To be fair, it took 18 years from the start of the television series to the first Simpsons movie hitting the big screen. And while it was a sizeable hit, even the more generous fan of it would have to acknowledge that it seemed more a stitching together of three TV episodes than anything particularly tailored to the big screen. It did give us Spiderpig, though, and the rock-and-a-hard-place gag. We appreciated those a lot.

However, given just how much cash the project made, there's inevitably been chatter about a second Simpsons cinematic adventure. Yet, talking to Variety, Matt Groening revealed that plans for a new film have been pretty much put on hold until the television show comes to an end. And with no plans for that to happen anytime soon - the show is currently on its 21st season and there's already a deal in place for two more - it's fair to say that we're a long way away from a Simpsons 2.

Matt Groening said,"It took 18 years to get around to doing the movie. We got very frustrated. We thought it would take two years but it ended up taking four. Some day maybe we'll do another one - but don't hold your breath".

When asked if there was any sign of the show ending, Groening simply replied that "We cannot predict the end because we can't believe we are still here today."

That, for the time being, would appear to be that, then. Wonder if he'd consider a Spiderpig spin off instead?

Variety