Los Angeles (E! Online) - A silent Homer is really no Homer at all, don't you think?

While Fox has renewed The Simpsons for a record-tying 20th season, Variety reports there is currently no new contract in place with the oh-so-essential people who voice the characters on the Emmy-winning sitcom.

Fox had no comment on the report, but one can imagine the repercussions if negotiations remain at an impasse.

Sources close to the show say production has already been delayed for months, and we're already looking at a 20-episode season rather than the standard 22. If a deal isn't arrived at soon, that number could get smaller.

The series' lead talent—Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Hank Azaria, Yeardley Smith, Nancy Cartwright and Harry Shearer—reportedly make about $360,000 per episode and are angling for a figure closer to $500,000.

Though that sum would be in league with the earnings of some sitcom regulars whose faces actually make it into the picture, the Simpsons crew has argued in the past that they're not asking for much when you take into consideration the profitable workhorse that is The Simpsons brand.

And not at all too much to ask if, like Shearer, you provide the voices for Principal Skinner, Ned Flanders and Mr. Burns (to name just a few).

Anyway, one insider optimistically told Variety the issue could end up being resolved later this week. And here's hoping that when the cast and Fox eventually wind up breaking bread, they're doing it at a table read.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/eonline/20080521/en_tv_eo/0b459e199e29_4734_b6c4_34ad5ecb4c75

This happened a few years back. Fox even threatened to replace the voice actors with newer and cheaper ones. Of course, they realized the folly of that notion and gave them a raise. When you have something that produces ratings and profits after twenty years on the air, you don't let it slip away. Besides, a half-mil apiece is a bargain compared to what other sitcom stars get.

And yes, I know they're not seen on-camera like the actors on other sitcoms, but can you imagine The Simpsons without their unique voices? Some of the actors do multiple characters.

Whatever the voice actors are asking, the network should give it to them. They've helped to make the show such an international phenomenon that has earned the network billions of dollars!

Whatever the voice actors are asking, the network should give it to them. They've helped to make the show such an international phenomenon that has earned the network billions of dollars!

Agreed. Paying those actors that kind of money is chump change for Fox. And like I've said before, the show would not work with new actors. It would be like the Simpsons episode where Burns and Smithers tried impersonating them and it was painfully obvious they weren't.

Worst contract negotiation ever!

(I think) The Simpsons may have to end after this season.

I think asking for $500,000 an episode is WAY too high. I personally think $50,000 is just about right. While the voice actors do fantastic work every single time, and the show is of course, extremely popular (everyone knows who the Simpsons are, even people who normally don't watch the show) I think they should accept less money.

(I think) The Simpsons may have to end after this season.


That, clearly, is wishful thinking on your part!

That, clearly, is wishful thinking on your part!

This season and last has seen a creative renewal on the show I wouldn't think possible for a show that's been on for 21 years. The show is funny again and I look forward to it like I haven't in years. This is why they'll pay those voice actors half a mil per show, because it's still delivering ratings and is good again.