All has been quiet since the exciting and infuriating drama that unfolded from the time that it was announced that Futurama was coming back to TV, to when we were told that Fox was ready to re-cast all of the voice actors, and then the relief of being informed that all was remedied and the regular cast would return.
With hopes of seeing the first of the new 26-episode season order by this Summer, it’s getting around the time when we begin itching for some kind of teaser trailer or anything like that, but nothing has been released yet.
To hold us over, Newsarama was able to have a little chat with Futurama‘s own Phil LaMarr, who spoke about how things are going and when we might see the new episodes. LaMarr voices accounting guru Hermes Conrad on the show, among others, and has a multitude of other voice acting jobs under his belt. He’s also known from his work on Mad TV and as Marvin in Pulp Fiction!
When asked about when we might see Futurama finally return to our eager eyes, here’s what LaMarr had to say:
Not positive. I believe either Summer or Fall of this year. I mean, I don’t know for certain, but it should be ready. Just technically, from when we started recording to the amount of time it usually takes these things to get done. Whether they start airing when they’re ready, I don’t know.
We started last fall. Fall of 2009…the new episodes, in my opinion, are the best yet. They’re really, really funny. Some of them are really, really thoughtful as well. The guys have come back to the show with renewed energy. The writers and producers. And they’re happy to be back, and know the world and the characters so well that they’re able to…it feels like they’re better at it. They’re able to do more with it than they were before.
And when asked about anything he can tell us about the new episodes or who we can expect to see:
The question is, is there anything I remember? [laughs] They haven’t actually said, ‘Don’t say this.’ Are there any super surprises that come back? Hmm, well, I don’t want to ruin any of the guest stars. There are some topical episodes, but topical a thousand years in the future.
So far I don’t think there is anyone you wouldn’t be expecting, except maybe a Vice President or two. [laughs]
Obviously LaMarr wants everyone to be pumped up and we won’t know if this is really the best Futurama we’ve seen, but it is exciting to hear from on of the voices. Hopefully we get just a little taste very soon!
Fingers crossed, lets hope they can deliver. The straight to video dvds were a mixture of ups and downs. I sadly and seriously doubt that futurama can compete with the Seth McFarlane universe at this point. Doom Doom Doom!
Comment by Devon — February 24, 2010 @ 1:25 pm
With a return to the series, instead of DVD movies, I hope Futurama returns to the pacing and humor of the original show. With some of the pressure off maybe things will get better than the movies, although they weren’t terrible.
Comment by Not That Guy — February 24, 2010 @ 3:58 pm
I didn’t like those DVD’s too much at first and I agree with the argument that the show needs to move faster. It really is best when they run with a 22 min story line. I do have to say those DVD’s have grown on me. The more times I watch them the less critical I am and the more I seem to enjoy them. But I agree with most people lets get back to the series even if it is only 26 episodes. I am so excited for this show too come back.
Comment by Chicago Joe — February 24, 2010 @ 6:26 pm