For those keeping score, this would be the third iteration of the series, as Futurama's had a long, tortured and complicated history over the years. It originally ran on the Fox Network for four seasons, from 1999 to 2003. In 2006 Fox released four direct to video Futurama films, which were later chopped up into sixteen segments and aired as a fifth season in 2008. The series was revised in 2010, and ran for an additional two seasons on Comedy Central.
During Disney's announcement of this latest revival, they proudly crowed that they'd rounded up the entire voice cast, with one notable exception. John DiMaggio, who voices Bender, has declined to return to the show. At this time it's unclear just why, but I'm betting it's to do with money.
Sorry, Disney, but Bender's undeniably the best and most popular character on the show. In fact I'd go so far as to say he was the main reason for its success and longevity. No one wants a Futurama without Bender. Or with a Bender who sounds... "off."
No Bender, No Sale!
