TODAY’S PAPER | August 15, 2026 | EPAPER

‘The Simpsons Movie’ sequel has a new name and a September 2027 release date

Disney has unveiled the sequel’s new title and first footage, with Homer at the centre of another Springfield disaster


Pop Culture & Art August 15, 2026 2 min read
Photo: Everett Collection

After nearly two decades of waiting, The Simpsons is finally returning to cinemas with a second feature film, and Disney has now revealed a major change to the project. The long awaited sequel, previously referred to as The Simpsons Movie 2, has officially been given the title The New Simpsons Movie.

The announcement came during Disney’s D23 event, where the studio presented new material from several upcoming projects. Disney had already confirmed that the next Simpsons film would reach cinemas on September 3, 2027, but the D23 presentation offered fans their first substantial glimpse at what the sequel could look like.

The new title immediately sets the project apart from the 2007 original. Rather than using a straightforward numerical sequel title, the film will be marketed as The New Simpsons Movie, signalling a fresh chapter for Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie while retaining the identity of the original franchise.

The first footage reportedly centres on Homer at a Springfield Isotopes baseball game. His attention turns towards a fly ball, setting off an increasingly chaotic chase across Springfield. Homer attempts to get his hands on the ball as it travels through different parts of the city, with the sequence escalating into the kind of physical comedy that has long been associated with the character.

The footage was described as rough material rather than a finished sequence, giving audiences an early indication of the film’s comedic direction. The baseball chase also puts Homer at the heart of the action, with the disaster spreading far beyond the stadium.

The sequel arrives 20 years after The Simpsons Movie, which opened in cinemas in July 2007. The original film became a major commercial success, earning more than $500m worldwide and becoming one of the most successful animated films of its time. Its performance helped establish that the long running television franchise could successfully make the transition to the big screen.

A follow up had been discussed for years before 20th Century Studios formally announced a second film in September 2025. The project was initially scheduled for July 23, 2027, before its release was moved to September 3. Disney’s official D23 material now lists September 3, 2027, as the theatrical release date for the new film.

The long development period reflects the difficulties involved in bringing The Simpsons back to cinemas while the television series continues. The original film was produced alongside the ongoing show, creating considerable demands for the creative team. The sequel therefore arrives after years of discussion about whether another feature could meet the expectations created by the first movie.

The new footage gives fans a clearer idea of the tone, but Disney has yet to reveal the full plot. That leaves plenty of room for speculation about the central conflict and which Springfield residents will become involved in Homer’s latest catastrophe.

For now, the confirmed details are the new title, the first footage shown at D23 and the September 3, 2027 theatrical release.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ