Excitement for the recently announced Futurama reboot on Hulu has begun to wane as fans have picked up on the fact that John DiMaggio, the voice actor behind the beloved character Bender, is conspicuously still absent from the project.

The issue appears to be a monetary one. According to Entertainment Weekly, Hulu and 20th Television Animation reached out to Billy West and Katy Sagal, the voices of Fry and Leela, with an offer to rejoin the show. Both cast members accepted. Hulu and 20th Television Animation reached out to DiMaggio with the same offer, but he declined, thinking it a lowball for the role of Bender and the reboot of Futurama. DiMaggio counter-offered with a higher quote, but talks apparently stalled in November and haven't resumed since. Hulu has reportedly sent out casting calls for actors in an apparent effort to replace Bender.

As news that DiMaggio wasn't yet attached to the Futurama reboot spread, he essentially confirmed the reason for his absence by retweeting articles about it, as well as support from the voice acting community.

Oh, hi…
Why Futurama star John DiMaggio won't voice Bender in Hulu revival | https://t.co/AZMAa4YSba https://t.co/NF4EhtGyui

— John DiMaggio (@TheJohnDiMaggio) February 11, 2022

CHEESE IT!!!!

Futurama fans threaten to ‘boycott’ new revival series over recasting of Bender https://t.co/47JJmFSyLo

— John DiMaggio (@TheJohnDiMaggio) February 10, 2022

Additional VO tip, in light of news today: don’t make attempts to slide in on someone else’s spot. That’s a wild greasy maneuver. Respect their position, talent & integrity.

— Andrew Kishino (@big_kish) February 10, 2022

Bad move #Futurama @TheJohnDiMaggio is hugely responsible for the success of the show. Voice actors, loved by fans r treated insanely unfair by #Hollywood. They love making us feel replaceable & get away with paying a fraction of what on camera celebs make. Time to close the gap https://t.co/8BjT60ssIh

— tara strong (@tarastrong) February 10, 2022

Everyone in the industry saw the audition notice go out two weeks ago for Bender, asking for a voice match for John DiMaggio. Seeing it, I said out loud “Shove it!” in my best Bender voice, which will always just be a fanboy cosplay of John DiMaggio.

— James Adomian (@JAdomian) February 10, 2022

The ongoing drama has led to the hashtag #Bendergate to trend on Twitter as fans voice their support for DiMaggio and the potential that such an iconic character would be replaced.

@TheJohnDiMaggio IS Bender. No scabs! #bendergate https://t.co/kFAR9MCZVY pic.twitter.com/syhRbzOAvm

— Raymond M. Black (🤘🤘vaccinated & boosted🤘🤘) (@evil_splorp) February 10, 2022

FUTURAMA without @TheJohnDiMaggio? That’s just nonsense. Pure nonsense. Having the full cast return is the whole point, and none of that brilliant cast is expendable. It was John’s performance as Bender that made those lines indelible. #bendergate pic.twitter.com/KQua9Ujc5m

— Ken Plume (@KenPlume) February 11, 2022

Oh come on, Hulu. Pay the man! #JohnDiMaggioIsBender #bendergate #Futurama pic.twitter.com/LORF6cJ7bT

— Meleficent (@MessInTX) February 10, 2022

For his part, DiMaggio has voiced his appreciation for fans rallying to his cause. However, his message offers little indication on whether or not talks with Hulu are moving forward, if they're happening at all.

Thanks for the concern and the props, everyone. I really appreciate it. Don’t worry, I’ll keep you posted, but until then… CHEESE IT! #bendergate

— John DiMaggio (@TheJohnDiMaggio) February 10, 2022