When “The Simpsons Movie” came into theaters in 2007, the animated series had already been running successfully on television for 18 years and, in the opinion of many fans, its best years were already behind it.
Nevertheless, the screen debut, which was successful at the box office and largely spared criticism, marked a turnaround. The “Simpsons” were, in a sense, definitive cultural assets, bigger than just a TV series.
Now there could be a sequel coming soon. In any case, there is a possibility of that. Or to put it another way: If as many people as possible give the green light, then “The Simpsons Movie 2” could become a reality.
20th Century Fox is pushing
According to a newsletter from Hollywood insider Jeff Sneider, the matter depends on longtime “Simpsons” producer James L. Brooks. He is actually currently in the process of financing another project, but if this failed, according to the expert, a concept would already be in the drawer.
In any case, 20th Century Fox, the studio behind the Yellows, has already come knocking. The crux of the matter would not only be Brookes’ willingness, but also the interest of the ambitious and greatly rejuvenated team of authors. The series has just gotten back on track – the reviews are better than they have been for a long time.
Anyone who watches the 34th season (currently with some episodes streaming on Disney+, also weekly on ProSieben) will get a good impression of where it’s going. More storytelling, fewer gags, a different approach to the depth of the characters.
A second “Simpsons” film could be a game changer
A new film could be based on this, and it might even be a transition to a different future for the drawn sitcom. Disney had never announced plans to redesign the “Simpsons” universe and had so far limited itself to a few short films related to “Star Wars” and other mouse company specialties, but spin-offs would of course be conceivable.
Incidentally, Brooks not only produced the first “Simpsons” film, he was also one of eleven (!) authors who wrote the self-deprecating script. A new strip would probably tie up similar energies, which would not be an easy task for a rather small team of writers in addition to the not-negligible task of creating 22 episodes per season. It took more than ten years from the first plans to the cinema release.
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A new “Simpsons” movie could possibly mean that fewer episodes are developed per season, which could also provide a new approach in this position. About 13 episodes would be conceivable, each with a running time of 30 minutes. And if Disney were still interested in finally separating the series from the Fox TV channel, nothing would stand in the way of a completely new exploitation in the in-house network on its own terms.
However, after more than 30 years, the clock is ticking: Speaker Harry Shearer is almost 80 years old (and will soon be asked for the “Spinal Tap” sequel), and who knows how cinema will develop in the coming years? if there are no more atomic bombs and toy dolls in the summer.