Title: John DiMaggio Opens up About Pay Dispute During the Revival of Futurama
Renowned voice actor John DiMaggio recently reflected on the challenging pay dispute he faced with Disney prior to his return for the Futurama revival. Describing it as a battle against Goliath, DiMaggio expressed his gratitude for the support he received from his colleagues and the voice acting community.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, DiMaggio revealed the significant obstacles he encountered during the dispute. He stated, It was like throwing rocks at Goliath. A lot of my colleagues, people I’ve worked with in the past, and the community as a whole stood by me. The casting director faced difficulties as many professionals refused to participate. I have since apologized to her, but it was undoubtedly tough. However, this experience has shown me just how resilient I can be.
Last year, there were doubts surrounding DiMaggio’s involvement in the Futurama revival. He was torn between personal concerns and his desire to fight for fair compensation for the cast members. Ultimately, DiMaggio chose to return, despite not receiving a pay increase. Instead, he valued the respect he garnered from standing up against the studio. He humorously likened the situation to a vice grip where both Disney and he had a firm hold on each other.
In the highly anticipated eighth season of Futurama, which premieres on Hulu on July 24, DiMaggio will reprise his role alongside the original cast members, including Billy West, Katey Sagal, and Tress MacNeille. The revival promises to bring back the show’s satirical spirit and humor, while also offering new storylines and payoffs for long-time fans.
The synopsis for the new season explains that viewers, both new and old, can expect captivating developments within the series. Mysteries that have lingered for decades, such as Fry and Leela’s love story, the contents of Nibbler’s litter box, the enigmatic history of evil Robot Santa, and the fate of Kif and Amy’s tadpoles, will finally be addressed. Additionally, the show will delve into the future of vaccines, bitcoin, cancel culture, and streaming TV, tackling relevant and intriguing topics.
John DiMaggio’s pay dispute may have posed a significant challenge, but it also showcased the strength of his determination. As fans eagerly anticipate the return of Futurama, the revival promises to deliver the same beloved humor and satirical commentary that made the show a fan-favorite. With its all-new episodes, viewers will not only be entertained but also provided with some long-awaited answers.
