Matt Groening Teases Return of The Simpsons Hit and Run

The Simpsons: Hit & Run, the 2003 open-world video game widely regarded as a fan-favorite classic, may return in some form, according to series creator Matt Groening. Speaking during a presentation at Disney’s D23 event, Groening addressed whether the title or a sequel would ever come back, stating that the original game is coming back in some form, as reported by Empire and Game Press.

The comments immediately drew a qualification from current showrunner Matt Selman, who was present at the event and quickly noted that nothing has been officially confirmed, telling the audience “…or not,” according to Empire. The exchange suggests news regarding the property circulated before an official corporate announcement was finalized.

Two Decades of Fan Demand and Corporate Hurdles

For more than twenty years, The Simpsons: Hit & Run has stood out as a high-water mark for interactive adaptations of the animated series. Unlike earlier 1990s titles such as BartMania or subsequent licensed projects, the 2003 game adapted the sandbox formula popularized by Grand Theft Auto for the fictional town of Springfield.

Despite persistent fan campaigns and repeated calls for a modern remake or remaster, reviving the title has faced significant obstacles. Selman previously noted that licensing and corporate complexities make updating or re-releasing the game a complicated endeavor, though he has also remarked that developers should “never say never” given the clear audience demand.

Current Status and Licensing Realities

No new standalone console game featuring the Springfield cast has been released in nearly two decades, with the characters’ recent interactive appearances largely limited to crossovers like Fortnite. While modern audiences continue to push for a re-release through grassroots fan projects and digital petitions, official development plans remain unconfirmed as corporate rights holders navigate the underlying licensing agreements.