The Simpsons may no longer receive the same level of critical acclaim it once enjoyed, but it continues to attract a steady stream of high-profile celebrity guest stars. This trend will carry on in the upcoming 37th season, as revealed by the creative team during a panel at San Diego Comic-Con. A number of big names are set to lend their voices to the new episodes, including Academy Award winner Kieran Culkin, best known for his roles in Succession and A Real Pain. Joining him are Glenn Howerton from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Broadway performer Cole Escola, though their specific roles in the season remain under wraps.
Returning to Springfield is Albert Brooks, a longtime collaborator with the show. Brooks has previously voiced memorable characters such as Hank Scorpio, the charismatic villain from the episode “You Only Move Twice,” and Russ Cargill, the EPA boss from The Simpsons Movie. He will once again be featured in the new season, continuing his legacy as one of the series’ most beloved guest voices.
Other comedy stars appearing in season 37 include Danny Pudi from Community and Adam Pally, who voiced characters in the Sonic the Hedgehog films. Notably, Brendan Gleeson and his son Domhnall Gleeson are also confirmed to be part of the guest cast, adding a unique family dynamic to the line-up of talent.
One of the most anticipated parts of each season in recent years has been the Treehouse of Horror Halloween special, which has consistently delivered inventive and offbeat stories. The upcoming edition will feature three major stars: Idris Elba, Viola Davis, and Michael Keaton. All three have made significant contributions to comic book and crime drama genres. Elba is widely known for his role as Bloodsport in The Suicide Squad and as the titular character in Luther. Davis played Amanda Waller in the DC Universe and starred in How to Get Away with Murder, while Keaton famously portrayed Batman in Tim Burton’s films and returned to the role in 2023’s The Flash. Whether or not their comic book credentials will influence their Halloween segments remains to be seen.
During the panel, creator Matt Groening confirmed that there are no plans to bring The Simpsons to an end. He remarked that the team will keep making episodes “until somebody dies,” underlining the show’s ongoing vitality and longevity. Executive producer Matt Selman added that the series is preparing to celebrate a historic milestone: its 800th episode. To mark the occasion, a special double-bill will air, featuring two brand new original episodes. While the content of these episodes is currently being kept secret, Selman promised they would be the most entertaining 800th episode viewers have ever seen from any series.