The Simpsons Go Live-Action Sunday

Sunday’s episode of “The Simpsons” will feature human actors for its opening sequence.

Ever wonder what Bart Simpson would look like in human form? The longrunning animated Fox series “The Simpsons” is about to show you. The series will unveil a live-action opening sequence Sunday, 8 p.m. EST, a Fox spokeswoman announced Thursday. In it, the dysfunctional cartoon family — Bart, Homer, Marge, Lisa and Maggie — will be seen as they would appear in real life, played by lookalike actors. “I’m just amazed there are people who want to be known for looking like the Simpsons,” said Al Jean, the show’s executive producer, in a statement.

A team from British network Sky One created and commissioned the live sequence, which apes the long-running series’ memorable opening shots: Bart writing on the chalkboard, Homer pulling the nuclear rod out of his shirt and Maggie and Marge at the supermarket, a Fox spokeswoman said.

It’s amazing that, after fourteen [Actually, 17–even more amazing!] years, they keep coming up with new things to try.

Update: StormyDragon pointed me the advanced version on YouTube:

If nothing else, this demonstrates why the show works better as a cartoon.

crosspost to Gone Hollywood

FILED UNDER: Uncategorized, , , ,
James Joyner
About James Joyner
James Joyner is a Professor of Security Studies. He's a former Army officer and Desert Storm veteran. Views expressed here are his own. Follow James on Twitter @DrJJoyner.

Comments

  1. Why wait until Sunday? This has been available on the Internet for nearly a month already:

    Real Life Simpson’s Intro

  2. Jay says:

    Those are lookalikes??

  3. Brian says:

    The Simpsons premiered on December 17, 1989 and is currently in season 17, not 14. It is amazing that a large portion of its current audience wasn’t even born yet when the show premiered.

  4. Sean says:

    Jay: no, these are not lookalikes (try finding a yellow woman with blue hair), and that’s what makes this thing so charming. They were looking for real-life people who behave like the cartoon-originals. If you compare the original and the real-life version closely vou’ll find that it was produced with a great attention to detail. Strangely enough it’s a british production (look at the position of the steering-wheel).

  5. denise says:

    Did you notice? Homer drives from the left side of the car; Marge from the right.

  6. Dave Straub says:

    I love that Homer drives an old Lada in this clip, which seems all too fitting. Put it in H!