UPDATE: ‘Simpsons’ Showrunner Al Jean Confirms Harry Shearer’s Exit from Show

For those of you poor souls (like me) hoping the news of Harry Shearer’s exit from The Simpsons was some horrible misunderstanding or over-reaction by the actor, I do NOT have good news. Showrunner and executive producer Al Jean has now officially confirmed it is true, and added some additional details regarding the show’s future.

“As the Simpsons continues its 27th and 28th seasons, Harry Shearer will not be within the show,”Jean said in an email to CNN Money. This is major, considering Shearer voices integral characters like Ned Flanders, Principal Skinner, Mr. Burns, Waylon Smithers, and about a bazillion others.

Jean stated that Shearer was “offered the same deal as the rest of the cast, but turned it down.” This amounted to $14 million over the next two years.

As for the future, the producer said, “We do not plan to ‘kill off’ his characters, but replace them with the most talented members of the voice over community.”

Seems like the show is taking the same approach they did with Ms. Krabappel (voice actor Marcia Wallace passed away last year) where characters will live on in the Simpsons Universe, but be relegated to non-speaking roles.

But not so fast.

Earlier this morning, Jean also tweeted that the show will recast “if Harry does not return,” and answering a fan who asked if there’s still a chance Shearer might stay, Jean replied, “In life I never say never.”

Let’s hope that door stays open, because there are an awful lot of characters we’d like to see walk through it.

[via CNN Money]