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- The First ‘Simpsons’ Movie
- ‘Simpsons’ Sequel Rumors and a Changing Media Landscape
As a lifelong Simpsons enthusiast who can remember the excitement of waiting for new episodes to air every Sunday night (and let’s not forget the agony of those dreaded pre-DVR days), I must say that the prospect of another big-screen adventure with Springfield’s favorite family has me all a-tremble.
Any talk about the most famous television shows ever made would be incomplete without bringing up “The Simpsons”. This Fox-produced animated family has been a staple on our screens since 1989, making it the longest-running scripted primetime series in American television history. With an impressive 36 seasons behind it, “The Simpsons” shows no signs of slowing down. However, could we one day witness their return to the big screen?
The film version of “The Simpsons” hit cinemas in the summer of 2007, 18 years following its TV premiere. On the other hand, “South Park” transitioned to the big screen less than two years after its initial broadcast. Although whispers about a new project have arisen since the movie’s release, nothing definite has been announced. Initially, it was suggested that a possible second film could function as a series finale, but it’s nearly unimaginable for “The Simpsons” to conclude during any of our lifetimes.
Despite recent remarks by veteran producer Al Jean hinting at an upcoming project, fans might wonder how credible these rumors are. With ideas and potential storylines swirling for over a decade, could things have changed now? Let’s explore the reasons behind the delay in another Simpsons movie and discuss the chances of its eventual production.
The First ‘Simpsons’ Movie
It’s quite astonishing to find out that it took almost two decades for a movie to be made from such a renowned franchise as The Simpsons. However, plans for a feature adaptation had been brewing since the third or fourth season. Various concepts were floated around in the ’90s, including a Fantasia parody, an anthology feature based on Treehouse of Horror, and even a Krusty the Clown-focused film at one point. The main voice cast agreed to the movie in 2001, with writers working on it over the subsequent years. Animation started in 2006, and the much-anticipated film was finally released on July 27, 2007.
In this retelling of the story, Homer polluted Springfield Lake with his pig, Harry Plopper, causing waste-related issues. For those who remember 2007, it will bring back memories of how extensively Spider-Pig was promoted. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) then sealed off Springfield under a massive glass dome, forcing the townsfolk, including the family, to take action against this enforced containment.
The film “The Simpsons Movie” was incredibly profitable, earning approximately $536 million globally. This revenue placed it as the second highest-grossing non-CGI animated movie ever, surpassed only by the original “The Lion King.” At the time, it was also the most successful movie derived from a television series. Given its financial success and the popularity of “The Simpsons” in pop culture, one might wonder why there hasn’t been a follow-up film yet?
‘Simpsons’ Sequel Rumors and a Changing Media Landscape
Over the course of its long existence, The Simpsons has generally been hesitant to branch out into other forms of media. However, it started with the Tracey Ullman show shorts, a movie, and occasional theatrical releases. For the most part though, The Simpsons primarily aired on Fox TV. In recent times, they’ve shown a willingness to venture beyond traditional television broadcasting. For instance, Disney+ began releasing original straight-to-streaming shorts in 2021. Some episodes of the current season, the 33rd, will also be exclusively available on this streaming platform. This mirrors the strategy of fellow long-running contemporary show Family Guy, which will air Hulu-exclusive specials during this season. The landscape of television has significantly evolved over the past few years, and shows unwilling to adapt might risk falling behind.
Pondering whether a return to movie theaters is suitable given The Simpsons’ growing focus on streaming, it’s worth noting that in 2014, producer James L. Brooks mentioned Fox had proposed a sequel, but they declined due to scheduling conflicts. Interestingly, Season 26’s episode “The Man Who Came to Be Dinner” almost became a feature film. This episode revolves around the Simpsons being kidnapped by regular Treehouse of Horror characters Kang and Kodos, who then take them to their home planet, demanding a sacrifice among the family. However, the producers opted not to transform this episode into a movie because of the potential criticism over the fantasy storyline being deemed “non-canon.
2017 and 2018 saw a return to the development of the sequel, with producers David Silverman and Al Jean at the helm. However, these discussions were temporarily halted due to the pandemic. In May 2024, Al Jean provided the most significant update. Although no concrete plans are in motion, he remains optimistic that animation will return to its pre-pandemic state, offering a cinematic experience. He emphasized that while his dream is to have the sequel screened in theaters, there’s also the possibility of a direct-to-streaming release.
Could we potentially see Homer, Marge, and the rest of the Simpson family return to our screens soon? While it’s still uncertain, it’s evident that the team behind the show hasn’t abandoned the idea just yet. With their knack for foreshadowing, they might reveal the answer themselves someday. By the way, you can catch The Simpsons on Disney+ and Hulu.
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2024-11-17 01:31