The Powerpuff Girls Are Back, But Not the Original Voice Actresses

Today EW published a first look at the new Cartoon Network series, The Powerpuff Girls, and it’s clear that not much has changed since the 11 years since the show stopped new episodes. That is, except the actresses. Yes, the original voices for Bubbles, Blossom and Buttercup have been replaced. Replaced might not even be the right word, since they weren’t actually asked.

As EW points out, actresses Tara Strong, E.G. Daily and Catherine Cavadini took to Twitter to wish the new girls well, but they’re clearly hurt.

I have NO ILL FEELINGS 4 the actresses in the new #ppg, We were just beyond hurt we were NEVER asked..every role I breathe life into I love

— tara strong (@tarastrong) June 9, 2015

As for the new voice actresses? Amanda Leighton is Emma on ABC Family’s The Fosters, and it looks like this is her first voice-acting role. Kirsten Li has done a bit of voice work with Monsters University, and Natalie Palmadies doesn’t have any voice work credits it looks like. They’re definitely new to the voice acting world.

For a fan of the first series and many other cartoon shows that starred E.G. Daily and Tara Strong, this is a disappointment. Some fans are promising not to watch the new series, and there are over 1,000 comments on Facebook already, and many are stating their displeasure over the choice.

Hearing these women’s voices was part of my childhood, and I’m sure they were part of yours. It’s interesting to note that Tom Kenny, part of the original PPG cast, is returning as the narrator. Since he’s the voice of Spongebob Squarepants, a character that’s just beloved and has been on for years, it’s not clear why the actresses weren’t asked to return. Money? Perhaps? Or maybe Cartoon Network just thought they were too busy. Whatever the case, will you watch?