The Simpsons co-showrunner Matt Selman has addressed the rumors that Springfield will be removed from the Universal theme parks following Disney acquiring the show.
Disney & The Simpsons
Selman recently sat down with Entertainment Weekly to comment on the rumors that The Simpsons could be moving out of the Universal theme parks, namely Universal Studios Florida and Hollywood, after Disney acquired 20th Century Fox in 2019. In addition to having worked on the animated series since 1997, Selman was involved in the creation of The Simpsons Ride, which first opened in 2008.
When Disney purchased 20th Century Fox and acquired The Simpsons, Universal said the deal would “have no impact on our ride or our guest experience.” Universal’s contract allowing them to use The Simpsons is reported to last 20 years, meaning it could end in 2028.
Rumors began swirling of a larger Simpsons presence at Disney theme parks after the company sent out a guest survey last December about new lands, attractions, or character meet & greets for The Simpsons.
Selman on The Simpsons at Universal
The current Springfield areas both include a version of The Simpsons Ride, as well as some famous in-universe restaurants such as Krusty Burger and Lard Lad Donuts. The Universal Studios Florida area also has an additional attraction called Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl.
Selman noted that he has no inside information on Universal’s current plans for The Simpsons, “I don’t have any inside information, so I’m just a fan. This is not an official announcement. I’m not party to those negotiations.” However, he specifically mentioned, “I would personally be shocked if The Simpsons did not continue at Universal.”
With regard to the Hollywood location, Selman also added he can’t imagine what Universal would use to replace The Simpsons:
Think about it, what would they put there? They’d have to close it, shut it down for what, two years? And build another area, right in the middle of Universal. I was just there. They’re building a giant Fast and Furious outdoor rollercoaster right there. And they just built all this Mario stuff. Like how would they— it would destroy them!
Matt Selman via Entertainment Weekly
Selman explains further that removing The Simpsons “does not seem logical to me” and that Universal making that decision would be “shortsighted.”
Selman goes on to praise the areas themed to The Simpsons, saying:
The Simpsons Ride is, even though its technology is 20 years old, is great. The in-line experience is funny. People ride it again and again. The Springfield food court is amazing. Cletus’s fried chicken on the bone is so good. The Krusty Burger is so good. The branding and level of Springfield specificity is fantastic.
Matt Selman
He specifically calls out the giant donut sold at Lard Lad, of which he says “Nothing is printing more money.”
In one more parting remark, Selman mentioned that he finds it “insane” that The Simpsons have never been given the Halloween Horror Nights treatment, “However, it is insane that they never Treehouse-of-Horror-ified Universal for Halloween Horror Nights. Why we didn’t spooky-ify it, when Treehouse of Horror is like our main, most beloved thing — that seems like someone dropped the ball. Possibly me.”
In other recent updates, a new Simpsons movie has been officially announced and will premiere in 2027, taking over a release date that was originally reserved by Disney for an unnamed Marvel film.
How would you feel about The Simpsons being replaced at Universal, or moving over to Disney? Let us know in the comments and on social media.
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