'The Simpsons' Will Be Recasting Harry Shearer's Roles

Following yesterday's shock news that long-time The Simpsons voice-cast member Harry Shearer (Mr Burns, Mr Smithers, Ned Flanders, countless others) would be departing the series, veteran showrunner Al Jean has confirmed that, rather than retiring or killing off his many, many characters, the roles will be recast.

In a statement provided to The New York Times, Jean explained that the show's creatives "do not plan to kill off characters like Burns and Flanders but will recast with the finest voiceover talent available".

"Harry Shearer was offered the same deal the rest of the cast accepted, and passed," Jean said. "The show will go on and we wish him well. Maggie took it hard."

Maggie's not the only one — it would seem that even some of the show's higher-ups aren't totally happy with how things have panned out with respect to Shearer — in fact, series developer James L. Brooks even tweeted publicly about the turn of events, directly acknowledging the actor in the process: "Hey, we tried. We're still trying. Harry, no kidding, let's talk."

From Jean's perspective though, it looks as though he's ready to keep on moving, once more taking to Twitter to reiterate the line he's taken since the news of Shearer's departure broke: "the show will go on".

Whether it's the best thing for it or not.