Co-executive producer Mike Price recently addressed several long-standing fan questions surrounding The Simpsons, including the possibility of AI voice actors, the future of the character Apu, and the show's potential end date.
Regarding the growing discussion around AI replacing voice actors, sparked by comments from Hank Azaria, Price was firm. "If I have anything to say about it, no," he stated. He emphasized that while AI can synthesize character voices, it cannot replicate genuine performance. "These actors are so good. They take what we write and put it on a whole other level. Sure, you could synthesize any of these characters, type a sentence, and make them say it, but it won't be a performance. It won't be acting. It wouldn't be worth it, as far as I'm concerned."
The character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, who has not been voiced since the 2017 documentary The Problem with Apu addressed criticisms of the character, remains a topic of fan interest. When asked about potential updates, Price offered a simple "No," adding, "We love him, but no updates on him."
A new Simpsons movie is in development, scheduled for release next year. Contrary to fan hopes that past writers might be brought in as they were for the first movie, Price confirmed that a small, current team is handling the script. "Currently, no," he said when asked about returning writers. "We have a very small team working on the movie right now of people who are currently also working on the show."
Price also addressed a persistent fan theory that Barney Gumble might be the biological father of Nelson Muntz. He admitted this was the first he had heard of the idea. "I'd say no," Price responded. "We've seen Nelson's father many times. Unfortunately, he's always there for a minute and then he goes to get a pack of cigarettes and he's gone again." He drew a parallel to another fan theory suggesting police officer Eddie might be Ralph Wiggum's father due to a perceived resemblance, which he also dismissed as coincidental.
Finally, addressing speculation that The Simpsons might conclude with its 40th season, Price stated unequivocally, "No. We have no knowledge of that whatsoever." He noted that the show is currently picked up through season 40 and that no one at the show is planning for it to be the end. "I would say that's a big no. We do not want it to end."