Fans of the beloved animated series “Futurama” have much to look forward to as Season 12 is set to premiere on Hulu. The show’s producers recently announced an exciting lineup of guest stars that includes Danny Trejo, Cara Delevingne, Tom Kenny, Ana Ortiz, Tim Gunn, Bill Nye, Kyle MacLachlan, LeVar Burton, and Neil deGrasse Tyson. This season promises to deliver a mix of humor, adventure, and the unique charm that has made “Futurama” a staple in animated television.
At the San Diego Comic-Con, producers Matt Groening, David X. Cohen, and Claudia Katz, along with voice acting stars Billy West, John DiMaggio, Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr, David Herman, and Maurice LaMarche, shared insights and spoilers about the upcoming season. The excitement in the room was palpable as they discussed the show’s return, which marks the second revival since its original launch in 1999.
“Futurama” has a rich history of being brought back to life after its initial cancellation. The series originally aired for four seasons on Fox before finding new life through reruns on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim and DVD releases. The show was later revived with four direct-to-video films, which were re-edited into a fifth season that aired on Comedy Central. Following two additional seasons on Comedy Central, Hulu picked up the series for 20 episodes in February 2022, renewing it for two more seasons last November.
This new season will consist of ten episodes, each filled with the show’s signature blend of science fiction and comedy. Viewers can expect to see the next chapter in the romance between Fry and Leela, along with a variety of bizarre and entertaining storylines. The episodes will feature birthday party games with deadly stakes, the exploration of Bender’s ancestral robot village, encounters with A.I. friends and foes, and the long-awaited revelation of the true five-million-year-old story behind coffee, a substance that has played a significant role in the series.
Among the guest stars, Danny Trejo will lend his voice to Bender’s cousin, Doblando, who guides Bender to their ancestral robot village in Mexico. Tom Kenny, known for his work on “SpongeBob SquarePants,” will portray a gambling alien who forces the crew to participate in life-or-death children’s games. Ana Ortiz will voice Marquita, a champion of robot matadors and Bender’s love interest, while Cara Delevingne will appear as herself, enhanced with futuristic modifications, representing a force in the world of future fashion.
Tim Gunn will also make an appearance as himself, covering Milan Fashion Week 3024, while Bill Nye will host the 3024 Inventors Awards. Kyle MacLachlan will enjoy a cup of the universe’s best coffee as himself, and LeVar Burton will appear as an unlicensed hologram of himself. Neil deGrasse Tyson will also make a guest appearance, solving the greatest mystery of all time with his scientific expertise.
During the Comic-Con panel, the team decided to do something different by holding a table read of an entire episode instead of just showing a trailer. They presented “Quid’s Game,” a parody of “Squid Game,” which will air as the second episode of the season. The episode follows a group of aliens who force the characters into life-or-death games, showcasing the show’s knack for blending humor with darker themes.
After the first act of the table read, Cohen humorously overruled Groening and Katz to show a clip from the second act, leaving the final act for fans to experience when the episode airs. This playful approach to the panel highlighted the camaraderie among the cast and crew, as well as their excitement for the upcoming season.
As for future crossovers, Groening hinted at the possibility of another collaboration with “The Simpsons,” expressing enthusiasm for the idea. However, coordinating a crossover with his other series, “Disenchantment,” may prove challenging due to its Netflix affiliation. Cohen jokingly remarked that Disney might acquire Netflix soon, making such crossovers more feasible.
With the premiere of Season 12 just around the corner, fans are eager to see how the new episodes will unfold. The combination of returning characters, new guest stars, and innovative storylines promises to keep audiences entertained. The show’s unique ability to blend humor with thought-provoking themes continues to resonate with viewers, making “Futurama” a timeless classic in the realm of animated television.
As the countdown to the premiere begins, fans can look forward to the return of their favorite characters and the introduction of new ones, all while enjoying the signature wit and charm that “Futurama” is known for. The anticipation is high, and the excitement is palpable as the series prepares to embark on another thrilling adventure.
Source: Variety, Deadline
