Big Change Looming? ‘Simpsons’ Boss Speaks Out on Theme Park Future

For decades, The Simpsons has been a pop culture powerhouse, transforming from a quirky animated sitcom into one of the most recognized television franchises in the world. The beloved yellow family from Springfield has inspired everything from toys to video games and continues to hold a significant place in television history. Fans have followed Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie through countless adventures, while the brand has expanded far beyond the small screen.

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Theme parks have long been part of the conversation surrounding The Simpsons. In recent years, the show’s influence has stretched beyond TV and into the immersive world of theme park lands, where guests can step directly into Springfield. Yet, there’s always been one major twist: while Disney owns the series after its historic 2019 acquisition of 21st Century Fox, Universal Studios currently controls the theme park rights.

The Walt Disney Company famously purchased 21st Century Fox for an eye-popping $71 billion in 2019, gaining ownership of several iconic franchises in the process. That deal brought Disney control over titles like Avatar, Die Hard, Fantastic Four, Ice Age, Bob’s Burgers, Family Guy, and American Dad.

But one of the biggest prizes was, without question, The Simpsons. Since then, the question of whether Disney would one day build its own Springfield-themed attractions has loomed large.

Related: Longtime ‘The Simpsons’ Character Recast After Over 30 Seasons

Over the past six years, speculation has run wild about whether Disney might finally bring the first family of Springfield into its parks. But one of the biggest hurdles has always been Universal’s existing Simpsons-themed lands, which have been fan favorites for more than a decade.

These vibrant areas — Springfield U.S.A. — already entertain visitors at both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Florida, giving guests a taste of Homer’s world through rides, food, and immersive theming.

Universal obtained the rights to The Simpsons years ago, but those rights are currently expected to expire in 2028. This looming deadline has fueled countless rumors about Disney swooping in to reclaim its property for future park use. However, not everyone is convinced such a move will happen.

In fact, there’s at least one major voice who says it would be shocking to see The Simpsons leave Universal’s parks: showrunner Matt Selman.

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Selman shared his personal view, making it clear that he doesn’t have insider knowledge but can’t imagine the franchise leaving Universal.

“I would personally be shocked if The Simpsons did not continue at Universal. 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.”

“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!”

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Selman also praised the current attractions, emphasizing why fans still love the experience.

“The Simpsons Ride is, even though its technology is 20 years old, is great,” he says. “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.”

“Just as a Simpsons fan, it does not seem logical to me that they could close that, or that they would be so shortsighted to do that. But that’s not an announcement. That’s just me speculating. What would they possibly do?”

Despite Selman’s confidence that Universal will keep the franchise in its parks, speculation continues to swirl. Many industry insiders have predicted changes could be coming — particularly at Universal Studios Hollywood.

At one point, rumors even suggested Springfield might be replaced with a land themed to Bob’s Burgers, though those reports were never confirmed.

It wouldn’t be the first time Disney and Universal have crossed paths over intellectual property in their parks. For example, Walt Disney World Resort is barred from using many Marvel superheroes due to a long-standing contract Marvel Comics signed with Universal years before Disney bought the brand.

Interestingly, that same contract doesn’t apply in California, which is why Disney was able to build Avengers Campus at Disneyland Resort.

For now, Disney hasn’t publicly commented on any plans for The Simpsons once Universal’s contract ends. The show’s enduring popularity makes it tempting to imagine Disney eventually using the property in its parks, but if Selman’s perspective is any indication, Universal may fight to keep Springfield alive for years to come.

Would you like to see The Simpsons come to Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland? Or do you think Disney and Universal should strike a new deal to keep the franchise right where it is? Should Universal retire Springfield U.S.A. in favor of a new themed area? Share your thoughts in the comments below!