The news that Harry Shearer would be leaving the Simpsons speculation ran wild on what the show would do with the characters voiced by Shearer. Would they kill them off? Well Simpsons producer Al Jean stated that the roles of Mr Burns and Ned Flanders would be recast with new voices.
Via IGN,
“If he chooses not to come back, we’ll recast. We will not kill his characters; that’s one way to go. I’m sure there will be plusses and minuses with that and, at the moment, I’m hoping he comes back. But if he doesn’t in a reasonable time, we’ll have to do the other options.” – Al Jean
Jean left the door open saying Shearer may still return. If Shearer walks away he’d be missing out on $14 million and I can’t imagine him leaving that money on the table. Who knows how long the Simpsons can keep going but if they’re willing to hand you that then you have to take it.
