New Simpsons Movie 20 Years After Part 1
A previously untitled Marvel movie was scrapped for it
Springfield returns to the big screen! After 20 years, a sequel to "The Simpsons Movie" is coming to theaters. The release date is scheduled for July 23, 2027. An official teaser poster features an iconic pink donut and Homer's hand. So far, no plot details have been revealed, and the director's chair remains vacant.
"The Simpsons" are a true pop culture phenomenon. Since their debut in 1989, they have become the longest-running sitcom and animated show in the world. The producers have already confirmed a 40th season, which will air during 2028 and 2029.
Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie are thus filling a gap in the Disney program created by the cancellation of an untitled Marvel project. There will therefore be no further MCU film between "Avengers: Doomsday" and "Avengers: Secret Wars".
The first movie hit theaters in July 2007 and was a huge success. With a budget of 75 million US dollars, it grossed around 536 million US dollars worldwide. Rumors of a sequel have continued to surface ever since.
Even though "The Simpsons" no longer have quite the same impact today as they once did, many longtime fans will no doubt be curious to see what a new movie has to offer. We are eager to find out how the yellow family will perform at the box office in 2027. Either way, current events continue to provide ample material for sharp satire.
Yellow icons: The cult status of the "Simpsons"
For over three decades, Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie have accompanied viewers through the highs and lows of family life – valbeit in their very own satirical way. "The Simpsons", created by Matt Groening in 1989, have long been more than just an animated series. They are a global phenomenon, a cultural icon and a reflection of social trends. The cult status of the series has been consolidated over generations, and even today Springfield is still one of the most famous fictional towns in television history. But how did it come about that a supposedly simple cartoon family became one of the most influential pop culture products of all time?
The birth of a legend
When "The Simpsons" started out as short one-shots on the Tracey Ullman Show at the end of the 1980s, nobody expected it to become the longest-running primetime cartoon series. With the jump to its own half-hour format in 1989, the series laid the foundations for a revolution in TV. While animated series had previously often been aimed at children, The Simpsons combined biting humor, social satire and deeper character development – a concept that also appealed to adults. This mixture was new and struck a chord with the times.
A mirror of society
A key factor in the show's cult status is its ability to reflect society. Springfield is an exaggerated miniature version of the USA – and the whole world at the same time. Issues such as politics, the environment, religion, pop culture and family life are made fun of in a pointed way. Homer Simpson, the lovable but often selfish father, symbolizes the weaknesses of the "average American". Lisa, on the other hand, embodies intellect, morality and idealism, while Bart represents the rebellious spirit.
The characters are archetypes that remain universally understandable despite their exaggeration. Whether in Germany, Japan or Argentina – viewers recognize themselves and their societies in the stories.
Quotes, memes and doughnuts: Simpsons in everyday life
Cult status also means that elements of a series become part of people's everyday lives. Hardly any other series has produced as many iconic sayings as The Simpsons. Homer's "D'oh!" has long since entered the English language and was even included in the Oxford English Dictionary. Bart's "Eat my shorts!" or Mr. Burns' "Excellent" are also firmly anchored in pop culture.
Then there is the visual language: the pink donut, Homer's couch, Marge's towering hairstyle – all these visual symbols are instantly recognizable. In the age of social media, the Simpsons have also experienced a second youth. Numerous scenes have become memes, GIFs and running gags that are immortalized, especially in online culture.
Celebrities in the Simpsons universe
Another trademark are the countless guest appearances by celebrities. Whether musicians like Paul McCartney, sportsmen like Tony Hawk or politicians like George H. W. Bush – there is hardly a celebrity who has not made it into the yellow world. These guest appearances not only made the series topical and relevant, but also gave celebrities the chance to present themselves in an ironic way.
Commercial success
Cult status is also reflected in commercial success. With over 30 seasons, a 2007 movie, countless merchandising products, video games and even theme park attractions, the "The Simpsons" brand has earned billions. The franchise is one of the most valuable in the entertainment industry and has been instrumental in paving the way for other adult animated series such as Family Guy, South Park and Rick and Morty.
Criticism and change
Of course, the path has not been free of criticism. Some fans complained that the quality of the episodes declined in the later seasons. While the first ten seasons are often regarded as the "golden age", critics see the more recent episodes as less biting and innovative. Nevertheless, the longevity of the series proves to be a strength: it has adapted to the zeitgeist time and again over the decades and won over new generations of viewers.
Streaming has also helped to ensure that old and new episodes are available at all times – an important factor in remaining relevant.
Why the Simpsons are cult
"The Simpsons"' cult status is based on a unique combination of humor, social relevance and timeless recognizability. The series manages to be absurdly funny and profound at the same time. It is nostalgia for some and rediscovery for others. Its characters are so firmly anchored in pop culture that even people who have never seen a complete episode know Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie.
A look into the future
With the announced continuation of "The Simpsons: The Movie" in 2027 and the confirmation of further seasons, the end seems far from in sight. "The Simpsons" has evolved from a TV series into a global cult property that has lasted for generations.
Whether you love them or criticize them – no one can ignore the Simpsons. They are not just entertainment, but a piece of modern cultural history. And perhaps that is the real reason for their cult status: they are now as much a part of everyday life as doughnuts, television or the occasional "D'oh!".
