The Simpsons Halloween Special Has A Wild Video Game-Inspired Opening

It's been 17 years since The Simpsons last had a video game on consoles, but this year's Treehouse of Horror is offering fans of the show a glimpse of the bloody fighting game they'll never get to play. Animator Jorge Gutierrez--the writer and director of the 2014 animated film, The Book of Life--contributed an opening sequence that reimagines the famous animated family as the grotesque stars of Los Simpsons Fighter.

Gutierrez redesigned several of Springfield's residents in his signature style, while depicting a Mortal Kombat-inspired Fatality for Marge and Lisa to perform on Snake. Bart had more mercy for his idol, Krusty the Clown, while Maggie's fusion with Homer backfired against them during their battle with Mr. Burns and Smithers, who have finally been joined as one monstrous being. Gutierrez even referenced The Book of Life, with guest appearances by Xibalba and La Muerte.

"I've been a huge Simpsons fan ever since Bart first appeared in my beloved Tijuana in the classic Kamp Krusty episode," Gutierrez told Variety. "I'm forever grateful to [executive producer] Matt Selman and [creator] Matt Groening for giving me the honor to direct my own passionate (and bloody!) animated love letter to the show that inspired me to dream of making cartoons one day. Now, I can die with a huge smile on my face."

Thanks to the recently concluded World Series, The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror XXXV will continue its tradition of premiering after Halloween. The annual special will premiere this Sunday, November 3 on Fox. One of this year's segments will feature Homer bonded with a pair of sentient jeans in a Venom spoof.

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