According to Comicbook, filmmaker Boots Riley (I’m a Virgo, Sorry to Bother You) has confirmed in a social media post that he is developing a new Simpsons movie based almost entirely on the character Mr. Burns. View the social media post from X at the end of the article.
In the social media post, Comicbook reports that filmmaker Riley (I’m a Virgo, Sorry to Bother You) retweeded a person’s tweet, affirming the information they shared. The original tweet by @tayparade read: “theater twitter: i’m here to let you all know that anne washburn dropped the announcement that mr. burns is being developed into a film by boots riley in her playbill bio for burning cauldron of fiery fire.” Riley’s response simply stated, “This is a true thing.”
According to Comicbook, the film is based on playwright Anne Washburn’s (Apparition, I have loved Strangers) play, Mr. Burn, a Post-Electric Play. Burns is the villainous owner of the nuclear power plant in Springfield, where the Simpson family resides. Washburn’s play is actually not centered in Springfield but does revolve around the antagonist.
The play was first produced in 2012 and continues to have performances today. According to Comicbook, the play follows characters who try to remember what happened in a specific Simpsons episode while living in a post-apocalyptic world. Audiences witness the characters recreating scenarios by the Springfield’s main family, and start a new version of the show, in which Mr. Burns commits his evilest act.
Fox’s The Simpsons has been renewed for up to season 40, according to Comicbook. That means there are at least three more seasons with the character Mr. Burns in the works. Harry Shearer (Nixon’s The One, Playhouse Presents) has voiced Mr. Burns for over three decades. Now in his 80s, he continues to return to bring the nefarious character to life.
Thirty-six seasons of the iconic series are available to stream on Disney Plus.