Yet another prediction on « The Simpsons » is coming true.
Yet another prediction on « The Simpsons » is coming true.
A 1998 episode of the TV series correctly prognosticated that Disney would own 20th Century Fox. A scene in the Season 10 episode « When You Dish Upon A Star » shows the outside of the Fox studio, where « A Division Of Walt Disney Co » is written on a sign in front of the building.
A real-life merger between Disney and Fox was announced Thursday, with Disney acquiring 20th Century Fox’s film and television studios, among other properties, for more than $52 billion.
« The Simpsons » prediction is made even more impressive once the scene picks up inside the studio, as a « Star Wars » poster appears on the wall in an office where Ron Howard is pitching film ideas.
Disney, 21st Century Fox announce $52 billion merger deal
Disney purchased the rights to « Star Wars » and Lucasfilm 14 years later in 2012. Coincidentally, Ron Howard is directing the upcoming « Star Wars » anthology film « Solo: A Star Wars Story, » due out in May.
The Disney buying Fox prediction was first pointed out last month by Twitter user Aaron Fraggle, who shared a screen grab of the scene once rumors about the merger began to emerge.
The episode « When You Dish Upon A Star » centers on Homer Simpson becoming a friend and assistant to Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger, who conspicuously move to Springfield.
Howard also guests stars in the episode as Baldwin and Basinger’s friend.
The episode is riddled with pop culture jokes, including one where Baldwin urges Basinger — his wife at the time — to stop polishing her Oscar so much she’s « taking the finish off. »
« When you win one, you can take care of it however you want, » Basinger retorts.
Baldwin and Basinger eventually part ways with Homer after he betrays their trust and tells his drinking buddies that the celebrities had moved to Springfield, but the celebs eventually regret the way they treated him.
« Homer was a pretty good guy, and we just tossed him out like a Golden Globe Award, » Baldwin jokes.
The episode culminates with commentary about the way the public looks at celebrities, as Homer — after starting a museum showing off their personal items — argues in court that stars like Basinger, Baldwin and Howard should be subjected to people invading their private lives.
Of course, the judge disagrees and a restraining order is instituted.
This isn’t the first time an episode of « The Simpsons » has predicted a major moment in American culture. Most notably, an episode that aired in 2000 predicted Donald Trump would be elected President.
Other predictions include a Siegfried and Roy tiger attack and Lady Gaga performing the Super Bowl halftime show while soaring through the air with a harness.
