A Live-Action of The Simpsons: the fake trailer

A Live-Action of The Simpsons: the fake trailer

A Live-Action de The Simpsons: Dream or Nightmare?

In the last days of August 2024, the web was invaded by a curious and unexpected trailer that shocked fans of The Simpsons. The apparently official clip showed a live-action version of the famous Springfield family, with a stellar cast that included Adam Sandler as Homer Simpson, Kristen Wiig as Marge and Will Ferrell as Ned Flanders. Other prominent actors such as Steve Buscemi, Neil Patrick Harris and Jordan Peele completed the picture, transforming a simple trailer into a media event.

However, what initially seemed like a revolutionary announcement for the world of animation and cinema turned out to be anything but real. The trailer was nothing more than a product of an artificial intelligence, created by the YouTube channel “Multiverse of AI”. A project created entirely thanks to modern deepfake and automated voice generation technologies, which has deceived more than a few distracted spectators.

The Power of Technology: Realism or Illusion?

The trailer, despite not being authentic, has sparked heated discussions among fans. Some welcomed him with enthusiasm, curious to see how The Simpsons they would adapt to the real world. Others, however, expressed concern, fearing that a live-action version could ruin the very essence of the series, known for its surreal humor and its characters with deliberately exaggerated features.

But why a live-action de The Simpsons Does it elicit such mixed reactions? The answer lies partly in the very nature of the series. The Simpsons, with their distinctive animation style and iconic characters, have won over audiences thanks to their ability to tell stories that would not be possible in the real world. The visual gags, exaggerated facial expressions and absurd situations work precisely because they are animated. Bringing these elements into a live-action context could be alienating, if not downright grotesque.

Animation: The Beating Heart of The Simpsons

The animation is, without a doubt, one of the key elements they made The Simpsons a global phenomenon. Since their debut in 1989, the characters of Springfield have remained virtually unchanged thanks to the animated format, which has allowed them to cross generations without aging a day. This, combined with the creative freedom that animation offers, has allowed writers to explore plots that would be impossible or unconvincing in live-action.

Let's think about Halloween episodes, where the characters transform into monsters or face science fiction situations. Transposing these stories into a live-action context would inevitably lead to a loss of the playful and surreal element that characterizes the series.

The Future of The Simpsons: Animation or Other?

While the AI-generated trailer has tickled the imagination of many, it seems unlikely that The Simpsons venture into the world of live-action soon. The series, which is preparing to launch its 36th season, continues to be a pillar of television animation, maintaining constant success despite the passing of the years.

Recently, co-showrunner Al Jean discussed the possibility of a second animated film The Simpsons, tying it to the success of the post-pandemic animation industry. While nothing has been confirmed yet, it's clear that any new Simpsons adventure will likely be animated, keeping intact the magic that has captured the hearts of millions of viewers around the world.

In conclusion, while the thought of a live-action de The Simpsons might appeal for its novelty, it's the animation that has allowed the series to thrive for over three decades. And maybe, after all, it's for the best. Because, as Homer would say, “D'oh!”, some things are better left as they are.

Gianluigi Piludu

Author of articles, illustrator and graphic designer of the website www.cartonionline.com