The Simpsons: Hit & Run, a GTA-style video game originally released in 2003, may return in some form, according to creator Matt Groening. Speaking at Disney's D23 event on August 14, 2026, Groening said, "I think the original game is coming back in some form" [1, 2]. The game first launched on GameCube, PlayStation 2, and the original Xbox in 2003 and has since become a cult classic among fans [3, 4, 2].

However, Matt Selman, the current showrunner of The Simpsons, quickly undercut Groening’s statement by responding, "...or not" [1]. Selman also noted earlier this year in March 2026 that one should "never say never" regarding a revival of the game, referencing his involvement as a writer on the original title. "Hit & Run is so interesting. I'm a thousand years old, and when I was in my mid to late 20s, I helped write Hit & Run. I had no idea it would become a cult game, a cult success," Selman said in an interview earlier this year [5, 6].

The exact nature of any return is unclear. It is not confirmed whether "coming back in some form" means a remaster, remake, re-release, or a new game inspired by the original [3, 4, 6]. The title is currently not available on modern consoles or through backward compatibility programs [3, 2].

The original developer, Radical Entertainment, rebranded into New Radical Games and now focuses on remastering classic games. Their website features Hit & Run, fueling speculation about an official re-release or remaster [1].

The Simpsons franchise has engaged fans recently with a mini-season in the popular game Fortnite, launched in mid-2025. The content included Springfield-themed costumes and a map set in the town, reflecting a cross-media strategy for the brand [3, 5].

In early 2023, producer John Melchior revealed that a sequel to Hit & Run was in early development before being canceled [1]. The ongoing uncertainty was highlighted during the D23 event where Groening and Selman gave conflicting impressions on the game's comeback [3, 1].

Further announcements or clarifications are expected as Disney and the creators potentially define the future of The Simpsons: Hit & Run amid the celebration of the show’s 800th episode milestone in 2026 [1, 5].