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After 20 years without a sequel, The Simpsons are finally returning to the big screen. Disney and 20th Century Studios have officially announced the release of a second Simpsons movie, set for July 23, 2027. It follows 2007’s successful first film, which earned more than half a billion dollars worldwide.
A return to theaters after a long wait
It’s been a long time coming. When The Simpsons Movie came out in the summer of 2007, it felt like an event. Not just for longtime fans of the show, but for moviegoers curious to see if the world of Springfield could hold up on a larger canvas. It worked better than anyone expected: $536 million at the worldwide box office, a strong reception from critics, and a film that still holds up today with its mix of absurdity and satire.
So why wait two decades for a follow-up? According to several interviews over the years, Matt Groening and the producers wanted to avoid repeating themselves or diluting what made the first film special. And perhaps, more simply, there was never a perfect window — until now.
With streaming options saturating animation and franchises like Spider-Verse proving audiences still rush to see ambitious, stylized cartoons in theaters, the timing suddenly makes sense. Springfield’s most dysfunctional family is stepping back into the spotlight. To read Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton face off in 2026’s Apex trailer
A playful tease, minimal plot details
As of now, details about the new film’s story remain under wraps. 20th Century Studios teased it with a mischievous Instagram post: a pink donut shaped like the number “2”, just out of Homer Simpson’s reach. The caption? “Homer’s coming back for seconds.” The message is clear — no reinvention, no world-building preamble, just another helping of what fans love.
That approach is clever. It leans into the familiarity and comfort of the original, like inviting an old friend back to your living room. Don’t expect a gritty reboot. Unlike some animated properties that have tried to pivot toward self-aware nostalgia or dark humor, The Simpsons still seems proud of its own tone.
Behind the jokes: a landmark series
Created by Matt Groening and developed with James L. Brooks and Sam Simon, The Simpsons first appeared in 1987 as shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show before launching as its own sitcom in December 1989 on Fox. Since then, it’s become the longest-running animated series in American history, recently entering its 37th season.
The voice cast remains unchanged over the decades, and that’s rare. Dan Castellaneta (Homer), Julie Kavner (Marge), Nancy Cartwright (Bart), and Yeardley Smith (Lisa) have grown into their roles as much as the characters themselves have. There’s something comforting about knowing they’re all likely returning for the movie, even if Disney hasn’t confirmed full casting yet.
A quick reminder: the 2007 movie saw Springfield trapped under a glass dome after Homer — of course — pollutes the town’s water. It was big, chaotic, and surprisingly moving at times. Legendary critic Kirk Honeycutt called it “caustic, irreverent, constantly amusing and a tiny bit rude,” and I’d add: incredibly well-paced. To read Ranking Shyamalan’s Hits: Which Film Defines His Legacy?
What we know so far
While the film remains mostly a mystery, here’s what we do know:
- Release date: July 23, 2027
- Produced by: Disney & 20th Century Studios
- Teaser: Homer reaching for a “2”-shaped donut
- Competing release: Warner Bros.’ animated musical Bad Fairies is set for the same day
- Original film: Earned $536 million in 2007
Interestingly, the release date was originally reserved for an untitled Marvel movie — a sign that Disney is giving this sequel real box-office confidence. Releasing it in late July, amid summer blockbusters, also suggests the studio sees it not just as fan service but as a legitimate tentpole.
A sequel with the weight of legacy
Even after all these years, there’s still a unique sentimental pull when we hear that opening theme or see Bart scrawling something questionable on the chalkboard. The show has changed, no doubt — its edge softened, its cultural relevance waned — but at its best, The Simpsons still knows how to find truth (and jokes) in the absurd.
Personally, I’m cautiously excited. Cautious, because comedy sequels don’t always land — and because The Simpsons’ television run hasn’t been at its strongest in recent seasons. But excited, because there’s still something magical about watching those yellow silhouettes get caught up in ridiculous chaos, only to land (more or less) on their feet.
In a media landscape overflowing with reboots, revivals, and reunions, this one feels oddly justified. The Simpsons might be coming back for seconds, but if they play it right, this could taste just as good as the first time.
