The Simpsonsis bringing back Albert Brooks, and I really hope it means he’s reprising one of his most iconic characters.The Simpsonspanel at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 was largely focused on the show’s upcoming 37th season, which is currently set to premiere Sept. 28. The panelists (including series creator Matt Groening andshowrunner Matt Selman) will feature some unique landmark episodes, including two episodes celebrating the series reaching 800 episodes.
The panel also teased a number of guest stars set to appear in the season, including Albert Brooks. The star of films likeBroadcast News,Out of Sight,Finding Nemo, andDrive,Albert Brooks has also been a consistent guest star onThe Simpsonssince the show’s very first season. It’s exciting to know that Brooks will be back for at least one more appearance inThe Simpsons, but I’m keeping fingers crossed that he’s finally reprising one of his most beloved characters in the show’s history.
Albert Brooks Is Returning For The Simpsons Season 37
The Simpsons’creative team confirmed that Albert Brooks will make an appearance in season 37, although it remains unclear who he is playing. DuringThe Simpsonspanel at SDCC, showrunner Matt Selman teased several notable guest stars who will appear in the upcoming 37th season, including Idris Elba, Kieron Culkin, Viola Davis, and Michael Keaton.
Brooks is among the confirmed guest stars, but the actor has already been a frequent visitor to Springfield.Albert Brooks has played seven different characters over the years, making his debut on the show as the used car salesman Cowboy Bob back in the first season of the show.
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Brooks most recently appeared inThe Simpsons'34th season,reprising his Golden Age role as Jacques. That gives it the unique distinction of being a major appearance by a returning Brooks character, as the comic legend typically plays a new role every time he’s appeared in the franchise.
Albert Brooks Could Be Reprising Jacques Or Playing A New Character
Albert Brooks is one of the best guest stars in the history ofThe Simpsons. While they may not have appeared as much as other important guest stars of the show’s Golden Age like Phil Hartman, Marcia Wallace, or Russi Taylor, recurring guest stars like Brooks and Kelsey Grammar helped establish the show’s ability to bring in guest stars for deceptively meaty roles.
Having Brooks return toThe Simpsonsat all is an exciting development, but it’s worth considering who he could be playing.The most likely guess is that Brooks will be playing a new character, following the general trajectory of his appearances on the show.
However, Brooks reprising Jacques in season 34 raises the possibility that Brooks could return to one of his previous characters.He may even be bringing Jacques back for another appearance— although the ending of “Pin Gal” effectively wrote the character out of the show by having him deported back to France for an expired visa.
I Really Want Albert Brooks Back As Hank Scorpio
It’s been a fan wish for years, butnow might be the perfect time forThe Simpsonsto bring back Hank Scorpio. The fan-favorite villain/considerate boss was introduced in season 8’s “You Only Move Twice.” After recruiting Homer to his company and moving the Simpsons away from Springfield, Scorpio is revealed to be a villain straight out of a James Bond film.
That doesn’t stop him from being a polite and friendly boss, forming a genuine friendship with Homer.Scorpio was one of the best one-shot charactersThe Simpsonshas ever featured, a hilarious riff on the “benevolent boss” that felt particularly refreshing in contrast to Homer’s typical experiences with Mr. Burns.
Given the current state of real-world politics, now would be a great time forThe Simpsonsto bring Scorpio back anduse him at the heart of their next social satire. As a wealthy figure obsessed with taking over the world, Scorpio could be used as an extreme stand-in for any number of world leaders or business tycoons.
Hank Scorpio was initially planned to return as the main villain ofThe Simpsons Movie, only for the character to be written out of the film and replaced with Russ Cargill. Cargill was still played by Albert Brooks.
Scoprio could even come back as an unlikely hero, someone who is positioned against whatever new breed of CEO/villain has risen up in the years since Scoprio briefly took control of the East Coast and used a laser to destroy the 59th Street Bridge in New York City. It could be a fun way forThe Simpsonsto comment on how business executives have changed since 1996.
It helps that Hank Scorpio was one of the most fleshed-out Albert Brooks performances. As opposed to some of his more straightforward minor appearances like Cowboy Bob or the Slick Manager, Brooks got the time to make Scorpio likable and diabolical in a very charming way. He also developed an entertaining dynamic with Homer that’s been begging for a reprise.
Hank Scorpio is among the top tier ofThe Simpsonsminor characters, andhis ability to parody all sorts of modern world figures makes him an ideal bit player to bring backinto the spotlight. While I’m excited for whatever character Albert Brooks is playing inThe Simpsonsseason 37, I really hope it’s finally the return of Hank Scorpio.
