Harry Shearer, longtime Simpsons voice of such characters as Principal Skinner, Kent Brockman, Mr. Burns, Waylon Smithers, Ned Flanders, Reverend Lovejoy, Dr. Hibbert, Otto Mann, and Rainier Wolfcastle, has tweeted saying that he’s leaving the show due to a contract dispute.
With The Simpsons recently having been renewed for two more seasons, TMZ recently reported that one major castmember had yet to sign on and was holding out. That castmember was apparently Shearer, who claims that Fox and Gracie Films are suddenly demanding that he not work on other projects while doing voice work for the show.
Longtime Simpsons showrunner Al Jean confirmed the departure, saying “Harry Shearer was offered the same deal the rest of the cast accepted and passed. We wish him well but the show will go on. Maggie took it hard.†He also confirmed that the characters he voiced will continue, saying “Yes, Burns and Flanders will not die. They are great characters and will continue.†Whoever steps in to fill those roles has some mighty big shoes to fill.
UPDATE: Producer James L. Brooks tweeted that the door may still be open for Shearer to return:
CNN reports that Shearer is walking away from a $14 million payday for two years worth of work that he can do from anywhere. Seems like a pretty good deal to me! Hopefully they can work something out.
UPDATE 2: CNN talked to Shearer today, and he referenced the above tweet from James L. Brooks and said “stay tuned.†Could this all have been a power move in a contract negotiation? Quite possibly. We’ll stay tuned, as he requested.