Summary
FormerThe Simpsonsshowrunner Josh Weinstein explains how Troy McClure’s memorable but strange musical debut came together from multiple pitches forThe Simpsonsseason 7’s “A Fish Called Selma”. In the episode, Marge’s (Julie Kavner) elder sister Selma Bouvier (Also voiced by Kavner) finds herself romancing Phil Hartman’s Troy McClure after he and his agent MacArthur Parker (Jeff Goldblum) realize that a romance would attract press attention. As part of his career’s revitalization, McClure is cast as George Taylor inStop The Planet Of The Apes! I Want To Get Off!, a Broadway adaptation of the iconic sci-fi feature.
Weinsteinexplains on X how theStop The Planet Of The Apes! I Want To Get Off! sequence came together.
In a scenario that helped inform him how best to run the show, Weinstein explained that he learnednot to refuse any pitch, no matter how outlandish it may be. The former showrunner then revealed howfive separate pitches were gradually building up the initial ideasurrounding thePlanet of the Apesmusical, from the Falco “Amadeus” parody, to specific lines and visual gags.
Where Else Where We May Remember Troy McClure From?
The SimpsonsShed Some Light On McClure’s Filmogaphy
McClure’s career has been shown to have taken him outside of Springfield.
While many may remember McClure for hismany public-service video appearancesmade presumably during the low point of his career following the allegations about his aquarium visit becoming public,The Simpsonshas stillshined a light on McClure’s Hollywood career. Alongside his many feature name-drops, McClure can be seen acting alongside Miss Piggy inThe Muppets Go Medieval!, where he played Sir Lancelot. As such, much like fellow Springfield Heights resident Krusty the Clown (Dan Castelaneta), McClure’s career has been shown to have taken him outside of Springfield before scandal hit.
Despite his romance with Selma sending him into the limelight once more, it can be assumed that McClure’s career would ultimately come to a halt once more after losing out on a role inMcBain IV: Fatal Discharge, forcing him to independently finance his passion projectThe Contrabulous Fabtraption of Profesor Horation Huffnagel. While there was interest from both The Simpsons' cast and Hartman himself to take the character further and even develop a potential live-actionThe Simpsonsspin-off, McClure would make his final appearance in season 10’s “Bart the Mother”. FollowingHartman’s untimely death, the character was quietly retired.
Why Planet of the Apes Musical Is The Simpsons Best Parody
The Simpsons has delivered a number of great movie parodies of the years, but Troy McClure’s Planet of the Apes musical remains its very best.
“A Fish Named Selma’s” surprising musical moment is one ofThe Simpsonsmost memorable scenes, despite just being a quick gag sung by a guest character. From the surprisingly catchy twist on Falco’s one-hit-wonder, to the sight ofPlanet of the Apes’classic designs breaking out into dance, the scene stands out in an episode full of fun moments. As such, Weinstein’s thread is an interesting look at how the gag was brought to life.
The Simpsons
Cast
The Simpsons is an animated series set in the fictional town of Springfield, following the daily lives of the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Premiering in 1989, the show is renowned for its satirical commentary on politics, media, and American culture, featuring numerous celebrity guest appearances.
