The Simpsons, one of the most iconic cartoons and considered by some people as an institution (26 seasons with 550 episodes) by itself, has suffered a major shakeup when one of the regular voice actors decided to walk away despite earlier reports of the favourable conclusion of contract signing for season 27 and 28.
from James L. Brooks’ lawyer: “show will go on, Harry will not be part of it, wish him the best.”. (1/2)
— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) May 14, 2015
This because I wanted what we’ve always had: the freedom to do other work. Of course, I wish him the very best. (2/2)
— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) May 14, 2015
71 year old Harry Shearer, the man who has been voicing characters like Ned Flanders, Mr. Burns, Smithers, Seymour Skinner, Dr. Hibbter, Lenny Leonard, Otto, Rev. Lovejoy and many more, confirms his resignation via his Tweeter (see above) and it is confirmed by The Simpsons showrunner, Al Jean. One of the major reason as to why he decides to quit is “inability to come to terms with FOX over a new contract”. Al Jean’s statement:
“Harry Shearer was offered the same deal the rest of the cast accepted, and passed. The show will go on and we wish him well. Maggie took it hard. We do not plan to kill off characters like Burns and Flanders but will recast with the finest voiceover talent available.”
Even during the last negotiation, sources pointing out that Harry Shearer is the last one who reluctantly agreed to the contract after holding out, which caused the delay. For some idea on the issue, back in 2011, FOX TV is requesting each voice actor to trim down their salaries from US$440,000 per episode to US$250,000 per episode. Many experts credited the series as the saviour of the network 23 years ago hence the reluctance of FOX TV to shut it down and nail biting drama during contract negotiations.
Recasting these characters will be quite a challenge for the production team since each of these Springfield residents are core component to the story of the series. On a glance, the voice actor is doing at least 50 percent of the characters in the show.
Via ScreenCrush
Image credit: Kevin Winter, Getty Images
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