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The Simpsons Movie was a rather unique case as not only did it take many years to develop alongside the ongoing TV series, but it also assembled many writers of the classic episodes into a single group to craft the story and script for it. Even if this sequel doesn’t go the same route and instead utilizes many of the current talents surrounding the show these days, it still needs a story that would be big enough to feel fitting for a new movie given that it’s been in the works for such a long time. The best way to take all of this on is to steer into it with a time skip.
The Simpsons Movie Sequel Should Have a Time Skip
The Simpsons Movie Sequel is going to take place in a very notable time in The Simpsons‘ franchise history. The Simpsons is now in the works through Season 40 of the animated series, and will likely be far from the end of its run even with the launch of a new movie. But with this film being the first time that much of audience is reunited with the franchise in many years, a good way to reflect this gap between watching and the release of the first film is to address it all directly. Completely lean into this time skip and age the characters up.
The Simpsons Movie succeeded because the first film was able to expand its story to a scope fitting of the big screen. Although the TV series previously put the town of Springfield through a lot of trouble, the film was the first time that all of the town was involved in a single story. The dome over Springfield felt like a big enough move that it could indeed be the focus of a movie. It was also an emotionally resonant film that reflected Homer and Marge’s relationship to that point, and rewarded longtime fans with character work that seemed reflective of just how many years had passed.
But a sequel won’t have that same kind of route available for it. A sequel needs to warrant its existence alongside the now airing TV episodes, but it needs a gimmick to help take it all to a new level. This starts with a story that could appeal and emotionally resonate with fans that haven’t seen it in a long time, and the best way to do so would be with a new time skip exploring more of the family’s future. Potentially maybe even be a future that is set as “the” future for each of these characters.
