'Is this the end?': The Simpsons drop bombshell after 36 years on air – and fans are divided

Get excited Simpsons fans, the residents of Springfield aren't done just yet – they're returning to the big screen!

The studio behind the animated sitcom confirmed a sequel to The Simpsons Movie is in the works, set for release 20 years after the original feature film.

With the series now reaching its 37th season, news of a second movie has sparked quite the online reaction.

In an announcement made by 20th Century Studios on Instagram, a teaser poster for the film was shared confirming a release date of July 23, 2027.

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In the official poster, Homer is grabbing his trademark pink icing doughnut with the text: "Homer's coming back for seconds."

The first film was released in 2007, grossing over $530 million at the box office. Whether a sequel was in the works is a question fans have been asking for 18 years, all thanks to two telling details...

Fans may remember during the post credits of the first film, youngest family member Maggie said her first word in the film.

That word or question rather was "Sequel?".

Fans worldwide can now rejoice as one pointed out in the comments of the announcement: "Maggie's first word finally came to good use 😁."

With another fan pointing out: "Ever since Bart wrote on the chalkboard 'I will not wait 20 years for another movie' it seems like Bart was right because in 20 years from 2007 the sequel really is happening and I always knew they would plan this."

"They finally .. FINALLY did it," a third fan celebrated.

"I AM SHOOK," reacted a fourth.

After all, The Simpsons are known for predicting future events in their episodes. But could a feature film mean the end of one of TV's longest-ever-running series?

"Is this the end of the show?" another fan asked in the comments.

With one viewer replying: "I kinda wish. Give it a reason for an epic movie for a big send off. Then maybe one more movie down the line."

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Considering the series is about to release its 37th season, safe to say there's no end in sight. Either way, watching The Simpsons on the big screen once again will be a real treat for fans.

"This is gonna be a really special 20th anniversary for the original," one said.

The voice of The Simpsons cast now

Thirty six years ago, the world was introduced to America's favourite dysfunctional family The Simpsons.

Now one of the longest-running TV series ever, with voice actors in their 60s and 70s, where are the original voice actors now?

Fans would be thrilled to know that after almost 36 years, the voices behind most of our favourite characters are very much the same.

Dan Castellaneta as Homer Simpson

D'oh! Dan, 67, is the man behind loveable TV dad Homer.

But did you know, he voices several other iconic characters? This includes Grandpa Simpson, Krusty the Clown, Groundskeeper Willie, Barney Gumble, Mayor Quimby, Hans Moleman, Sideshow Mel and Itchy the mouse!

Dan has an estimated net worth of US$85 million (approx. $129 million) and is considered one of the highest-paid voice actors of all time.

Nancy Cartwright as Bart Simpson

Her voice is etched in out brains thanks to iconic lines such as "Eat my shorts!" and "Don't have a cow, man!".

But there's one more iconic line Nancy Cartwright, 67, has so perfectly delivered: Nelson's laugh!

Yep, Nancy also voices Nelson Muntz, Ralph Wiggum, Todd Flanders and Maggie Simpson's famous one word.

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Yeardley Smith as Lisa Simpson

"I had a cat named Snowball. She died, she died..." We couldn't imagine anyone else voicing Lisa Simpson than Yeardley Smith, 61.

Unlike the other cast, Yeardley doesn't voice any other main characters. But she has lent her voice to minor roles including Angelica Button and Grandma Flanders (pictured below).

Julie Kavner as Marge Simpson

At now 75 years old, Julie Kavner is not just the voice behind Marge Simpson, but the whole Bouvier family! Who else could pull of that iconic Marge grumble: "Hmmmm. Oh, Homie!"

Julie voices twins Patty and Selma Bouvier, and Marge's mum Jacqueline Bouvier in the series.

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