The long-running animated comedy series, 'The Simpsons' will be opening up its 26th season in quite a unique way-by permanently killing off one of the show's major characters.

"When we kill [a character], they stay dead," said show runner Al Jean.

The creators have been silent as to which character will make their final appearance on the premiere episode entitled "Clown in the Dumps." The episode's title, however, created speculation that Krusty the Clown is the one who will be facing his demise by the end of the episode.

"We gave [the episode] that title for a reason," Jean said in a recent call with reporters, "Some people have guessed it correctly and some people are really, really off," Jean added.

There has been no actual confirmation regarding the speculation, but it is for certain that the premiere episode will actually focus on Krusty the Clown.

It is said that in the episode, Krusty the Clown will decide to retire after he was criticized by several comedians, including the guest celebrity Sarah Silverman.

Aside from Krusty the Clown, the other character who is a candidate to be killed off in the premiere episode is the Simpson's patriarch, Homer Simpson.

Speculation on the possible death of Homer came about after a trailer for the premiere episode was released. The preview shows Homer struggling to breathe in his sleep, while his wife Marge was panicking.

"What do I do?... breathe Homie," said Marge.

Despite the trailer, some say that the death of Homer is unlikely, since the show will not run without his antics.

Meanwhile, some other stars will be joining Silverman as guest on the premiere episode.

'Frasier' actor David Hyde Pierce and stand-up comedian Jeff Ross are also set to lend their voices to the 26th season's premiere episode.

The Season 26 of 'The Simpsons' premieres on Sept. 28 at 8 pm on Fox.