Matt Groening Teases Return of Cult Classic 'The Simpsons: Hit & Run'

The creator of The Simpsons has suggested that one of the franchise's most beloved video games is returning to consoles. During a panel at Disney's D23 event, Matt Groening teased that the 2003 cult classic The Simpsons: Hit & Run is coming back "in some form."

The moment occurred during a discussion of the series' legacy, where Groening appeared to let slip a secret project. "I don't know [if] I'm speaking out of turn, I think the original game is coming back in some form," Groening stated. However, the confirmation was short-lived. Current showrunner Matt Selman immediately interjected with "...or not," effectively leaving the project's official status unconfirmed while simultaneously fueling speculation among the fanbase.

A Legacy of Cult Status

The Simpsons: Hit & Run launched in 2003 as a GTA-style open-world experience, allowing players to explore Springfield and complete missions in a chaotic, satirical environment. While it was a success at the time, the game transitioned into a cult phenomenon over the following two decades. A sequel was previously in development but was ultimately cancelled after publisher Vivendi declined a deal for further installments. Despite the lack of a formal follow-up, the game maintained a dedicated following that has campaigned for a modern re-release for years. This latest tease follows earlier hints from Matt Selman, who previously told People that a revival was a possibility, stating "never say never."

Industry Implications

The potential return of Hit & Run comes amid interesting industry movements. A new entity known as "New Radical Games" has recently emerged, described as a successor to Radical Entertainment—the original developer of the 2003 title—and Hothead Games. This new group has expressed a specific interest in remastering classic titles, providing a plausible technical path for a modern version of the game. For Disney and the showrunners, the D23 exchange allows them to gauge interest and maintain plausible deniability while signaling to a nostalgic market that the IP is being revisited.

What to Watch

While Groening's comment provides the strongest evidence yet of a revival, the immediate walk-back by Selman means no official announcement or release date has been set. Industry analysts are now looking toward New Radical Games for further confirmation of their project slate. Until a formal press release is issued by Disney or the developers, the return of Hit & Run remains a heavily teased possibility rather than a confirmed product.