During an appearance at D23, Matt Groening suggested that the beloved 2003 video game The Simpsons: Hit & Run could be returning in some capacity. While showrunner Matt Selman added a non-committal remark, observers interpreted the interaction as a possible leak of a forthcoming project.
The D23 comments
The speculation surrounding a potential revival of The Simpsons: Hit & Run stems from a casual exchange at the 2026 D23 event. When questioned about the possibility of bringing back the cult classic title, series creator Matt Groening stated, 'I think the original game is coming back in some form.' This comment was quickly followed by current showrunner Matt Selman, who interjected with the phrase 'or not.' Journalists and attendees noted the specific tone and body language of the pair, which fueled speculation that Groening may have inadvertently shared information regarding an unannounced project that he was not yet permitted to disclose.
Historical context of the game
The Simpsons: Hit & Run first launched in 2003, finding a home on the PlayStation 2, original Xbox, GameCube, and Windows platforms. Over the following two decades, it achieved legendary status among fans, who have long clamored for the title to be modernized for contemporary hardware. Despite its status as a cult classic, the game has remained largely inaccessible on current-generation consoles. It is absent from modern subscription services like the PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog, and it is not currently included on the Xbox backward compatibility list, making the prospect of a reissue or remake a significant topic of interest for the gaming community.
Modernization possibilities
While the prospect of a simple direct port remains a possibility for bringing the game to modern audiences, fans and industry analysts have frequently discussed the potential for a full high-definition remaster. Such an undertaking could breathe new life into the title while maintaining the core appeal of the original. Crucially, any remake or remaster would likely not require additional voice recording sessions. The original cast provided performances that are still widely celebrated as definitive, and their work could be seamlessly integrated into a refreshed version of the game. This approach would preserve the nostalgic charm of the 2003 release while updating the visuals for modern display standards.
Technical hurdles and availability
Accessing The Simpsons: Hit & Run today is a fragmented experience for the average user. While dedicated hobbyists are capable of configuring the original PC version to run on modern computing systems, the process is far from accessible for the general public. Without an official port or official support from platforms like Xbox or PlayStation, the game remains stuck in a state of digital limbo. The lack of inclusion in any official backward compatibility initiatives has left a void that only a developer-sanctioned release could fill, making any hint of an official comeback a major development for fans who have spent years navigating technical workarounds to enjoy the game.
⚖ The Balanced View
Supporting view
The enduring popularity and vocal fanbase for the title make it a prime candidate for a modern re-release or remaster.
Concerns & criticism
The showrunner's follow-up comment ('or not') serves as a direct contradiction or a hedge against the creator's optimistic remark, leaving the actual existence of a project in doubt.
→What's next
It remains to be seen if Disney or the current rights holders will confirm the existence of a port or remaster in the coming months. Until an official announcement is made, the comments from the D23 panel serve as the only public hint toward a potential revival of the franchise.
