The Simpsons Movie SEQUEL ‘is finally in development’ PLUS Family Guy live action ‘hybrid’

Speculation has run wild for the last decade about whether or not the residents of Springfield would return to cinema, and now it’s looking increasingly likely that they will.

According to the Wall Street Journal, a new film is “in development”, meaning it’s in the very early stages of production – and it’s not yet been officially announced.

The Simpsons isn’t the only show to be getting the big screen treatment: Family Guy is also thought to be going the same way.

What’s different there, though, is that the Family Guy movie would be a mix of live action and animation, according to the WSJ report.

Bob’s Burgers, another animated favourite, is said to be gearing up for a big-screen transfer too.

Released in 2007, The Simpsons Movie was a critical and commercial success – grossing over $527 million worldwide.

It also managed an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes and was marked A- by audiences on CinemaScore; with praise in particular going to Julie Kavner for her performance as Marge Simpson.

Kavner picked up an Annie Award nomination for Best Voice Acting,and the film was also up for Best Animated Film at the BAFTAs and Golden Globes.

Bosses recently hinted that they were thinking about what the plot of a new film could be, with director David Silverman telling Entertainment Weekly last year: “I’d love for there to be another one. We’re still a ways away from it.

“We talk about this and that. We’re thinking it over, but nothing’s happening just yet.

“It’s still daunting because it really knocked the stuffing out of us to do the movie and the show at the same time.”

“I certainly am cautious about a couple things,” Al Jean added.

“I wouldn’t want it to be risky in terms of budget, and I would not want it to be anything that we did purely for the money

“I would want it to be a really great movie. I personally feel no need for another one unless it’s great.”

The Simpsons TV show is nearing its 30th season, after season 29 concluded in May of this year.

Family Guy, meanwhile, has recently been renewed for a 17th season, which will begin on September 30.

Bob’s Burgers is less well-known to British audiences but is still a huge hit: it’s recently been picked-up for a ninth season, which will also premiere in late September.