For those keeping score, this would be the third iteration of the series that just can't seem to die. Unfortunately there was one major snag. While the bulk of the cast and production crew were reportedly returning, actor John DiMaggio— aka the voice of Bender— declined to participate.
At the time it wasn't clear just why DiMaggio wasn't returning, but I predicted it came down to money. Sure enough, I was right. In a recent tweet, DiMaggio said, "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."
Bender's arguably the best character on the show, and no doubt a huge part of its success. I had zero interest in a Bender-less Futurama, as there's no show without him.
Fortunately Disney finally gave in, and backed a dump truck full of money in front of DiMaggio's house. In yet another tweet, he said, "Bendergate is officially over, so put it on the back of a shelf behind Xmas decorations, or maybe in the 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!”
Woohoo! Bender's back! I may actually watch the new series now.
I'm taking full credit for Disney's decision, by the way. There's no doubt in my mind that my scathing blog post stung them where it hurts, and forced them to renegotiate DiMaggio's contract. Such is the might of my blog and the power of my words.
Next I'm gonna use my blog against Putin, and tell him to knock off this Ukraine jazz, or I'm gonna knock it off for him! Are you listening, Vlad?
