When The Simpsons co-showrunner Matt Selman told Entertainment Weekly that it would “destroy” Universal Studios to lose The Simpsons from its theme parks, you could almost hear the collective groan from theme park fans who’ve actually walked through Springfield lately.
The Kang and Kodos Twirl and Hurl attraction in the Universal Studios Orlando Simpsons land – YouTube, The Simpsons Theory
While Selman’s loyalty to his own show is admirable, the notion that Universal’s future depends on a mid-2000s simulator ride, a bar, a fast food restaurant, and a donut stand doesn’t hold up to reality.
A Land That Time Forgot
Let’s be honest — The Simpsons Ride and its surrounding Springfield area are, at this point, museum pieces. The motion simulator opened back in 2008 using the shell of Back to the Future: The Ride, a fan-favorite attraction that was arguably more beloved and far more timeless. Today, the Simpsons experience is showing every bit of its age. The screen projection looks dated, the animation feels stuck in the DVD era, and the motion platform is notorious for making guests feel queasy.
The Springfield Sign in the Universal Studios Orlando Simpsons land – YouTube, The Simpsons Theory
Outside the ride, the “land” amounts to a few eateries (Krusty Burger, Lard Lad Donuts, Moe’s Tavern), some carnival-style games, and a spinner attraction called Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ’n’ Hurl. That’s it. No major expansion, no interactive features, and no technological updates. Meanwhile, over in Epic Universe just down the road, Super Nintendo World is pulling massive crowds and moving merchandise like it’s going out of style. Across the same park, Harry Potter remains a juggernaut. Universal has evolved — Springfield hasn’t.
Cultural Relevance? That Train Left Years Ago
Selman’s argument also assumes that The Simpsons remains a dominant cultural force. It doesn’t.
The show is a legacy brand now — respected, yes, but far removed from the cutting-edge satire that once defined it. Newer audiences aren’t lining up for Homer jokes; they’re watching Mario, Minions, Jurassic World, or anime. The Simpsons brand peaked when the iPod was new. Theme park space is too valuable for nostalgia alone to pay the rent.
The Kwik E Mart in the Universal Studios Orlando Simpsons land – YouTube, The Simpsons Theory
In truth, Universal’s Springfield serves as a time capsule for a show that once ruled television but no longer dominates the zeitgeist. It’s hard to imagine that kind of IP driving crowds when you compare it to modern attractions built around multi-billion-dollar franchises that still generate excitement.
A Disney-Owned Property in a Universal Park
There’s also a key detail Selman conveniently glosses over — The Simpsons isn’t even owned by Universal. Disney acquired the property outright in its 2019 purchase of 20th Century Fox. Universal merely licenses the brand, likely under restrictions similar to the Marvel agreement that prevents the company from adding to or expanding its Marvel rides.
Moe’s Tavern in the Universal Studios Orlando Simpsons land – YouTube, The Simpsons Theory
If that’s the case, Universal can’t improve or refresh Springfield without Disney’s blessing. That’s not exactly a sustainable position for a company that thrives on reinvention. The Simpsons’ land is, in essence, a static attraction with an expiration date. Keeping it around forever would mean locking away prime real estate that could be used for something new — and something Universal actually owns.
What Could Replace The Simpsons at Universal?
Selman asked Entertainment Weekly, “What would they put there?” The better question is: what couldn’t they? Universal has no shortage of franchises with massive fan appeal waiting for a permanent home.
Anime has exploded in global popularity, and Universal is well aware of it. Last year’s One Piece fan fest experience at Universal Studios Hollywood drew enormous crowds, signaling a clear demand. The Japanese Universal parks have already seen huge success with temporary attractions based on Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, and My Hero Academia. Translating that success to an American park could be a massive win — both culturally and financially.
Doc and Marty in Back to The Future – YouTube, Universal Pictures
Or, Universal could reach back into its vault and bring back Back to the Future with modern technology. That franchise remains beloved, its fan base still enormous. Imagine a high-tech, trackless BTTF ride through time with today’s effects and storytelling standards. Fans would line up for hours.
The Donut Isn’t That Sacred
Selman ended his interview by praising Lard Lad’s giant pink donut, joking that it “prints money” and that Universal would be crazy to walk away from it. Sure, it’s a fun treat — but the idea that a pastry is what’s keeping Universal afloat is comical (and they could still sell donuts in the park without Homer…). Theme park menus change all the time. Fans adapt. Nobody’s skipping Epic Universe because the fried chicken in Springfield is good.
The Big Pink Donut in the Universal Studios Orlando Simpsons land – YouTube, The Simpsons Theory
The truth is that The Simpsons area has reached the end of its useful life. It’s familiar, it’s safe, and it’s profitable — for now. But in a world where theme parks are competing to outdo each other with immersive, cinematic experiences, Universal has every reason to let Springfield fade into history.
Final Thoughts
Matt Selman’s enthusiasm for his show is understandable. But Universal doesn’t owe The Simpsons a lifetime lease. The parks will be just fine — and probably better — once that space is freed for something newer, more exciting, and more relevant to modern audiences.
The statue of Jebediah Springfield in the Universal Studios Orlando Simpsons land – YouTube, The Simpsons Theory
Losing The Simpsons wouldn’t destroy Universal Studios. Keeping it might just hold them back.
Do you think losing The Simpsons land would hurt Universal Studios? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
This guy is obviously polishing his own knob. It is a credit to him that he can hold such delusional thoughts in the face of observable facts. Simpsons ruled the world, once. It is a show that pretty much exists to grab as much of the Gen X demo as it can because it would be a pain in the ass to try and go find or create something else that fits neatly in that timeslot.
It has been 15 years since every episode generated a new meme or catchphrase and the ones that still exist are fossils. Saying “Don’t have a cow, man.” or “Eat my shorts” to someone would more than likely generate a confused look than one of amusement. “Mmmm, donuts” (or whatever food/drink) may be one of the few that still gets a smile.
It also hasn’t generated any controversy or notable episodes in that time. It just… is. In the mean time South Park and even Family Guy have moved in front of the Simpsons as cultural touchstones. Even the memes still in circulation came from the time before time.
THE SIMPSONS has been running so long, it’s almost impossible to remember a time when it was actually funny, let alone relevant; hard to believe anyone still cares about a theme park…
Love Springfield. The Harry Potter stuff is shiny and new but doesn’t appeal to me personally at all. It’s great to have a quick eatery and a place to take a few quick photos in Moe’s. It won’t kill the place once it’s gone but there is more dated stuff there like the Mummy ride and the Curious George area. I mean the Fievel Goes West stuff was only taken down like year ago and that wasn’t even popular when it actually came out. I’ll definitely miss it once Disney claims it and probably plops it somewhere in Hollywood Studios