This is indeed good news. It was announced today that 20th Century Animation and Hulu are developing a revival of Futurama from Matt Groening and David X. Cohen, and this won’t be the first time that Futurama has been brought back from the dead.
The original series aired on Fox from 1999-2003 but returned with four direct-to-DVD movies several years later. The success of those movies led to the show returning to television for two more seasons before it was cancelled yet again in 2013. Hulu has ordered 20 new episodes of Futurama which will go into production later this month for a 2023 premiere. Of course, it shouldn’t be Futurama without the wonderful voice-cast, all of whom will be returning for the revival. Billy West, Katey Sagel, Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche, Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr, and David Herman will all be back for more futuristic antics. John DiMaggio, who voices Bender, is still in the midst of finalizing his deal to return. The producers are hopeful that the deal will close, but Variety says that it’s possible the role would be recast if DiMaggio doesn’t return. I certainly hope it doesn’t come to that.
Futurama executive producer David X. Cohen said, “I’m thrilled to have another chance to think about the future… or really anything other than the present.” Creator Matt Groening added, “It’s a true honor to announce the triumphant return of Futurama one more time before we get canceled abruptly again.” I’ve got to say, I never expected Futurama to return the first time around so this latest revival is certainly a big surprise. Marci Proietto, Head of 20th Television Animation, said:
What I love about animation is that it’s possible for a successful show to take a pause and then resume years later, even on a different platform, and pick up right where it left off. Futurama is one of those shows. The excitement from Hulu about returning Matt and David’s genius creation for all-new episodes has been off the charts. I’m thrilled that this incredible team will get to tell more stories, and that our Planet Express crew will have more adventures together. It’s a win for the fans who have loved the show since the beginning, and for the ones who will now discover it for the very first time.
Not to be left out of the statement-palooza, Craig Erwich, President of Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, added, “When presented with the opportunity to bring fans and viewers new episodes of Futurama, we couldn’t wait to dive in. This iconic series helped blaze the trail for the success of adult animation since its initial launch and we look forward to Matt & David continuing to pave the way and further establishing Hulu as the premiere destination for fans of the genre.“
What do you think of Futurama returning for more episodes on Hulu?