Earlier this month we learned that Hulu had ordered a revival of Matt Groening's classic animated space comedy Futurama, but at the time, all key players aside from one had signed on to the project. Now, we know why — voice actor John DiMaggio has explained why he won't be returning to voice fan-favourite Bender, in the aftermath of what he's dubbed #bendergate.
"I've been thinking about everything that's been going on these past months and just to be clear, I don't think that only I deserve to be paid more. I think the entire cast does," DiMaggio wrote in a statement posted to Twitter. "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."
The actor, whose voice is also heard in Groening's more-recent animated Netflix series Disenchantment, went on to further explain that he means no disrespect to his fellow Futurama castmates, rather, his decision is about "self-respect."
DiMaggio continued: "And honestly, [it's about] being tired of an industry that's become far too corporate and takes advantage of artists' time and talent. Look, I wish I could give you every detail so you would understand, but it's not my place. Thanks again for the love everyone. Still hoping for the best."
DiMaggio is the only one among the show's original main cast members — including Billy West, Katey Sagal, Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche, Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr and David Herman — not to reprise his role. Original showrunners David X. Cohen and Groening will also be returning.
Read DiMaggio's full statement below.
"I've been thinking about everything that's been going on these past months and just to be clear, I don't think that only I deserve to be paid more. I think the entire cast does," DiMaggio wrote in a statement posted to Twitter. "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."
The actor, whose voice is also heard in Groening's more-recent animated Netflix series Disenchantment, went on to further explain that he means no disrespect to his fellow Futurama castmates, rather, his decision is about "self-respect."
DiMaggio continued: "And honestly, [it's about] being tired of an industry that's become far too corporate and takes advantage of artists' time and talent. Look, I wish I could give you every detail so you would understand, but it's not my place. Thanks again for the love everyone. Still hoping for the best."
DiMaggio is the only one among the show's original main cast members — including Billy West, Katey Sagal, Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche, Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr and David Herman — not to reprise his role. Original showrunners David X. Cohen and Groening will also be returning.
Read DiMaggio's full statement below.
