The Simpsons to be axed?

Dispute between show's stars and 20th Century Fox...

10:17 05 October 2011

The Simpsons is reportedly facing cancellation due to a contract dispute between the show's voice actors and 20th Century Fox.

According to The Daily Beast, the studio apparently wants the actors to agree to a 45 per cent pay cut or it will cease production of the long-running animated series.

The stars have agreed to a 30 per cent pay decrease as long as they get a small portion of the show's earnings.

Fox released a statement regarding the dispute, saying that it is committed to resolving the situation:

"23 seasons in, The Simpsons is as creatively vibrant as ever and beloved by millions around the world.

"We believe this brilliant series can and should continue, but we cannot produce future seasons under its current financial model.

"We are hopeful that we can reach an agreement with the voice cast that allows The Simpsons to go on entertaining audiences with original episodes for many years to come."

Premiering back in 1989, The Simpsons is the longest-running US sitcom ever.