The Simpsons Universal rumors take a wild turn as D23 reveals Treehouse of Horror talks could bring even more Springfield to Universal parks.

The Simpsons may be owned by Disney, but the yellow family is showing no signs of leaving Universal theme parks anytime soon. In fact, comments made during the 2026 D23 panel suggest Universal could be getting even more Simpsons content in the years ahead.

During The Simpsons: Stories from Springfield panel at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event on Friday, August 14, Simpsons showrunner Matt Selman was asked whether there had ever been discussions about bringing the series’ famous Treehouse of Horror episodes to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. Selman’s answer was perhaps the last thing some theme park fans expected to hear at a Disney fan event.

Selman said discussions have taken place and that the process of bringing Treehouse of Horror to Universal has actually begun. He indicated that the concept would probably start with themed food and beverages before eventually expanding into a larger “experience.” Selman also cautioned that he was not sure he was supposed to reveal the information, meaning Universal has not officially announced a Treehouse of Horror attraction or Halloween Horror Nights house at this time.

That distinction is important. What was discussed at D23 is not an official Universal attraction announcement. However, it is a fascinating sign that The Simpsons’ creative team and Universal are exploring ways to expand the franchise in the theme parks. That makes the timing of this revelation particularly funny.

The Simpsons Are Owned by Disney. Why Are They Expanding at Universal?

The Simpsons have been one of the most unusual intellectual properties in the theme park industry for years. Disney owns The Simpsons following its acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019. The Disney company acquired 21st Century Fox on March 20, 2019.

Yet walk into Universal Studios Florida today, and guests can still enter Springfield, U.S.A. They can grab a donut at Lard Lad, order a Krusty Burger, visit Moe’s Tavern, and ride The Simpsons Ride. Universal’s official website continues to promote Springfield as one of the themed lands at Universal Studios Florida, including The Simpsons Ride and Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl. Universal Studios Hollywood likewise continues to operate its own Springfield area and The Simpsons Ride.

Simpsons Universal creates one of the strangest situations in modern theme park entertainment. Well, if you do not count the Marvel theme park contract. Disney owns the characters. Yet, Universal operates some of the most substantial Simpsons theme park experiences in the world. Now, according to comments from the show’s own creative leadership at Disney’s biggest fan event, Universal may be looking at adding even more Simpsons experiences.

The Rumors of Simpsons Universal Theme Park Rights Ending

For years, fans have speculated about what might eventually happen to The Simpsons Universal theme park rights. Those rumors became particularly interesting after Disney acquired Fox because the company that owns Springfield now also operates Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and a massive portfolio of theme park intellectual properties.

That naturally led to one obvious question: Could Disney eventually bring The Simpsons home? The rumors have included speculation that Universal’s existing Simpsons agreement could eventually expire, potentially opening the door for Disney to use the franchise in its own theme parks. Rumors have suggested that Universal’s existing Simpsons agreement could. However, the exact terms and expiration date of Universal’s licensing agreement have not been publicly confirmed, so claims about a specific end date should remain speculation.

That is why the latest D23 revelation is so fascinating. Instead of hearing about The Simpsons potentially disappearing from Universal, fans heard that Universal may actually be working on MORE Simpsons content. It is difficult to imagine a more Simpsons-like plot twist.

Simpsons Universal: Treehouse of Horror Could Be Next

The Treehouse of Horror episodes are arguably among the most recognizable parts of The Simpsons franchise. The annual Halloween specials have allowed the series to abandon its normal Springfield reality for decades, parodying horror movies, science fiction, supernatural stories, and other pop culture properties. That makes Treehouse of Horror an almost perfect fit for Universal.

Universal already has a long-running Halloween Horror Nights event, and The Simpsons have previously played with horror themes in ways that could translate naturally into a theme park environment. However, according to the D23 panel discussion, fans should not expect a full Halloween Horror Nights house immediately.

Selman indicated that the process would likely begin with food and beverage offerings, followed by an experience later on. That could open the door to everything from Halloween-themed Springfield food to limited-time merchandise, character appearances and eventually a larger attraction or haunted house.

For now, there is no confirmation that Treehouse of Horror will become a Halloween Horror Nights house at either Universal Orlando Resort or Universal Studios Hollywood. The panel also did not establish whether the eventual experience would be part of Halloween Horror Nights, a daytime seasonal offering, or something entirely different. Still, the possibility is enough to get Simpsons and Halloween Horror Nights fans talking.

D23 Is Giving The Simpsons a Bigger Disney Spotlight

The Simpsons’ appearance at D23 is significant for another reason. Disney has increasingly embraced The Simpsons as part of its entertainment portfolio since acquiring 21st Century Fox. The series is prominently associated with Disney+, where the streaming service carries the show’s extensive library. D23 has also continued to promote the franchise, including its World Simpsons Day coverage and other Simpsons-related content.

The 2026 D23 event went even further. The Simpsons received a dedicated panel, The Simpsons: Stories from Springfield, featuring the show’s cast and creative team. D23 described the presentation as a look at storytelling in Springfield, including character-driven comedy, cultural satire, and the challenge of finding fresh stories more than three decades into the series’ run.

The franchise also received a dedicated presence on the D23 show floor. Disney announced Simpsons-inspired photo opportunities as part of the event, while Simpsons cast members were included among the talent appearing at D23. So while Disney is clearly celebrating its ownership of The Simpsons, Universal remains deeply involved with the characters in the theme park world. That strange relationship may be about to become even more visible.

Universal Already Has a Springfield Empire

For anyone who has visited Universal Studios Florida, the Simpsons presence is much more than a single attraction. Springfield features restaurants, shops, games, characters and attractions inspired by the series. The Simpsons Ride takes guests on a chaotic trip through Krustyland, while Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl offers a Simpsons-themed spinning attraction. Guests can also encounter Springfield characters and visit locations such as Krusty Burger, Moe’s Tavern and Lard Lad Donuts.

Universal Studios Hollywood has its own Springfield environment, including The Simpsons Ride and Simpsons-themed experiences such as the carnival games. This makes the idea of removing The Simpsons from Universal a much bigger proposition than simply replacing one attraction.

Springfield has become part of the identity of the original Universal theme parks. So, if the latest comments are any indication, Universal and the Simpsons creative team may still see plenty of room to play in that world.

Could This Eventually Become a Disney Parks Story?

That remains the giant unanswered question. shown at D23 that it is comfortable putting The Simpsons front and center inDisney now owns the franchise, and the company has demonstrated at D23 that it is comfortable putting The Simpsons front and center as part of its entertainment lineup.

However, there has been no announcement of a Simpsons attraction, land or other major Simpsons experience coming to Walt Disney World or Disneyland. For now, Universal remains the home of the franchise in the U.S. theme park space.

Also, ironically, the biggest new Simpsons theme park tease of D23 2026 came from a conversation that could ultimately lead to more Simpsons Universal activity, not less. That is especially amusing considering how many rumors have suggested that Disney’s ownership could eventually spell the end of The Simpsons at Universal. Instead, the family could be sticking around Springfield for quite a while longer.

Perhaps even with a few ghosts, monsters, and giant donuts along for the ride. For now, fans should consider Treehouse of Horror at Universal a possibility being discussed, not an officially announced attraction. Still, if the Simpsons creative team and Universal follow through on what was teased at D23, the next chapter of Springfield’s theme park story could be considerably stranger than anyone expected. Honestly, that feels pretty appropriate for The Simpsons.

For more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News.

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