We get to watch the aftermath of the Disney-Fox deal play out in real time at the D23 Expo 2019. Disney already shocked the world when they announced that all seasons of The Simpsons would be available on Disney+.
Disney announced today that The Simpsons would have a presence at D23 Expo. There will be a panel on The Simpsons discussing the upcoming season with Creator Matt Groening, Executive Producer Al Jean, Executive Producer Matt Selman, Supervising Director Mike B. Anderson, and stars Nancy Cartwright and Yeardley Smith. The panel will take place on Saturday, August 24, at 10 a.m. in the D23 Expo Arena.
On the convention floor, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close with The Simpsons characters. A few lucky guests will also have the opportunity to meet Matt Groening and the rest of the panelists in an autograph session.
Disney also mentioned Universal Studios and their Simpsons presence in the press release. So, don’t expect Bob Chapek to make any earth-shattering announcements about The Simpsons coming to Disney Parks any time soon.
The news of The Simpsons being at D23 has gotten a mixed reaction so far. Fans of The Simpsons are thrilled to see the property being highlighted in such a fashion, while Disney fans cope with the reality of a truly anti-Disney property becoming a part of Disney. Disney is obviously hoping that The Simpsons and other Fox properties smoothly fit into the Disney fold similar to how Marvel and Star Wars have acclimated as Disney brands.
The panel promises a lot of surprises, and it will feature an exclusive Simpsons item for everyone in attendance. It seems like The Simpsons outside of National Geographic have been the first major integrations when it comes to brand for the Disney-Fox deal. For other Fox-related properties, I’m sure those properties will be addressed at D23 Expo. As it is expected that Disney will make new Alien, Planet of the Apes, Avatar, and Kingsman films on top of adding X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Deadpool into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Zach Perilstein is the Editor-in-Chief of the Boardwalk Times
