The Simpsons: Hit & Run may be returning in some form, as creator Matt Groening hinted at a possible comeback for Activision and Radical Entertainment’s 2003 open-world driving game during Disney’s D23 event.
As reported by Kotaku, Groening was asked if fans could expect another The Simpsons: Hit & Run. “I think the original game is coming back in some form,” he said, before current Simpsons showrunner Matt Selman added a cautious “or not.” This tease has stirred excitement among the game’s cult following after more than two decades.
A Revival Tease, Not a Finished Announcement
No concrete details have been announced: there is no confirmed platform, release window, or whether this would be a remaster, port, or something new. Groening’s comment specifically referred to the original game returning “in some form,” rather than a new sequel.
Selman’s involvement adds weight to the hint. He was a writer on the 2003 game and previously described its lasting appeal as a cult success in a March interview with People, responding “never say never” when asked about a revival.
Why Springfield’s Driving Sandbox Still Has Fans
Hit & Run earned its reputation by placing the Simpsons family in a compact, humor-filled Springfield built around driving, missions, exploration, and chaos. Its Grand Theft Auto-style structure was never about copying Rockstar’s tone; it focused on turning a cartoon town full of familiar landmarks and bizarre errands into a playground for players.
This distinction suggests a straightforward return could still resonate. The appeal was not a complex progression system or seasonal tasks, but the fun of taking Homer, Bart, Lisa, Marge, or Apu out into Springfield, causing mayhem, chasing mission markers, and discovering how much chaos a cartoon sandbox could hold.
Bringing back the original before attempting a full sequel makes practical sense. A modern re-release would introduce new players to why the game became a PS2-era cult favorite, while giving longtime fans the version they want rather than a remake that might lose its scruffy charm.
The Real Test Is Whether the Original Spirit Survives
For now, this is a tease, not a promise—but it is the clearest public hint in years that The Simpsons: Hit & Run could see an official return. If it happens, the key question will be whether the game still captures the spirit of letting players create their own silly, memorable stories between missions.
Would you prefer a faithful Simpsons: Hit & Run remaster, or a brand-new driving sandbox set in Springfield? Share your thoughts in the comments.
