The Simpsons showrunner discusses whether main voice actors can be replaced

With its colorful characters and satirical take on American life, The Simpsons has been a cornerstone of pop culture for over 35 years. Set in the city of Springfield, much of its success comes from the many unique characters who live there.

From Dan Castellaneta’s Homer, Julie Kavner’s Marge, Nancy Cartwright’s Bart, to Yeardley Smith’s Lisa — all are household names. Not to mention Hank Azaria and Harry Shearer, who voice dozens of supporting characters and help form a cast whose performances are etched into television history.

In a recent interview with Cracked, current showrunner Matt Selman answered a question many longtime fans have quietly wondered: What happens if one of these beloved voice actors can no longer continue?

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"None of them are replaceable"

Selman didn’t downplay the seriousness of the issue. Losing any lead voice actor, he said, poses an “existential threat” to the series — a worry he’s come to terms with. Referring to Jim Henson’s replacement as Kermit the Frog, Selman noted that no matter how talented the successor is, they’ll never live up to the original.

“None of them are replaceable,” he said. “They can scour the planet looking for an actor to fill the role… but it’s never going to sound like Jim Henson. So, should one of our actors be eaten by a bear, then it will never sound the same.”

Though clearly joking when he added that “Hank Azaria should keep bear spray handy,” Selman’s message was serious: the actors are the voices of the show. Recasting wouldn’t just be a production change — it would fundamentally alter The Simpsons.

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When recasting becomes necessary

While the show still retains its core cast, The Simpsons has seen some voice changes over the years. After Phil Hartman’s death, his characters Troy McClure and Lionel Hutz were retired. Similarly, following the passing of Marcia Wallace, Mrs. Krabappel was no longer featured.

Most recently, Pamela Hayden, who voiced Milhouse Van Houten, stepped away in 2023. He is now voiced by singer Kelly Macleod. Other shifts reflect changing cultural sensitivities: Hank Azaria stepped down from voicing Carl Carlson, and Dr. Hibbert — once voiced by Harry Shearer — is now played by Kevin Michael Richardson. Both characters are now portrayed by Black voice actors who better represent the roles.

These changes — made with care — are reminders of the ethical and creative challenges involved in balancing continuity with evolving standards.

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A future worth preserving

The cast’s decades-long run is both a testament to the show’s legacy and a source of concern for its future, especially as The Simpsons approaches its 36th season.

Selman admits that when it comes to long-term hypotheticals, his focus remains on “creative concerns” — mostly impressing Matt Groening and James L. Brooks during table reads. Still, thinking about what’s ahead isn’t easy.

The Simpsons has survived fads, format changes, and endless criticism while keeping the familiar voices fans grew up with. But eventually, producers may face a difficult choice: to recast and extend the show’s legendary run, or end it with the voices that defined it.

For now, though, fans want Springfield to stay just as it is.