Movies - TV
Bender Wasn't The First Plan For Fry's Futurama Sidekick
By ANDREW HOUSMAN
The beloved show “Futurama,” known for its committed fanbase, the accuracy of scientific ideas, and intriguing science fiction concepts, is also remembered by fans for its core characters. However, one of the most popular characters and most recognizable images associated with the show wasn’t initially included in the original concept.
During an interview, show co-creator David X. Cohen explained that his fellow creator, Matt Groening, had already come up with several characters, including Fry, Leela, and Zap Brannigan. The two would come up with more characters together like Bender and Dr. Zoidberg, but there was one they decided to scrap before the show aired: Pocket Pal.
Pocket Pal was originally going to ride around in Fry’s pocket and explain the future to the character and audience, but the developers decided the concept took away from the show’s fun and Fry’s blind acceptance of the future. Cohen explained, “That's one of those lessons we learned, that people don't want a lecture on how the future works, they just want to see what's happening.”