It has been reported that Futurama, the sci-fi animated series from The Simpsons creator Matt Groening, is being revived for Hulu, with a 20-episode run expected to premiere in 2023.
First reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the series will include original voice actors such as Billy West and Katey Sagal as well as ensemble voice actors including the likes of Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche, Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr and David Herman.
However, one voice actor that may not be returning is John DiMaggio, the voice of Bender. According to an individual familiar with the project, DiMaggio isn't currently attached to the show, but producers are willing to recast Bender if a deal can't be made. There are no reports on why DiMaggio isn't currently involved, but hopefully the producers can work something out before production starts.
Both Matt Groening and David X. Cohen, the producers of the original series will also be returning, with production to start this month. When asked about the revival, Cohen explains that he's "thrilled to have another chance to think about the future … or really anything other than the present," while Matt Groening adds "It’s a true honor to announce the triumphant return of Futurama one more time before we get canceled abruptly again."
Fans of Futurama will know that this isn't the first time the series has needed a revival, having been first canceled way back in 2003. The show was then revived in 2007 before finally coming to an end in late 2013. While the ending of the series didn't leave any loose ends, there was leeway to bring the series back in some capacity.
The reaction online has been very mixed, with some thrilled that Futurama is coming back and others claiming that the series' final episode "Meanwhile" was a perfect ending and that it will some of its meaning due to the revival. Whichever end of the emotional spectrum you land on, Futurama is coming back, and we'll likely hear a bit more about it later this year.