The Simpsons Movie 2 In The Works For Streaming?
The Simpsons showrunner Al Jean says The Simpsons Movie 2 isn't in development yet, but he wants it to happen.
This article is more than 2 years old
Fans have wondered if The Simpsons would get another crack at the big screen for years. Series showrunner and executive producer Al Jean recently teased a sequel to The Simpsons Movie in 2007 during an interview with Yahoo Movies! According to Jean, the creators are still trying to figure out whether The Simpsons Movie 2 should be made for theaters or streaming.
“I’d love to work on another Simpsons movie, and we’ve talked about it. I don’t know exactly what the animation feature world is at the moment… So I think that’s actually a question we would have to wrestle with before we even started working on a script, is what do we want to do, and right now, I’m really happy to work on these shorts.”
Jean is gearing up for the show’s 34th season. In 2007, the series found its way onto the big screen with satisfying results. Oddly enough, the first film’s production probably prevented any development of The Simpsons Movie 2.
In 2007, producer Al Jean and the show’s supervising director David Silverman expressed how difficult it was for the production staff to develop the feature-length film. During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Silverman stated that it was a “daunting” experience for everyone involved because the show was still happening, and development for that also needed to be done. The experience may’ve slowed development on The Simpsons Movie 2.
Silverman also said that “ideas” for the sequel have floated around since the first film’s release. Jean explained that he didn’t want to develop The Simpsons Movie 2 because of the first film’s financial success but rather because there was at least a planned story. He also said he was cautious due to budgetary issues.
Still, the results of the first film definitely warrant a sequel. The first film made over $536 million worldwide at the box office. With these kinds of numbers, there’s no doubt that studio executives are at least considering development on The Simpsons Movie 2.
While The Simpsons Movie 2 may be on hold for now, the original series has been getting much love on Disney+. Many shorts are being made for the streamer, with the most recent featuring Lisa interacting with some Disney villains. The original series consistently ranks high on the most viewed Disney+ series charts.
Perhaps the success on Disney+ will be enough for the studio executives and creators to finally get on board in developing The Simpsons Movie 2. Fans at least know that there were whispers amongst those involved with the project. In July 2021, producer Al Jean even stated that discussions on the sequel stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Simpsons Movie 2 comes after Disney and Pixar recently announced that Inside Out 2 is coming to theaters. There is also a new appreciation for nostalgia thanks to projects such as Stranger Things, Cobra Kai, and others. The series itself also still has a lot in the tank after being on for decades at this point.
With that being said, there are also drawbacks to developing The Simpsons Movie 2. As mentioned, the producers did say production for the film was hard on those working on staff. It also has to compete in today’s crowded film slate dominated by comic book movies.
Whether or not The Simpsons Move 2 gets made remains to be seen. As of now, fans can still enjoy the new shorts on Disney+.
