Fox has a strange Simpsons publicity stunt planned for May that they announced today – during the Simpsons episode that airs on Sunday, May 15th, fans will be treated to a “live†appearance by Homer Simpson, who will provide commentary and answer fans’ questions:
HOLD THE DATE! After 27 seasons and for the first time ever, Homer Simpson will appear LIVE during an all-new episode of THE SIMPSONS airing Sunday, May 15 at 8/7c on FOX. During the episode, Marge, Lisa and Bart will turn the show over to Homer who will take a break from stuffing his face to comment on the events of the day LIVE during both the East Coast and West Coast broadcasts. Don’t Miss this SIMPSONS first! Never before has Homer addressed his fans LIVE! Fans can tweet their questions using #HomerLive beginning on Sunday, May 1 until Wednesday, May 4. Tune in to this very special episode of THE SIMPSONS on Sunday, May 15 @ 8/7c on FOX.
So how, exactly, will the segment really be “live� According to The Hollywood Reporter, the segment will run for three minutes at the end of the episode and be animated through motion capture:
The installment will feature Homer — voiced by Dan Castellaneta — discussing topical subjects and responding to fan questions for the final three minutes of its regularly scheduled episode. Showrunner Al Jean told THR that the series — which spends months prepping its animation — will use a motion capture technology in which Homer’s voice and motions will be depicted in an animated scene talking about things he “could only be saying live on that day.†“As far as I know, this is the first time that’s been done by any animated show,†Jean said, noting the live bit works with the theme of the episode, which explores improv comedy. “And Dan is a great improviser.â€