WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been revealed as the surprise guest star in The Simpsons' 500th episode.

Simpsons exec-producer Al Jean admitted that there had been "discussion internally" on whether to use Assange and said that his cameo was "satirical" and wouldn't alter his current legal situation.

Assange was hunted down by casting director Bonnie Pietila after Simpsons creator Matt Groening heard reports that the political activist was interested in appearing on the long-running animated comedy.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Assange recorded his lines in a secret location and didn't meet with producers because of his house arrest legal status in the UK. Assange is scheduled to appear on Wednesday at the Supreme Court to appeal extradition to Sweden for sex crimes allegations.

The Simpsons' landmark 500th episode airs on Fox on February 19. It will air in the UK on Sky1 later in the year.

In the 500th episode, Homer and Marge will attempt to go "off the grid" after discovering that the Springfield citizens want to have them removed from the town and are holding secret town hall meetings without them. While on the run, they will bump into Assange, who has been billed as their "new Ned Flanders".

Al Jean has promised that there will be several more "much less controversial" celebrity guest cameos in the 500th episode.

Kiefer Sutherland, Michael Cera, Jane Lynch, Andy Garcia and Jeremy Irons have all recorded guest spots in season 23 of The Simpsons.

> WikiLeaks Julian Assange to host TV series

> Simpsons execs tease guest stars 500th episode, final season at Comic Con



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