The original cast member has closed a deal to voice Futurama’s popular cigar-chomping robot.
Last month, the US streamer confirmed their plans to once again revive Matt Groening’s enduring sci-fi comedy animation Futurama. The show follows a slacker named Fry who is accidentally cryogenically frozen and wakes in the 31st Century.
However, there was one sticking point; the revival had failed to secure the services of actor John DiMaggio who voices the popular character Bender. The foul-mouthed, all-too-human robot is an integral part of the show and, at the first table read for the revival, a producer stood in while negotiations were ongoing.
After a fan outcry, during which fans lent their support using the hashtag #Bendergate, John DiMaggio has now released a statement confirming that he and the production have reached a deal:
“I’M BACK, BABY! So damn grateful for the love and support of fans and colleagues alike during this whole time (especially my wife, Kate), and I cannot wait to get back to work with my Futurama family.”
He went on, in typical Bender style, concluding with the character’s signature line…
“#Bendergate is officially over, so put it on the back of a shelf behind Xmas decorations, or maybe in that kitchen drawer with all of the other crap you put in there like old unusable crazy glue, or maybe even put it in a jar you save farts in. Whatever floats your boat, I don’t care, you get the picture. I’M BACK, BABY! BITE MY SHINY METAL ASS!”
Quite what broke the deadlock remains unclear, but we’re thrilled that there will be no need for a contentious recasting.
This latest Futurama revival is destined for Hulu in the US and, we presume, Disney+ in the UK.
We’ll keep you posted.