Matt Selman’s Universal comments give fans of “The Simpons” hope for Treehouse of Horror at HHN

As a lifelong fan of “The Simpsons,” I’ve spent years wishing Universal would bring the show’s annual “Treehouse of Horror” specials to Halloween Horror Nights. Ironically, I’m not much of a horror fan. I scare easily, get grossed out quickly, and would absolutely be the person clutching Universal’s Deathly Afraid necklace while rushing through a scare zone. But a “Treehouse of Horror” experience? I’d be first in line.

So when I listened to a recent bonus episode of the “Staying Alive” podcast featuring “The Simpsons” showrunner Matt Selman, I paid close attention when the conversation turned to Universal and Springfield. In the past, Matt Selman has discussed the future of ‘The Simpsons Ride,’ so when I saw his name pop up again I knew I had to pay attention.

While Selman stopped short of confirming any future plans, his comments gave me more hope than I’ve had in years that Springfield could finally embrace Halloween in a bigger way.

During the discussion, Selman revealed that he and Universal had recently met and talked about one idea he couldn’t believe had never happened.

“Something we’ve never done, which is insane, is Halloweenize it [The Simpsons Ride and Springfield U.S.A.] for Halloween,” Selman said.

Adam Pally: “Oh, for Horror Nights?”

Selman: “Because we’ve been talking about it for years, we never did it. Horror Nights is their biggest thing and Halloween is our biggest thing, and the fact that we haven’t done that… so we have a lot of fun ideas for Halloween-ifying the Simpsons experience throughout.”

The comments became even more intriguing when Selman suggested some ideas may already be in the works.

“Everything has to have a huge lead time so ’27 will be the best version of that,” he said. “We’ve got some fun great ideas for ’26.”

Selman emphasized that fans shouldn’t expect major changes to ‘The Simpsons Ride‘ itself, noting that “the nuts and bolts of the ride stay the same.” Instead, he said he and Universal have had “really good meetings about adding scariness and silliness around the outside of the ride and specifically for Halloween.”

To be clear, Selman did not confirm a “Treehouse of Horror” house, scare zone, or any Halloween Horror Nights plans. But after watching the entire segment, it’s hard not to come away hopeful. For fans who have dreamed of Kang and Kodos invading Springfield, “Treehouse of Horror” taking over the midway, or even seasonal food and entertainment inspired by the long-running Halloween specials, this may be the closest we’ve come to hearing that the people behind “The Simpsons” want it just as much as we do.

The comments were made during a bonus clip from the “Staying Alive” podcast hosted by Jon Gabrus and Adam Pally and recorded April 21, 2026 in Los Angeles.