Remember that familiar yellow glow of the TV on a Sunday night? The saxophone riff as Lisa plays her heart out, Bart’s chalkboard confession, Homer’s “D’oh!” echoing through the living room? For generations, The Simpsons weren’t just a cartoon family, they were a mirror, a satire, and somehow, our own dysfunctional reflection wrapped in humour and heart. From Springfield’s nuclear plant to Moe’s Tavern, the show captured the absurd beauty of everyday life, one donut and one eye roll at a time.
And now, after nearly two decades, the Simpsons are heading back to where it all began, on the big screen. On September 29, 2025, 20th Century Studios (under the Disney umbrella) officially announced that a sequel to The Simpsons Movie is in the works, with a release date set for July 23, 2027.
The timing feels poetic. The original Simpsons Movie premiered in July 2007, turning the yellow-skinned family into bona fide box office stars. Now, nearly twenty years later, and just days before the 20th anniversary, the Simpsons are coming back to do what they do best: skewering culture, society, and just about everything in between.
The teaser imagery that accompanied the announcement was classic: Homer’s hand reaching for a pink‐frosted doughnut sprinkled in the shape of “2,” paired with the cheeky tagline, “Homer’s coming back for seconds.” That feels very Simpsons, part nostalgia, part wink to longtime fans, and part “we know exactly what you came here for.”
As of now, plot details remain highly secretive. The official announcement and social media posts have offered no hints beyond the release date and artwork. However, what we do know, or at least can reasonably expect is that the sequel is replacing a previously scheduled Marvel film in that 2027 summer slot, signalling Disney’s confidence in bringing The Simpsons back to cinemas. The original voice cast and creative team are also likely to return. After all, the show continues apace (now running in Season 37). Thematically, the sequel may lean into satire of contemporary issues, something The Simpsons has always excelled at, while also leaning on nostalgia and meta-humour to engage both old and new fans.
So why now? Given that the show has been on air since 1989, now pushing into Season 37 and renewed through Season 40, this sequel almost feels inevitable. The Simpsons has weathered countless changes in television, pop culture, and media distribution, yet it remains a cultural lodestone. The timing of a big-screen return just before the 20th anniversary of the first film couldn’t be more pitch-perfect.
Of course, the question on everyone’s lips is, can the sequel recapture the magic or even the box office success of the original? The 2007 movie grossed over US$536 million worldwide. The media landscape has shifted dramatically since then and streaming, franchise fatigue, and evolving audience expectations all present challenges. Some industry observers believe that while the sequel may not match the original’s financial heights, it could succeed on creative and fan service levels.
As someone who’s lived and breathed The Simpsons since childhood, I’m optimistic, but cautiously excited. Here are a few hopes I’m holding onto:
- Smart satire: Politics, technology, climate change, corporate culture, there’s no shortage of material. If the writers bring sharpness without preaching, that’s a win.
- Heart underneath the humour: The best Simpsons episodes pair absurdity with genuine emotion. If the sequel leans too heavily on gags at the expense of character, it will feel hollow.
- Cameos and Easter eggs: The show’s DNA is built around surprise appearances, meta gags, and self-referential humour. I expect (and hope) the sequel leans into that.
- Accessibility for newcomers: While longtime fans will delight in callbacks, the film should be approachable for someone who hasn’t watched every season.
This announcement is a clear reminder that The Simpsons still matter. Not just as a relic or nostalgia play, but as a living, breathing cultural mirror. If the sequel arrives with the right balance of wit, heart, and irreverence, it could be a triumphant return for Springfield.
July 23, 2027 isn’t just another date on the calendar. It’s a chance to revisit the town where anything can happen, and usually does. Let the countdown begin.
