The beloved animated series “Futurama” is set to return with an exciting lineup of guest stars for its upcoming Season 12. The announcement was made during a panel at San Diego Comic-Con, where producers Matt Groening, David X. Cohen, and Claudia Katz, along with the voice cast, shared thrilling details about the new episodes.
Among the notable guest stars joining the cast this season are Danny Trejo, Ana Ortiz, Tom Kenny, Cara Delevingne, Tim Gunn, Bill Nye, Kyle MacLachlan, LeVar Burton, and Neil deGrasse Tyson. Each of these stars will bring their unique flair to the show, adding fresh narratives and humor to the already rich tapestry of “Futurama.”
Danny Trejo will voice Bender’s cousin, Doblando, who guides Bender to their ancestral robot village in Mexico. Tom Kenny, known for his iconic role as SpongeBob SquarePants, will portray a gambling alien who challenges the crew to play children’s games with deadly stakes. Ana Ortiz takes on the role of Marquita, a champion robot matador and Bender’s love interest, while Cara Delevingne will appear as herself, enhanced with futuristic modifications, showcasing her influence 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 lend his voice to a character solving the greatest mysteries of the universe using science.
The panel at Comic-Con was not just about guest stars; it also featured a live table read of an entire episode titled “Quid’s Game,” which is set to air as the second episode of the season. This episode parodies the popular “Squid Game” series, placing the characters in a perilous situation where they must navigate life-or-death games orchestrated by a sadistic group of aliens.
The producers hinted at the potential for future crossovers, including a possible collaboration with “The Simpsons.” Groening expressed enthusiasm for the idea, while Cohen humorously noted the challenges of coordinating with Netflix’s “Disenchantment.”
“Futurama” has a storied history, having originally premiered in 1999. After its initial run on Fox, the show found new life through reruns on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim and later through direct-to-video films. The series was revived by Comedy Central, which aired additional seasons until 2013. Hulu picked up the series in 2022, leading to the critically acclaimed revival that began airing in July 2023.
As Season 12 approaches, fans can expect a continuation of Fry and Leela’s evolving romance, alongside a host of bizarre adventures. The new episodes promise to explore themes such as the secrets of Bender’s ancestral robot village, the complexities of artificial intelligence, and the age-old mystery surrounding coffee.
With a mix of returning favorites and exciting new guest stars, “Futurama” is poised to deliver another season filled with laughter, adventure, and the unique brand of humor that has made it a staple of animated television. The new season premieres on Hulu on July 29, 2024, and fans are eagerly anticipating the return of their favorite characters and the introduction of new ones.
As the countdown to the premiere begins, the excitement surrounding “Futurama” continues to grow, with fans eager to see how the series will evolve and what surprises await them in the new episodes.
Source: Variety, Comic-Con Press Release
