The Simpsons Showrunner Talks Universal Studios Vs. Disney Controversy

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For over three decades, *The Simpsons* has been a television staple, with thirty-seven seasons showcasing the lives of the Simpson family in Springfield since its debut in the 1980s. The show has had a huge impact on popular culture, and one notable example is the *Simpsonsthemed areas at Universal Studios Florida and Hollywood, which opened in 2008. With Disney now owning Fox, current showrunner Matt Selman recently discussed the show’s continued presence at Universal.

Just as a reminder, Disney acquired 20th Century Fox back in 2019, which brought popular franchises like Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and The Simpsons under Disney’s ownership. Interestingly, despite the acquisition, The Simpsons Ride will likely remain at Universal Studios for the foreseeable future due to a pre-existing licensing agreement. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, insider Selman stated he’d be surprised if the ride closed at Universal, but clarified he has no official knowledge of any negotiations and is speaking purely as a fan.

What Could Replace Springfield?

Selman was shocked by the thought of replacing *The Simpsons* ride at Universal Studios. He wondered what they could possibly put in its place, noting it would require a lengthy, two-year closure and major construction in the middle of the park. He pointed out they were already building a large *Fast & Furious* rollercoaster and had recently added a Mario-themed area, questioning how they could make such a change without significant disruption and potential failure. He felt it would be a disastrous move for the park.

Selman expressed his fondness for the immersive environments, particularly praising Springfield. He noted that even with technology dating back 20 years, *The Simpsons Ride* remains excellent, with a consistently funny and re-rideable experience. He was especially impressed with the Springfield food court, highlighting Cletus’s fried chicken and Krusty Burger as standouts, and commended the detailed and authentic branding throughout.

The showrunner for *The Simpsons* thinks it would be a huge mistake for Universal to abandon the *Simpsonsthemed area of their park. They point to the incredibly popular, and surprisingly affordable, giant donut as a major reason – it’s a huge money-maker! They were shocked to learn how inexpensive it actually is, especially compared to typical theme park prices, and can’t imagine Universal changing such a successful attraction. If Universal were to move away from Springfield, it would be interesting to see if Disney ever decided to create their own version.

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Via Entertainment Weekly

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-simpsons-drops-spooky-new-look-at-next-treehouse-of-horror-special/embed/#

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2025-10-08 23:43