal service will be resumed shortly.
(also, snide move by Fox on the casting call, looks like it gave them some leverage though)
.
MetalGearAl
04-03-2010, 17:03
Good news everyone!
Air date for the new episodes announced - link (http://ccinsider.comedycentral.com/2010/03/04/new-episodes-of-futurama-to-premiere-in-june/).
I remain optimistic that it'll be a return to form. The feature-lengths weren't great, but once it's squeezed back into it's original form with tighter plots I think it'll be much more enjoyable once again.
Thats great, they are supposed to be in another universe now aren't they?
MetalGearAl
05-03-2010, 10:38
Hard to tell, but yeah it does carry on exactly from where the last special ended.
rbullivant
05-03-2010, 15:34
Sounds a bit like how Red Dwarf went
Let's see if I can remember the line...
"I can't tell you where we are but I can tell you where we aren't.... The Universe"
scoobyood
05-03-2010, 17:28
Sounds a bit like how Red Dwarf went
Nah, it's nothing like Red Dwarf. Futurama features a slob idiot who is held in suspended animation for a very long time.. only to wake up and befriend a job's worth who's constantly pestering him about doing work. His other friend is a robot which provides human/robot based comic relief..... there's also a creature with bizarre habits that evolved from a lower life form and an older character who is a bit mad but gives out all the necessary exposition.
They all fly around in space in a small, seemingly indestructible, ship.. going to strange planets and encountering various temporal, alien and mind altering oddities.
....wait :thinking:
:wave:
rbullivant
07-03-2010, 17:50
I meamt in the sense it is how Red Dwarf went, abandon the main premise and just ride around in a small craft all the time.
Sounds like a long story arc
R
I haven't seen the specials, but want to get caught up before the new series begins. What's the best way to watch them: in movie format or broken down into episodes?
sleep4ever
07-03-2010, 20:23
I haven't seen the specials, but want to get caught up before the new series begins. What's the best way to watch them: in movie format or broken down into episodes?
Watch the first one and ignore the others ;)
One was so bad that combined with a heavy work schedule meant that I fell asleep 3 times in the same movie
The four are £9.99 here (http://www.thedvdforums.com/affiliatelink.php?localaffiliateid=2&url=http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/10296195/Futurama-The-Collected-Epics/Product.html)
degeneration
07-03-2010, 22:55
I haven't seen the specials, but want to get caught up before the new series begins. What's the best way to watch them: in movie format or broken down into episodes?
I've just gotten the boxset above and there is a lot of bits I didn't notice / weren't the first time around on Sky in "Beast with a billion backs". Most notably Kif and Amy's wedding
Any idea if Sky One are getting the new episodes?
MetalGearAl
07-03-2010, 23:06
I haven't watched them broken into episodes, but it's probably worth a go. They really don't work as feature length episodes as the plot feels so dragged out and you end up just wanting it to finish.
Having said that, Bender's Big Score (the first) is good and better paced than the rest.
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