More than two decades after its original release, The Simpsons: Hit & Run may finally be preparing for a comeback. Simpsons creator Matt Groening has suggested that the beloved 2003 game could return in some form, although exactly what that means remains unclear.
The comment came during The Simpsons panel at Disney D23 2026, where Groening unexpectedly addressed the future of the classic game.
“I think the original game is coming back in some form,” Groening said.
However, showrunner Matt Selman quickly followed the statement with “or not,” leaving fans with considerably more questions than answers.
For now, there has been no official announcement of a Hit & Run remaster, remake, sequel, or re-release. Still, Groening specifically referring to the “original game” has fueled speculation that a modern version of the 2003 title could finally be happening.
The Simpsons: Hit & Run remains a fan favorite
Originally released in 2003, The Simpsons: Hit & Run was developed by Radical Entertainment and published by Vivendi Universal Games.
The game launched for the PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, original Xbox, and PC. Its open environments, arcade-style driving, missions, collectibles, and ability to freely explore Springfield resulted in frequent comparisons with the Grand Theft Auto series.
Players controlled several members of the Simpson family throughout the story, including Homer, Bart, Lisa, and Marge.
The formula proved enormously successful.
By 2005, The Simpsons: Hit & Run had reportedly sold more than 3.5 million copies worldwide. More importantly, the game maintained a dedicated community long after its original platforms disappeared from store shelves.
Demand for a modern release has consequently followed the game for years.
Groening’s wording could point toward a remaster or remake
The most interesting part of Groening’s statement may be his choice of words.
Rather than suggesting that another Simpsons game was coming, he specifically said that “the original game” could return “in some form.”
That wording could fit several possibilities.
A straightforward port for modern consoles and PC would arguably be the simplest option. However, a remaster with improved resolution, textures, controls, and performance could also make sense.
A complete remake remains another possibility.
Without an official announcement, however, none of these possibilities should be treated as confirmed.
No developer, publisher, platforms, release window, or pricing information has been announced.
The timing would make sense
Bringing Hit & Run back would also arrive during a period of renewed attention surrounding The Simpsons.
A new theatrical Simpsons movie is currently scheduled for September 3, 2027, giving Disney another major opportunity to push the franchise back into the spotlight.
A Hit & Run revival could fit naturally alongside that renewed marketing push.
There is another interesting development surrounding the original game’s legacy. Industry veterans formed New Radical Games in 2026, with the studio offering services including ports and remasters.
However, there is currently no confirmed connection between New Radical Games and Groening’s comments.
For now, linking the studio to a potential Hit & Run project would be speculation.
Fans may remember the unofficial Hit & Run remake
The possibility of an official revival also comes with an uncomfortable piece of history.
Years before Groening publicly suggested that the original game could return, YouTube creator Reubs spent considerable time rebuilding The Simpsons: Hit & Run from scratch as a fan project.
The project attracted millions of views online and demonstrated just how much demand remained for a modern version of the game.
Reubs recreated major parts of Hit & Run with modern technology, including Springfield itself, while documenting the development process publicly. The project was not intended as a commercial replacement for the original game.
That history has caused some fans to react negatively to the timing of Groening’s latest comments.
From their perspective, the community had already spent years demonstrating that people wanted Hit & Run back. A fan developer was willing to dedicate significant time to showing what a modern version could look like while the franchise’s owners remained largely silent.
Now, after that project gained considerable attention, an official return suddenly appears possible.
The situation has created some backlash
That does not mean Reubs’ project caused an official revival, and there is currently no evidence establishing a connection between the fan remake and whatever Groening may have been referring to.
Still, the optics have frustrated parts of the community.
For those fans, the issue is less about an official Hit & Run release existing and more about how long it took the franchise’s owners to recognize the demand.
Fan projects often exist because publishers have abandoned games that their communities still care about. When those projects become successful, companies can suddenly rediscover the commercial value of the property.
That creates an awkward situation where community developers can spend years preserving interest in an abandoned game without having the resources or legal freedom available to the IP owner.
If Hit & Run really does return, Disney and whoever develops the project will inevitably face comparisons with the work fans have already produced.
A comeback still isn’t confirmed
Despite the excitement and controversy, there is one important detail that should not get lost: The Simpsons: Hit & Run has not officially been announced.
Groening’s statement is the strongest indication yet that something could be happening, but Selman’s immediate “or not” makes the situation deliberately ambiguous.
There is currently no trailer, release date, developer announcement, platform list, or official product page.
Until that changes, fans should treat this as a tease rather than confirmation.
Still, after more than 20 years of requests for Hit & Run to return, hearing the creator of The Simpsons say that “the original game is coming back in some form” is certainly going to get people’s attention.
Whether that eventually means a simple port, a remaster, a full remake, or something completely different remains to be seen.
