The Simpsons Movie - Al Jean interview
Interview by Rob Carnevale
AL Jean talks about producing The Simpsons Movie, what it means for the future of the television series and the numerous guest stars the show has managed to attract over the years…
He also reflects on the hard work that went into making the jokes and fun factor seem effortless as well as why the film can appeal to every viewer – whether a fan of the show or not…
Q: So what is the film about?
Al Jean: I’d say in one sentence it’s that a man should listen to his wife.
Q. The Simpsons Movie has a lot riding on it and I’m sure you are aware of it and have effortlessly pulled it off. Did you ever start to think whether you really needed to do this?
Al Jean: Actually, there was a tremendous amount of effort put into making it look effortless. We argued in a constructive way over every minute of the film trying to make sure things were right on story, they were funny and they were in character. It really was something we couldn’t have felt more pressure on just because of the love people around the world have had for the show over the years.
Q: Did Twentieth Century Fox say to you we want as wide as possible an audience here? Is there an element that you don’t need to know the TV series to enjoy this as a movie?
Al Jean: Absolutely. Our mission was if you had never heard of The Simpsons you could enjoy the film. I hope we achieved that. It’s important to us that it’s viewed as a separate entity, it’s not something where [after seeing the film] you have to see the show to find out the end of the movie. If you pay your money, you should be satisfied.
Does this signal the ending of the TV show in any way?
Al Jean: No. No, emphatically because there is another season of the show that appears after the film in September in the US and shortly thereafter here. We actually wanted to help the franchise, to bring more people in and make it as cool as possible.
Q: Is there any nation where The Simpsons was pulled? Anywhere it has not worked?
Al Jean: Well, I think it has been successful all over the world. It’s been a little harder in Japan because they have their own animation style and we are not their animation style.
Q: You’ve had some terrific guests over the year – can anyone say no to the great Simpsons phone call?
Al Jean: We’ve had an amazing array of guest stars including, as you see, Green Day in the film. And there’s a very special super secret guest star who I’m not going to reveal. I can only tell you they’re a very popular person.
Q. Other than that, who do you still want to be on it?
Al Jean: We’ve tried to get every ex-president in the show and they’ve all said no. We’ve also pursued Bruce Springsteen but he hasn’t done it.
Q: Now he’s on the big screen, what happens to Hollywood if Homer J Simpson wins an Oscar? And have you already thought about it?
Al Jean: Oh I’ve thought about it. But there are many fine animated films this year and it would be an honour just to be considered!
Read our interview with Matt Groening
View photos from The Simpsons Movie