The latest imagining of a live-action version ofThe Simpsonsincludes interesting casting choices for Apu and Ned Flanders.There have been several viral suggestions ofhow to cast a live-actionSimpsons, though the main choices usually tend to be a well-known comedic actor like Adam Sandler or Kevin James as Homer, while the role of Marge is often imagined for an A-list performer, such as Scarlett Johansson or Charlize Theron. The more interesting selections tend to arise with the large number of supporting characters that populate Springfield.
The latest imagined trailer comes fromSjones Films, taking a different approach by picturing younger versions of most of the characters. That includes21 Jump StreetstarJonah Hill, who plays Homer Simpson.Girls Tripstar Tiffany Haddish portrays Marge Simpson,SNL’s Pete Davidson is Bart, andBlack-ish’s Marsai Martin is Lisa. Rounding out the main family, Danny DeVito is Grandpa Simpson.
Getting to the supporting cast, Kel Mitchell ofKenan & KelandGood Burgeris Ned Flanders,Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston is Mr. Burns,Neighborsstar Seth Rogen is Chief Wiggum,Boardwalk Empire’s Steve Buscemi is Moe, andScott Pilgrim’s Michael Cera is Millhouse.Parks and Recreation’s Aziz Asanri is Apu. The long-running character has not spoken onThe Simpsonssince 2017, in season 29, with Hank Azaria departing the role after the animated comedy received backlash forApu being a negative stereotypeof Indians. The trailer can be viewed below:
What Happens In The Simpsons Live-Action Trailer
There Are Fun Easter Eggs
The trailer begins like ausual intro forThe Simpsons.Like other recent A.I.-generated trailers, it includes some dry narration that pokes fun at the town of Springfield and its residents. Butthere are also fun Easter eggs and little details, such as Homer wearing glasses, which he does on occasion. Marge is also seen wielding a gun, which is a bit of a deep cut to a notable plot in the series where she ends up keeping one in her purse.
A Classic Simpsons Character Nearly Had A Live-Action Spinoff (& It Sounds Terrible)
While The Simpsons has not yet received a spinoff, the show’s creator Matt Groening did want a fan-favorite character to get a live-action show.
But outside those little details, like a young adult Bart being a rapper, the trailer is fun for its unexpected casting choices. Buscemi is a popular choice for Moe, and Cera is a common Millhouse, due to the actor playing similarly awkward characters. However,Mitchell as a casino-loving Ned Flanders is inspired and calls back to “Viva Ned Flanders"from season 10.
Our Take On The Latest Simpsons Trailer
Points For Being Different
A live-actionSimpsonswould likely never work, but the latest trailer does stand out for trying for something a little different from just going for the somewhat usual casting choices. It offers the worthwhile question of how actors can change how you see a role, even if it happens to be largely the same on paper.
The Simpsonsseason 36 airs Sundays at 8 PM ET on Fox
The Simpsons
Cast
The Simpsons is an animated series set in the fictional town of Springfield, following the daily lives of the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Premiering in 1989, the show is renowned for its satirical commentary on politics, media, and American culture, featuring numerous celebrity guest appearances.
