Simpsons film follow-up 'not yet'

Matt Groening held up his business card for the cameras

The prospect of a follow-up to The Simpsons movie is a distant one, the cartoon serial's creator has said.

Speaking at a TV industry event in Cannes, Matt Groening said: "I suppose someday there might be a sequel, but not yet."

The first film version of the US TV animation took four years to make and was a box office hit in 2007.

Groening was presented with an icon award at the Mipcom conference and given a key to the French resort.

'Several years left'

Cannes' mayor Bernard Brochand also declared Wednesday Simpsons Day.

The programme's makers also dispelled speculation that the series - which is approaching its 500th episode - is running out of steam.

The Simpsons movie was a worldwide box office draw

"We think it has at least several years left," executive producer Al Jean told a press conference.

Groening also expressed his surprise that the show had become such a long-standing, runaway success.

"I knew that the show would be a success but I didn't know that it would be so big, last so long and become a global phenomenon."

The animation, which has depicted a host of celebrities, has yet to feature a serving or former US president playing themselves.

Jean said a polite rejection letter was received from Barack Obama, adding: "I think that might be the great white whale we will never land."