And that's the word.
It saddens me that Stephen Colbert, a man I once compared on this blog to Pablo Picasso and Bob Dylan, will no longer be the voice of Prof. Impossible on The Venture Brothers. From jacksonpublick:

One sour note from the past month (aside from my car getting hit yet again) is that Mr. Stephen Colbert has decided not to reprise his role as Professor Impossible this season, for reasons which probably have something to do with him being all super-famous, super-busy, and no longer in need of a few hundred bucks here and there. We figured this would happen eventually, considering his monumental success in the years since our first season, but we held out hope that the WGA strike would leave him with enough bored free time on his hands that he'd have a go at it. But after getting shuffled around from his assistant to his assistant's assistant to his agent to his manager, one of them finally shot us an email saying: "Stephen has neither the time nor the interest in participating in your project."

Was the "nor the interest" really necessary? I would have bought the "time" part without question, but man...you gotta kick a guy when he's down like that? Well maybe I'm not interested in your ice cream, mister! Or your book. Unless someone buys it for me for Christmas.

As my wife noted, it's an open question why the assistant who wrote that email didn't add the word "little" before the word "project." (One also wonders if Mr. Colbert's lack of interest in the show applies retroactively to the two seasons he's already recorded. The assistant fails to clarify.) Ah well. Such are the consequences of Mr. Colbert's much deserved success. I realize that the person who wrote the email was probably not quoting Mr. Colbert directly and may very likely have had no idea what The Venture Brothers is. Nevertheless (and no one's unhappier about this than I am) I am left with no choice but to put Mr. Colbert on his own board. Guess what, Prof. Impossible-For-Me-To-Do-Any-More-Cartoons? You're on notice!



("On Notice Board" Generator courtesy shipbrook.com.)

(Post a new comment)

eronanke 2008-01-02 05:18 am UTC (link)

I can honestly say that this is the first thing I can disparage him for. And it will cost him greatly in my book. How long could it possibly take to record lines for this show for a tertiary character? A day or two - maybe three. I'm very sorry to hear this, because it was smaller projects like this and Strangers with Candy that made me adore him all the more. Boourns, Colbert. Booourns. I would suggest a letter-writing campaign, but I think a better idea would be to hit the web; go to his precious Wikipedia and change his entry to reflect this snooty response. For shame, sir. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	vurumai 2008-01-02 05:43 am UTC (link)
	Amen. Hit em where it hurts. In the Wiki. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	darktoki 2008-01-02 05:19 am UTC (link)
	bravo. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	solarbird 2008-01-02 05:31 am UTC (link)
	Yeah, +5. It'd have been +10 If there'd been a right-pointing arrow at the end of "my bitchy little assistant." -_^ (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)(Expand)

(no subject) - greyaenigma, 2008-01-02 08:54 am UTC (Expand)

(no subject) - solarbird, 2008-01-03 12:40 am UTC (Expand)

crudelydrawn 2008-01-02 05:19 am UTC (link)

When I read that, I just kind of pretended it didn't happen. I refuse to believe my darling Mr. Colbert really put it in terms like that. He's probably just super caught up in having to start carrying a show without writers four days a week. So does this mean that Professor Impossible won't be in the third season? Or is it some other guy playing him? Liev Schreiber? Obviously I don't really understand how these things work. (Reply to this) (Thread)(Expand)

	urbaniak 2008-01-02 05:23 am UTC (link)
	I think we should get Sarah Chalke. Special Prize to anyone who gets that! (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)(Expand)

(no subject) - tycho_anomaly, 2008-01-02 05:26 am UTC (Expand)

(no subject) - urbaniak, 2008-01-02 05:27 am UTC (Expand)

(no subject) - chaosomega, 2008-01-06 12:41 am UTC (Expand)

(no subject) - (Anonymous), 2008-01-08 06:36 am UTC (Expand)

(no subject) - cheezmuffn, 2008-01-02 06:26 am UTC (Expand)

(no subject) - jarodrussell, 2008-01-02 07:49 am UTC (Expand)

(no subject) - hobo_del_mono, 2008-01-02 03:18 pm UTC (Expand)

(no subject) - jarodrussell, 2008-01-02 03:23 pm UTC (Expand)

(no subject) - (Anonymous), 2008-03-07 10:34 pm UTC (Expand)

(no subject) - vurumai, 2008-01-02 05:40 am UTC (Expand)

	vurumai 2008-01-02 05:39 am UTC (link)
	So are we in store for a James Bond-style changing of the guard as we transition from one voice actor to another with a different style or will it be another voice actor trying to imitate the nuances of Steven "Not Interested" Colbert? (Reply to this) (Thread)

	(Anonymous) 2008-01-08 09:12 pm UTC (link)
	I THINK THE PROF IMPOSSSIBLE SHOULD NOT SPEAK ON ANY NEW SHOES AND MAYBE JUST HOLD UP A SIGN OR SOMETHING (Reply to this) (Parent)

	kira_ 2008-01-02 05:48 am UTC (link)
	OUUUCH, that's a funny jab at his guest role on Criminal Intent. That made my night. (Reply to this)

	toddalcott 2008-01-02 05:54 am UTC (link)
	In a weird kind of reverse-sympathy move, I have asked Mr. Publick to remove my own voicework from Episode 34. (Reply to this)

mr_mxyzptlk13 2008-01-02 06:20 am UTC (link)

hmm... given that the info came from the 'assistant', i'm smelling a Jane Goodall/Gary Larson-esque issue here of a lowly gopher overstepping herself. that and if done properly, and if enough of a stink can be made, perhaps it can be addressed on both shows, boosting the exposure of both. i mean, for cryin' out loud, SC has Cpt. America's shield, Aragorn's sword, and has been prevented from running for president. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Jane Goodall/Gary Larson mitejen 2008-01-02 02:55 pm UTC (link)
	That is exactly the example I was thinking of! Some crummy assistant with high-falutin' ideas about their own position exacerbating a situation their employer isn't even aware of. Wretched. (Reply to this) (Parent)

noskilz 2008-01-02 08:19 am UTC (link)

Those Astrobase Go fellows seem to be have a flair for making the most of unexpected developments, so I wonder what sort of impact it will have on the storylines of the upcoming episodes. Will they find someone else to do the voice, work the character into a nonspeaking or off-screen role in an episode, or maybe we'll get to spend time with characters we wouldn't have otherwise? I'm sure they'll swing it handily, but I expect fans of the show will just have to wait for season 3 to see exactly how (maybe later - until the season 2 dvd commentary, I had no idea the Ladysmith Black Mambazo exclamation wasn't something planned from the getgo.) (Reply to this)

greyaenigma 2008-01-02 09:01 am UTC (link)

The way it's phrased, I'm actually wondering if the assistant in question even understood that Mr. Colbert had already done two seasons of work on the show. What a shame. I hope he's not to blame personally, but it's still unfortunate. I'd be happy to fill in -- I'm looking for work. If I can't make it, it'll be nice to hear my old school chum Liev in the role. PS: Hi, I'm Glenn, and I read this blog for the trenchant flippancy. And the videos. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	amberuseno 2008-07-13 10:31 am UTC (link)
	"It's a great question by the way, and I'm glad you asked it," Mr. Bush said. But when the president finished taking questions, an aide immediately went to Jessica and took her backstage. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	(Anonymous) 2008-01-02 09:22 am UTC (link)
	Rich Little will do it! (Reply to this)

	tempest_omouthy 2008-01-02 10:18 am UTC (link)
	Wow - I was sad before, but now I'm a little miffed. Good job putting him on his own board, LOL! (Reply to this)

	toddalcott 2008-01-02 12:37 pm UTC (link)
	On his board, you forgot to mention his lame, establishment-promoting "Mr. Goodwrench" commercials. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	mcbrennan 2008-01-02 01:12 pm UTC (link)
	He's not doing those anymore. Stephen has neither the time nor the interest in participating in anthropomorphized automotive maintenance. (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)(Expand)

(no subject) - dragonvyxn, 2008-01-02 05:45 pm UTC (Expand)

	glamourcorpse 2008-01-02 03:08 pm UTC (link)
	That's sad. :( Edited at 2008-01-02 03:08 pm UTC (Reply to this) (Thread)

	urbaniak 2008-01-02 05:05 pm UTC (link)
	That's sad. :( Edited at 2008-01-02 10:08 am (local) What the hell did you edit in that comment? (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)(Expand)

(no subject) - glamourcorpse, 2008-01-02 05:11 pm UTC (Expand)

(no subject) - urbaniak, 2008-01-02 05:17 pm UTC (Expand)

	sevenpsychosis 2008-01-02 03:09 pm UTC (link)
	Its too bad he doesn't have a couple days to spare doh. (Reply to this)

mo_neek_a 2008-01-02 03:57 pm UTC (link)

I read this on Mr. Publick's page, but didn't really know what to say. I don't want to believe that Colbert would say no to something so seemingly inconsequential as a couple days' work. Especially since he had done the part before. I prefer to believe that his agent made the decision, and communicated to the assistant poorly as to what the response should be. And maybe, just maybe, Colbert will be announcing a second attempt to run for President, and that's really why he won't have the time. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	urbaniak 2008-01-02 04:27 pm UTC (link)
	Well, the man has a full-time job, a family and an ever-burgeoning career. Spare time is not inconsequential in that situation; it's no great shock that he's cutting back on extraneous performing opportunities. But as Jackson indicates, his people's phrase "nor the interest" is salt in the wound of his unavailability. So he goes on the board. (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)(Expand)

(no subject) - (Anonymous), 2008-01-02 04:52 pm UTC (Expand)

(no subject) - urbaniak, 2008-01-02 04:58 pm UTC (Expand)

(no subject) - (Anonymous), 2008-01-04 08:45 am UTC (Expand)

Adam West - (Anonymous), 2008-01-14 11:41 pm UTC (Expand)

Re: Adam West - evilkumquat, 2008-02-28 08:00 pm UTC (Expand)

	dragonvyxn 2008-01-02 05:43 pm UTC (link)
	yeah. i was disappointed in the lack of professional courtesy. they put the ass in assistant... (Reply to this)

	malpertuis 2008-01-02 07:20 pm UTC (link)
	I like what your wife said. I mean, if you're gonna be all petty power play - go for gold and twist the knife. mmmm... love mixing my metaphors.... Edited at 2008-01-02 08:24 pm UTC (Reply to this)

	sevenpsychosis 2008-01-02 09:01 pm UTC (link)
	I'm just gonna stop watching comedy central. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	urbaniak 2008-01-02 10:27 pm UTC (link)
	That'll learn 'em. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	chombowombo 2008-01-02 09:24 pm UTC (link)
	wow I didn't even know he did the voice of Prof Impossible, goes to show how much attention I pay to what I watch. That's a bummer, espeically the dick email. Oh well, his loss Oh and by the way I saw you in the Domino's commercial, I gave a squeal of surprise when I realized it was you. Congrats to making it onto my tv again! (Reply to this) (Thread)

	urbaniak 2008-01-02 10:27 pm UTC (link)
	Ah. Didn't know it was airing yet. Very good. Do you remember what show you saw it on? (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)(Expand)

(no subject) - alexandercraig, 2008-01-02 11:50 pm UTC (Expand)

(no subject) - chombowombo, 2008-01-03 07:12 am UTC (Expand)

	chadhulhu 2008-01-15 09:39 pm UTC (link)
	Sadly, I lose even more respect for Colbert. I hope the guys find the right voice for Dr. I who enjoys being in a great show. You guys are great. (Reply to this)

	He's been skipping out on a lot of things this year (Anonymous) 2008-01-18 11:16 pm UTC (link)
	He was supposed to come to College of Charleston to record for a week this month. About 15 had to sign up for horrible class schedules so they could have internships with the show. I guess the only thing the show was going to use them for was to run from the writers room to Mr. Colbert. Otherwise why couldn't they still shoot? WHY!?!?!?!?! (Reply to this)

	prisoner6ix 2008-01-27 05:07 pm UTC (link)
	Nice job slamming Colbert. I think you should kill off Prof. Impossible at some point to make sure he can never come back, in the same vein as South Park did with Chef; a statement that the show has a solid foundation and does not need the likes of him. Have Brock tear him a new one or something. I cannot wait until Season 3! (Reply to this) (Thread)

	ha-ha! (Anonymous) 2008-04-08 10:48 pm UTC (link)
	The way they iced his characters on Harvey Birdman when he left was pretty smooth and classy. But that seemed to be on amicable terms, so unless he gets to responding personally I'd think they owe him a big ration of crap for this one. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	kioska 2008-04-04 06:42 am UTC (link)
	this is very disappointing to me. i had thought he was a fan of these "little" projects. i am a huge fan of the venture bros and was very impressed that colbert was doing these kind of things. but now i am not so sure about how "cool" he is! (Reply to this)

	Have you just tried asking again? spiveyd 2008-06-19 04:04 am UTC (link)
	I mean seriously, have you asked a second time? What's it gonna hurt? Maybe his assistant didn't really understand, or maybe he just didn't know what Venture Brothers was and replied to you before even consulting Colbert. C'mon just ask again! (Reply to this)

..... excuse me??? (Anonymous) 2008-06-25 07:03 am UTC (link)

I'm sorry but Venture Brothers is THE best show on television, and if he really thinks he's to big for it, and I mean if your no longer interested you cant even do a few voice overs to kill off the character so it wouldn't be an issue ever again, but no, thats fine, then I'm to big to ever have or desire anything to do with him.... doesn't he realize that he is nothing without the fans, Your only as big as we allow you to be..., F*CK YOU Colbert, I've lost all respect for you ... (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: ..... excuse me??? (Anonymous) 2009-02-23 07:06 pm UTC (link)
	well said (Reply to this) (Parent)

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