Matt Groening Teases The Simpsons: Hit & Run Return, Then Backtracks

For over two decades, fans have yearned for a return to the chaotic, open-world streets of Springfield in The Simpsons: Hit & Run. Now, a cryptic comment from the show's creator, Matt Groening, has sent ripples of excitement through the gaming community, suggesting the classic 2003 title might be making a comeback.

During a panel at the recent D23 fan event in 2026, Groening was reportedly asked about the possibility of a new Hit & Run game. His response, as relayed by IGN and Empire, seemed to confirm a revival. "I think the original game is coming back in some form," Groening stated. This statement alone was enough to set social media ablaze, with many interpreting it as a direct hint towards a remaster or remake of the beloved PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Xbox title. The game, developed by Radical Entertainment and published by Vivendi Games, remains a fan favorite for its surprisingly robust gameplay that blended Grand Theft Auto's open-world mechanics with the iconic humor and characters of The Simpsons.

However, the elation was short-lived. Almost immediately after Groening's comment, current The Simpsons showrunner Matt Selman stepped in, adding a rather dampening "...or not." This quick retraction has left the status of any potential Hit & Run revival in a state of considerable uncertainty. Was this a premature announcement from Groening, or did Selman perhaps overstep in shutting down the possibility? Without further clarification, it's impossible to say, but the creator's initial tease has undeniably reignited conversations about this cherished game.

The Internet Reacts to the Springfield Shuffle

The mere mention of The Simpsons: Hit & Run returning, even with the subsequent "or not," was enough to send fans into a frenzy. For years, the game has been a consistent topic of wishlists and fan campaigns, with many hoping for a modern iteration that would bring its unique brand of vehicular mayhem and mission-based gameplay to current-generation consoles. The hope is that if a revival does occur, it will be a faithful remaster or a full remake, rather than a reboot that might stray too far from the original's beloved formula. The ambiguity now surrounding Groening's comment means fans are left eagerly awaiting any concrete news, with expectations tempered but hope still very much alive.

What's Next for Hit & Run?

At present, details remain exceptionally scarce. The contradictory statements from Groening and Selman mean that any official confirmation of a The Simpsons: Hit & Run revival is still pending. Fans should keep a close eye on official The Simpsons channels and game developer announcements for any future updates, but for now, the future of the game remains as hazy as a Springfield smog day.