The following is old news, I realize, but do indulge me.
So undoubtedly many of you have heard or read that Cartoon Network is going to produce a reboot of The Powerpuff Girls…without the series’ creator Craig McCracken.
These new character designs are OK. I’m not feeling the cowlick on Buttercup, but whatever.
Last June, it was announced that the new PPG series is going to have new actresses voicing the title characters. See below:
Hmm..looks more like a casting call for High School Musical or Glee.
Ah, to be young and cute…Oh, I guess I’m supposed to be upset and mad and start ranting and raving up and down about how CN hired new voice actresses as the Powerpuff Girls instead of hiring the original VAs. Let me think about it…
Nope. Still don’t care.
I mean, I don’t really understand why Cartoon Network decided to bring in new voice actresses or why Cathy Cavadini (Blossom), Tara Strong (Bubbles) nor E.G. Daily (Buttercup) weren’t considered or even contacted for the new series, but I’m not mad that they did it. Fans of the original PPG series consider CN’s hiring new and different actresses to voice the Girls for this reboot to be a huge slap in the face to the original VAs, but I just don’t see it that way. I find this action to be curious, sure, but I’m not infuriated by it. I suppose that it’s partially because I don’t much care about the new series being a reboot. I’m admittedly not a nostalgic person and am more interested in seeing new and original shows as opposed to rebooting shows from 20 or 30 years ago. Plus, it’s their show, CN can do whatever they want with it.
What does bother me, however, is how shamefully petty and small the fans of the 90s PPG show reacted to the news that the PPG reboot would have new VAs. Normally one would have to visit a preschool to see such immaturity, selfishness and temper tantrums, but at least preschoolers have an excuse for being immature and believing that the entire world revolves around them.
“You! Big person! I’m bored! Do something about it!!”
Seriously, though, I found how the fans of the 90s PPG series reacted to the news of the VAs to be a truly shameful and disgusting display of disrespect, rudeness and ridiculousness. There were insults hurled at the new VAs and threats of boycotts to the reboot.
“We’ll protest! We’ll boycott the new PPG! We’ll start a whiny petition until Cartoon Network decides to give the original voice actresses the job!”
To which, I imagine that Cartoon Network’s reaction was something along these lines:
Seriously, you guys and gals are no longer part of Cartoon Network’s target demographic. You’ve grown up and they’ve moved on. Who cares what you do? What these 90s brats need to understand is that this PPG reboot wasn’t made for them. Actually no reboot is made for them! They’re meant for a new generation of today’s kids. It’s supposed to attract a new generation of fans. That’s the whole point of a reboot. If you don’t like the new VAs, then fine. Don’t watch the reboot, but don’t hate on the new voice actresses just because they auditioned and got the job. Cathy Cavadini, Tara Strong and E.G. Daily are all still very much active in the voice over business. None of them are hurting for work, so it’s not like CN is taking food out of their kids’ mouths.
Having the original voice actors present alone isn’t a guarantee that a new show will be good. Have we forgotten about this already?
Teen Titans GO! has the same voice actors as Teen Titans: The Animated Series, and that show sucks noodles!
Here’s the thing: Amanda Lighton (Blossom), Natalie Palamides (Buttercup) and Kristen Li (Bubbles) are just like Cathy Cavadini, E.G. Daily and Tara Strong were 30 years ago; a bunch of actresses looking for a break. Don’t ruin their chance to shine just because you yourself can’t let go of the past. That’s your issue, not theirs nor the network’s. They have a job to do, so just let them do it. No one’s forcing you to watch this (or any) reboot. If you prefer the old VAs , then just watch the old episodes. it’s not like the original PPG series disappeared and there are no traces of it left anywhere. The original episodes are still out there for you to enjoy. The entire series is on DVD now. Buy it, binge watch it and shut the frag up! Let their kids have their fun. Instead of protesting and threatening to boycott the PPG reboot, perhaps you should work on moving out of your parents’ basements and getting a life?
“Hey, rent’s high, man. Rent’s high.”
Twin Images 
I agree and disagree with what you say. If CN didn’t contact the original VAs at all, that seems a little weird. What bothers me more is that the original creator isn’t involved. That usually isn’t good for a show. Also you can’t say a reboot isn’t somewhat directed at the generation that was young when it was originally on. Cartoons are written for children and adults. But I do agree that it’s silly people are threatening boycotts and such. At least give it a chance. And then if it’s no good it’s no good. I’ll definitely watch the first few episodes.
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I see it as being similar to whenever there’s a reboot to “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”. Yeah, there’s a certain degree of nostalgia/familiarity factor involved, but for the most part, the new series is targeted towards the audience demo that’s going to buy the most toys based on the show.
And yeah, you’d think that the fans of the original show would be much more concerned by the fact that Craig MCracken isn’t involved with the PPG reboot than they’d be about the title characters having new voice actors. Let’s at least wait until we’ve actually heard any of them voice the characters before we decide how good or bad that they are in the roles. If the writing and animation for the Powerpuff Girls reboot is good, then the series can survive new voice actors. If the writing and animation is bad, it won’t matter.
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There’s a similar backlash regarding Disney’s choice to not use the original VAs for their upcoming DuckTales reboot. I can’t speak for Disney in regards to why Terry McGovern, Frank Welker and Russi Taylor weren’t called, but in the case of some of the other actors: Joan Gerber and Hamilton Camp have since passed on, Chuck McCann is 81 and Alan Young and June Foray are both in their 90’s, so while I can understand fans’ grievances, I can see why Disney would want to go with a new voice cast.
As for the PPG reboot, I have to third the statement that all of the hissy-fits over the new VAs is ridiculous, especially since we haven’t heard them perform in character yet. IMHO, the lack of creator Craig McCracken and the fact that the 2 recent PPG TV specials were less than spectacular should be more of a warning flag than the fact that Cathy Cavadini, Tara Strong and E.G. Daily aren’t voicing the girls. Heck, the original PPG series’ last season (the post-movie episodes) weren’t really anything to write home about, so new VAs should really be the least of fans’ worries.
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CN’s official YouTube channel released a clip of the new series, featuring your favorite, Buttercup!
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Well, that wasn’t too bad. For all the fuss folks have making over Natalie Palamides voicing the character, I expected worse. Yeah, that was noticeably not E.G. Daily, but kids who didn’t grow up watching the original 90s PPG aren’t going to care. I guess that Cartoon Network will be releasing clips of Blossom and Bubbles speaking soon enough.
The important thing is that she still acted like the Buttercup that we know and love, even if she sounded a little different.
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