The brief flirtation The Simpsons had with the silver screen (one that came roughly a decade too late in the first place) is apparently set to continue, with a sequel to The Simpsons Movie reportedly among the stack of cinematic projects being undertaken by Fox‘s animation unit.
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As reported by the Wall Street Journal, 20th Century Fox CEO Stacey Snider is putting a bigger emphasis on revamping the network’s output of animation, which apparently involves not just a sequel to The Simpsons Movie, but also involves feature-length projects for both Bob’s Burgers and Family Guy as well.
The story goes that Fox’s film and TV arms are pressing on with development plans, even as the future of 20th Century Fox itself hangs in the balance thanks to the much vaunted potential sale to Disney.
Fox TV previously had an agreement with DreamWorks Animation, through which all their feature film development was funnelled. But since DreamWorks was acquired by Comcast (fair bit going on in American media RN) that deal ceased to be.
So now, the two arms of the Fox company are linking up and pressing ahead with not only a sequel for The Simpsons Movie, but the already-announced Bob’s Burgers feature film, and a Family Guy feature that will reportedly blend animation and live-action footage for whatever reason.
The original Simpsons Movie raked in cash hand-over-fist, hauling US$527.1 million at the box office from a budget of US$75 million. However Matt Groening has continually poured water on sequel speculation in years past, citing the fact that “it took four years to make, and it killed us.”
But that obviously stops no one from doing anything, and thus now – with the show heading toward the premiere of its 30th (THIRTIETH) season in September – we’re now staring down the barrel of feature film #2.
Honestly though, anything that increases the chances of Tom Hanks appearing again is worth exploring.
Good stuff, that.
