It seems like every time that the contracts are up for the voices of The Simpsons, there is always an issue to get them to sign on the dotted line. This time the negotiations were relativity quiet, until their was a Tweet that was heard around the world. Harry Shearer Tweeted, “from James L. Brooks’ lawyer: ‘show will go on, Harry will not be part of it, wish him the best.'” Then he added, “This because I wanted what we’ve always had: the freedom to do other work. Of course, I wish him the very best.”
While in the past the holdup for getting the cast to re-sign was money, he says that is not why he decided to leave the show after 26 years, he says it was because of scheduling. He wants to do other things. Things, I don’t think anyone cares about but him. So best of luck to him and good riddance.
The good thing about The Simpsons is that he is voice actor, and he can easily be replaced. How many people have been practicing their best Simpsons voices since they were kids. Now one of them might get the chance to do just that.
Executive Produce Al Jean reassured fans on Twitter, “The show will go on, made by people who love it and see in it the most wonderful vehicle for satire ever.”
So how will they handle the loss of the Ned Flanders, Principal Skinner, Mr Burns, Walter Smithers, Reverend Lovejoy, Dr Hibbert, Scratchy and Kent Brockman? Jean said that there will be no yellow wedding, so don’t expect his character’s to be killed off. They will just be voiced by someone new.
Hopefully the remaining four actors will see that they are easily replaceable and not be so greedy when their contracts come up in the future. That has always been a sore point for me. They want more money to talk into a microphone (I know it is not easy work, I’ve tried it) but you never hear them giving any of their earnings to charity. If they did, then maybe I would be more on their side.
How do you feel about Harry Shearer leaving the show?
UPDATE: James L Brooks broke his silence on Twitter about the situation and said, “Hey, we tried. We’re still trying. Harry, no kidding, let’s talk.”
I say move on. If he gets more than the $17 million the others are making, than those four will be upset and that will cause more problems and possibly delays. You see, the five of them up until now have worked as a team when it came to negotiations. Plus, why should he get more than them, he isn’t even a Simpson!!!
