When The Simpsons Movie Struck Gold — And What’s Coming Next

Even though The Simpsons Movie first hit theaters in July 2007, its legacy continues to spark interest among fans and media alike. From box office achievements to lasting cultural impact, here’s everything you need to know — plus what fans are buzzing about right now.

Key Facts & Box Office Success

• Release & Producers: The film was released in the U.S. on July 27, 2007, by 20th Century Fox. It was directed by David Silverman, with producers including Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, Al Jean, Mike Scully, and others. Wikipedia+2Awn+2

• Budget & Gross: Made on about US$72.5-75 million, the movie grossed around US$183 million domestically, and over US$343 million internationally, for a worldwide box office of ~$527 million. Rotten Tomatoes+3The Numbers+3The Numbers+3

• Records at the Time:

  • Best opening for a non-CG animated film up to that point. EW.com+2CNBC+2

  • Best opening for an animated movie aged PG-13 or higher. EW.com+1

  • Best opening ever for a film based on a television series. EW.com+1

• Critical Reception: On Rotten Tomatoes it holds an 87% “Tomatometer” rating, with praise for its humor, satire, and portrayal of the Simpsons family in a “big screen” setting. Rotten Tomatoes

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Why Fans Still Talk About It in 2025

• 18-Year Milestone: As of March 2025, The Simpsons Movie is now as far removed from its release date as that release date was from the airing of the first Simpsons TV episode in 1989. Fans on Reddit and elsewhere have pointed out this symmetry as a sign of just how long the franchise has endured. News Minimalist+1

• Continued Demand for Sequel: There’s persistent fan interest and speculation about a sequel. While no confirmed announcement has been made, the idea of a Simpsons Movie 2 continues to surface in discussions among fans and entertainment news outlets. Reddit+1

• Streaming & Home Media: After its theatrical run, The Simpsons Movie was released on DVD and Blu-ray, and has become available for streaming, keeping it accessible to new generations of viewers who weren’t around when it came out. Awn+1

Cultural Impact & Legacy

• TV-to-Movie Adaptations: The Simpsons Movie remains a benchmark for how to adapt a long-running TV show into a feature film without losing its core identity. It demonstrated that a beloved animated series could make a successful leap to the big screen. Rotten Tomatoes+2EW.com+2

• Satire & Environmental Plot: One of the central plotlines involves Homer causing an environmental disaster in Springfield (polluting the lake, etc.), which draws attention to environmental responsibility cloaked in comedic absurdity. That environmental theme still resonates in today’s age, making the film feel more relevant than just nostalgia. Rotten Tomatoes+1

• Critical Acclaim: The film was nominated for multiple awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature. While it didn’t sweep awards, its nominations and wins in various categories reflect its quality among animated fare. Wikipedia+1

What’s New: Rumors, Fan Theories, and Speculation

• Anniversary Reflections: As the movie’s age grows, fans are reflecting on how long it’s been and what it meant for the Simpsons universe. Posts online are drawing comparisons: how the show has changed, how the characters remain essentially the same, and whether another movie would capture the same magic. Digital Spy+1

• Sequel Talk: While there’s no official confirmation, various interviews over the years have alluded to interest in another movie. Creators often say a sequel would be possible, but also note the challenges — budget, voice actor contracts, maintaining tone, etc. Reddit+1

• Myth Busting: One popular fan rumor was that there was a trailer for a live-action remake starring Adam Sandler, but Snopes confirmed that was fake. It was an AI-generated fan video rather than an actual studio project. Snopes

Should We Expect The Simpsons Movie 2?

Here’s a breakdown of factors that suggest both opportunity and obstacles for a sequel:

Factor	Favoring a Sequel	Potential Blockers
Strong Brand & Loyal Fanbase	The Simpsons has run for 36+ seasons, renewed through 40; spiritual and nostalgic value. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2	Getting all key creative staff, voice actors, etc. might be hard. Budget & cost expectations could be high.
Financial Viability	The first movie made over $500 million on a ~$70-75 million budget; that’s a strong ROI. The Numbers+1	Inflation means higher production/distribution costs; risk of diminishing returns if the sequel doesn’t meet fan expectations.
Story & Relevance	Environmental themes, social satire, big spectacle – these remain relevant. A new movie can tap into modern issues while engaging long-time fans.	Balancing novelty with the expectations of fans who have beloved memories of the first one. Also, competing in a crowded media/animation space.
Studio & Licensing	Ownership by Disney (via acquisition of Fox) gives resources and potential streaming plus theatrical distribution paths.	Studios may prioritize streaming content over big theatrical animated films, and licensing/rights for Simpsons IP might complicate planning.