Writer Neil Gaiman has delighted fans by hinting that he will soon appear as the first ever voice of cat Snowball II on The Simpsons.
Usually known for his work behind the camera, he told followers via Twitter that he will feature in this year’s Halloween special of the hit US cartoon, and challenged them to guess which character he will play.
I am on the Simpsons Treehouse of Horror this year. I do not play myself this time. Instead I voice a character who has not spoken before.
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) September 21, 2017
He started by offering the cryptic clue: “I am on the Simpsons Treehouse of Horror this year. I do not play myself this time. Instead I voice a character who has not spoken before.”
While some incorrectly assumed it would be baby Maggie, he retweeted one follower who suggested “Snowball II” and congratulated them with: “You guessed”.
I decided that if someone guessed I would put up a picture. And you guessed. https://t.co/kR4igXI4St
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) September 21, 2017
Revealing more about the upcoming special, which traditionally parodies classic horror stories, he shared a picture of Lisa Simpson and her cat crawling through a tunnel leading from a door.
The eagle-eyed among you may also be able to work out what film or story will be receiving the Simpsons Halloween treatment this year. pic.twitter.com/PX7gergwuo
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) September 21, 2017
Most guessed the episode will be a take on Henry Selick’s 2009 cult animation Coraline and shared their approval of the choice.
Obviously… pic.twitter.com/6lkAfZqYPH
— Noemi Gallo (@Nannerel) September 21, 2017
“That is awesome!” wrote Louise Scollay, while Samantha Bosch simply replied: “YES!!!!!”
that is awesome!
— Louise Scollay (@Knit_British) September 21, 2017
YES!!!!!
— Samantha Bosch (@Sammy_Bosch) September 21, 2017
Another follower said: “OMG, that would be perfect!” and another added: “oh my god. oh my god. oh my god. I can’t wait!!”
OMG, that would be perfect!
— A. Spector (@InspectorAlyn) September 21, 2017
oh my god. oh my god. oh my god. I can't wait!! #fangirling @carolanne329 pic.twitter.com/TdYlFKRIHV
— Ryan Taylor (@ryan_k_t) September 21, 2017
The idea does not come as a surprise to many, as the film is inspired by Gaiman’s 2002 novella about the young girl who stumbles across a mysterious parallel world when she moves to a new home.
The American Gods creator also made headlines this week as filming began on the TV adaptation of Good Omens, which he co-wrote with the late Terry Pratchett.