Dough! Simpsons' cast reaches 4-year deal

The cast of Fox's long-running animated series has reached a new four-year deal with the studio, according to TheHollywoodReporter.com

The Web site reports that under the pact, the top actors will be paid nearly $400,000 per episode. The cast originally sought $500,000, according to reports. The new contract is, nonetheless, a significant increase from their paychecks of about $300,000 an episode.

Additionally, The Web site reports, Dan Castellaneta, who voices Homer Simpson and has penned several "Simpsons" episodes, is being named a consulting producer.

Castellaneta and most of the other key "Simpsons" voices, Julie Kavner (Marge), Nancy Cartwright (Bart), Yeardley Smith (Lisa) and Hank Azaria (Moe), are slated to begin work on the upcoming 20th season soon.

The status of Harry Shearer, who voices Mr. Burns and Ned Flanders, among others, was unclear, Hollywood said. Because of a last-minute snag, his deal did not close with the other cast members'.

As a result from the drawn-out contract negotiations, the upcoming season of "The Simpsons" has been reduced from 22 to 20 episodes. While the deal makes the voice cast available for four more seasons, Fox has yet to order the animated comedy beyond season No. 20.