Brief
Simpsons creators discuss show’s future and upcoming movie at THR animation breakfast
At a Hollywood Reporter breakfast, the series' creator and showrunner shared reflections on 30 years of The Simpsons and teased a second film.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Hollywood Reporter hosted its inaugural Most Powerful People in Animation breakfast on Friday at Spago Beverly Hills, featuring a keynote conversation with "The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening and showrunner Matt Selman, moderated by THR’s Scott Roxborough.
What happened
The event, sponsored by Paramount Animation, Warner Bros. Animation, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and ASIFA, began with mingling and cocktails before the pair took the stage. Selman noted the series passed 800 episodes earlier this year and expressed gratitude for three decades of work, saying, “I’m grateful that I got to spend 30 years, even in the most stressful days, having fun and being silly with fun, silly people, and that’s the big deal.”
What the reports add
The Hollywood Reporter article highlighted Groening’s darkly humorous prediction that future live executions will be streamed with “wacky sound effects: gong and zap and maybe sad trombones.” It also revealed details about the upcoming "Simpsons" Movie 2, slated for release 20 years after the first film. Groening explained the long gap, saying the original movie’s production was exhausting because the same team handled it.
What was said
Groening told the audience, “We still haven’t recovered from the first movie, basically,” and added, “I always say, ‘No end in sight.’ And that’s how we all want to die, right? By surprise.” Selman said, “I would love to not cling to the show forever and let fresh people keep it amazing forever… I hope the show goes on forever, but I don’t need to be the guy forever.” He also joked, “Just yank it. Just shoot it in the back of the head… Other than that, it’s never going to end.”
How it came about
The breakfast was part of THR’s Animation Power List launch, celebrating both industry veterans and newcomers. Earlier this month, Felo News covered the season‑38 premiere of "The Simpsons," noting a new movie slated for 2027, linking the two announcements.
Key facts
- The Hollywood Reporter hosted its first Most Powerful People in Animation breakfast on October 17, 2026. (hollywoodreporter.com)
- Matt Groening and Matt Selman spoke about the series surpassing 800 episodes and a sequel to the Simpsons movie. (hollywoodreporter.com)
- The event was held at Spago Beverly Hills and sponsored by Paramount Animation, Warner Bros. Animation, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and ASIFA. (hollywoodreporter.com)
- Groening said the original Simpsons movie was exhausting to make and that the studio has finally recovered. (hollywoodreporter.com)
- Selman expressed a desire to eventually hand the show over to new creators while hoping it continues indefinitely. (hollywoodreporter.com)
Sources
- [1] hollywoodreporter.com — originally reported as “‘Simpsons’ Bosses Tease How They Want Show to Go Out at THR’s Most Powerful People in Animation Breakfast”
