Danny Trejo, Cara Delevingne, LeVar Burton, and several other notable guest stars are set to make appearances in the highly anticipated Season 12 of “Futurama.” The show’s producers made this exciting announcement during a panel at the San Diego Comic-Con, where they shared insights and spoilers about the upcoming episodes.
The panel featured creators Matt Groening, David X. Cohen, and Claudia Katz, alongside voice actors Billy West, John DiMaggio, Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr, David Herman, and Maurice LaMarche. The new season is set to premiere on Hulu, bringing back the beloved animated series that has captivated audiences since its original launch in 1999.
“Futurama” has had a storied history, having been canceled and revived multiple times. The latest revival began last fall, marking the second time the show has returned to television. The producers humorously noted the unpredictability of their panels, with Cohen joking about the possibility of being canceled again during the event.
This season promises to delve deeper into the romantic relationship between Fry and Leela, while also introducing a variety of new and exciting storylines. Viewers can expect thrilling adventures that include birthday party games with deadly stakes, the exploration of Bender’s ancestral robot village, encounters with A.I. friends and foes, and the intriguing backstory of coffee as a consciousness-altering substance.
Among the guest stars, Danny Trejo will voice Bender’s cousin, Doblando, who guides Bender to their ancestral village in Mexico. Tom Kenny will portray a gambling alien who challenges the crew to play children’s games with life-or-death consequences. Ana Ortiz joins the cast as Marquita, a champion robot matador and Bender’s love interest, while Cara Delevingne will appear as herself, showcasing her influence in the world of future fashion.
Tim Gunn, Bill Nye, Kyle MacLachlan, LeVar Burton, and Neil deGrasse Tyson will also lend their voices to the series, playing exaggerated versions of themselves. Gunn will be covering Milan Fashion Week 3024, while Nye hosts the 3024 Inventors Awards. MacLachlan will enjoy a cup of the universe’s finest coffee, and Burton will appear as an unlicensed hologram of himself. Tyson will tackle the greatest mysteries of the universe using science.
During the Comic-Con panel, the team opted for a unique approach by conducting a table read of an entire episode instead of simply showing a trailer. They presented “Quid’s Game,” a parody of “Squid Game,” which features a group of sadistic aliens forcing the characters into life-or-death challenges. While the first act was read aloud, the producers decided to tease the audience with a clip from the second act, leaving the final act for viewers to discover when the episode airs.
The panel also hinted at the possibility of future crossovers with other shows created by Groening, including “The Simpsons” and “Disenchantment.” While coordinating a crossover with “Disenchantment” may be challenging due to its Netflix affiliation, Cohen humorously suggested that Disney might eventually acquire it.
Hulu’s revival of “Futurama” has been met with enthusiasm, as the streaming service previously ordered 20 episodes in February 2022 and renewed the series for two additional seasons last November. The new season will consist of ten episodes, each filled with the show’s signature humor and imaginative storytelling.
As fans eagerly await the premiere of Season 12, they can look forward to a blend of nostalgia and fresh content that continues to push the boundaries of animated storytelling. With a talented cast and a lineup of exciting guest stars, “Futurama” is poised to deliver another memorable season filled with laughter, adventure, and unexpected twists.
Source: Variety, Deadline
