The Simpsons are undoubtedly one of the most iconic cartoon families in TV history. We’ve laughed at their silly shenanigans and hilarious banter for decades. But what if the famous yellow family was projected on a much darker lens? Well, according to director Boots Riley, his latest film will reimagine a well-known episode of The Simpsons in that very way.
On X, Riley confirmed that he will be adapting Anne Washburn’s Mr. Burns: A Post‑Electric Play for the big screen. The Sorry to Bother You director didn’t reveal much else, but given his offbeat style of filmmaking, the project will surely be an interesting spin on the classic cartoon family we know and love.
Washburn’s play, which premiered off-Broadway, is described as a “post-apocalyptic dark comedy.” It takes place nearly a century in the future following an unspecified apocalypse. In this post-apocalyptic world, pop culture has become a primary source of live entertainment. As the play unfolds, a group of six survivors share a campfire for a complete retelling of The Simpsons episode “Cape Feare”— recounting the plot entirely from memory. The group later becomes a traveling theatre troupe specializing in retellings of The Simpsons episodes. Their renditions, though, take on a much more serious tone.
The episode “Cape Feare” (season five, episode two) is a parody of Martin Scorsese’s Cape Fear. Freshly released from prison, Krusty’s ex-sidekick Sideshow Bob seeks revenge on Bart for revealing his murder plot. To evade the crazed criminal, the Simpsons go into witness protection and move into a new house under new identities. Still, Sideshow Bob is relentless in stalking Bart. Several comical failed attempts on Bart’s life follow until Bob is finally caught and arrested.
Riley’s debut film, Sorry to Bother You, was well-received. While we wait to hear more about the director’s take on the beloved Simpsons’ family antics, another project looms on the horizon. Riley’s upcoming film, I Love Boosters, will premiere at the 2026 SXSW Film Festival. Starring Naomi Ackie, Keke Palmer, Taylour Paige, and Demi Moore, the science fiction comedy follows a group of shoplifters. I Love Boosters hits theaters on May 22, 2026.