As The Simpsons celebrated the launch of its record-breaking 38th season this past weekend, co-executive producer Mike Price officially addressed some of the fandom’s most persistent questions, firmly dismissing speculation that artificial intelligence could ever replace the show’s voice cast and confirming there are no plans for the series to conclude at its upcoming 40th season. Speaking with Polygon during a phone interview following the premiere episode, “The Children’s Book Job,” Price used the opportunity to put several long-running rumors to rest while discussing the future of the animated staple.
The new season, which premiered this weekend, features guest appearances from Emma Thompson and Owen Wilson, alongside returning favorites such as Joe Mantegna as Fat Tony. The episode marks another milestone for the longest-running American scripted series, but it was not just about celebrating a new chapter; Price took time to address pressing concerns that have dominated online fandom discussions in recent months.
The AI Replacement Debate Gets a Firm Answer
Price’s comments came after a wave of headlines surrounding the show’s voice actors. Hank Azaria, who voices characters including Moe and Chief Wiggum, recently joked that AI might someday replace him, sparking widespread conversation among fans about the ethics and feasibility of synthesizing beloved character voices. While Azaria did not appear entirely serious about his remarks, the topic has gained significant traction online.
To Price, however, there is little reason for concern regarding whether the production would ever pursue such a route. He was blunt in his response when asked directly if AI could replace any of the voice actors.
“If I have anything to say about it, no.” I would never want to see that ever happen, ever, ever, ever. I’m sure there’s probably AI versions of characters out there that some guy’s throwing up on Instagram or something, but I don’t believe that the makers of the show would ever do something like that. 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.
Mike Price, Co-Executive Producer of The Simpsons
Apu Remains Silent and New Movie Team Stays Small
The interview also touched on the character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, who has not spoken on the show since the 2017 documentary The Problem with Apu criticized him for reinforcing Indian stereotypes. Once one of the most pivotal characters outside the Simpson family, Apu remains absent from current episodes despite persistent fan hopes that he would return.
When Price was asked whether there were any updates on the Kwik-E-Mart proprietor, his answer was simply “No,” before adding a note of affection: “We love him, but no updates on him.”
The conversation turned to the upcoming Simpsons movie, currently scheduled for release next year. While details remain under wraps, fans had hoped the film might follow the precedent set by the original theatrical release by bringing back past writers to contribute to the screenplay. According to Price, that is not the case.
“Currently, no,” says Price. “We have a very small team working on the movie right now of people who are currently also working on the show.”
Mike Price, Co-Executive Producer of The Simpsons
Fan Theories and Season 40 Speculation Addressed
Beyond production matters, Price was pressed on some of the fandom’s most enduring theories. One long-standing question—whether Barney Nelson is actually the father of Nelson—has circulated since the show’s early days despite being based solely on the two characters’ superficial resemblance. When asked about it, Price admitted he had never encountered the idea before.
“This is the first I’ve heard of that,” Price says. “I’d say no.” He noted that Nelson’s actual father has appeared many times on screen, though always briefly. Price compared the theory to another one he finds baseless: the notion that Eddie the police officer could be Ralph Wiggum’s father due to their similar hairstyles.
“That’s just a thing where, certainly in the beginning of the years of the show, a lot of people had similar looks, but I don’t think that was ever a conscious thing,” he added.
Looking Ahead
The most significant clarification came regarding Nancy Cartwright’s recent speculation that The Simpsons would end with its 40th season. Price dismissed the idea outright, noting that the show has been picked up through that point and that no one in the writers’ room is treating it as a finale.
“No,” he says. “We have no knowledge of that whatsoever. I think Nancy even kind of brought it back after she said that. The show is currently picked up through season 40 and I don’t think anyone here is planning like season 40 is the end. I would say that’s a big no.” We do not want it to end.
Mike Price, Co-Executive Producer of The Simpsons
With the new season now airing and a film slated for next year, Price’s comments offer reassurance to fans concerned about the franchise’s direction. Whether addressing AI replacement fears or speculation about the show’s eventual conclusion, the executive producer made clear that the creators intend to keep The Simpsons going well beyond any self-imposed deadline.
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