By now, you’ve likely heard the stupid, not-so-sexy news that the great Harry Shearer has departed The Simpsons after two-plus decades of voicing Principal Skinner, Mr. Burns, and the adult Bort from “Itchy & Scratchy Land.” Shearer says it’s because he wants “freedom to do other work,” which he could’ve had even if he signed back on. According to Alan Sepinwall, “He could do virtually the whole job by phone.” Shearer still declined.
So, what happens to The Simpsons, specifically Shearer’s clown car of characters, now?
When asked whether Burns, Flanders, Otto, and other Shearer characters would continue, [showrunner Al] Jean said, “Yes, Burns and Flanders will not die. They are great characters and will continue.” (Via)
They’ll continue, with someone else’s voice. This isn’t Mila Kunis replacing Lacey Chabert after one season of Family Guy, though. These are some of the most iconic characters in TV history, and it’ll be interesting/maddening to see who Jean and the producers pick. (It’s going to be Billy West, isn’t it? It’s always Billy West.) Maybe they can hire this guy to fill in for Mr. Burns?
If he’s too expensive:
(Via HitFix)
And for anything else you may have missed on the web today…
