‘Simpsons’ showrunner says he’d be ‘shocked’ if Springfield U.S.A. left Universal Studios

Theme park fans have long speculated whether “The Simpsons” could leave Universal Studios for Disney Parks after the entertainment giant acquired the show in its 2019 purchase of 21st Century Fox, but showrunner Matt Selman says such a move would “destroy” Universal Studios.

“Think about it, what would they put there?” Selman told Entertainment Weekly. “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!”

Selman, who has worked on the series since 1997 and helped develop The Simpsons Ride, told the outlet that he doesn’t have any inside knowledge but would be “shocked” if Springfield U.S.A. were to leave Universal Studios Hollywood or Orlando.

“I would personally be shocked if ‘The Simpsons’ did not continue at Universal,” he said. “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.”

Last December, a Disney survey asked respondents whether they would like to see Simpsons-themed lands, attractions, or character meet-and-greets in its theme parks, according to Drew Smith, who reports Disney news on X.

Currently, guests can visit The Simpsons family at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando under a deal with Fox that gives Universal exclusive rights to the characters in its U.S. theme parks. That contract could expire in 2028, according to WDW News Today.

Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando both opened Simpsons-themed lands in 2008, featuring rides, restaurants, and character interactions.

Fans have speculated that an expansion of Super Nintendo World or the Wizarding World of Harry Potter could one day replace Springfield, if Universal were to close it. Others suggest a Pokémon-themed area could take its place.

Universal Studios Hollywood has not announced a closure of the land, nor has Disney announced any upcoming theme park projects involving the Simpsons.