If you grew up in the early 2000s, the soundtrack of your Saturday afternoons was likely a blend of the Simpsons theme and the sound of a screeching pink sedan. The Simpsons: Hit & Run remains the undisputed heavyweight champion of the franchise’s gaming history, yet it has spent the last 23 years trapped in “legacy” limbo.
However, the tide seems to be turning. In a milestone year that has seen The Simpsons cross the legendary 800-episode mark, showrunner Matt Selman is no longer shutting the door on a Simpsons Hit & Run remake. In fact, he’s practically inviting us to knock.
The “Never Say Never” Shift
In a recent sit-down with People celebrating the series’ 800th episode, Selman was asked the million-dollar question regarding a potential revival. His answer was a far cry from the skeptical “corporate octopus” hurdles he described to IGN back in 2021.
“Nothing is set in stone. But my quote about Hit & Run would be, ‘Never say never,'” Selman teased. “Because we know people love it. We know they want it, so that’s good. If we know people want it, never say never.”
For a man who helped write the original game in his 20s, Selman seems genuinely touched—and perhaps a little surprised—by the game’s enduring cult status. He described the project as a “cult success” among the thousands of Simpsons titles, acknowledging that this specific entry holds a unique place in the hearts of the 18-35 demographic who grew up navigating its sandbox Springfield.
A “New Radical” Hope?
While Selman’s enthusiasm is the fuel, the actual engine for a Simpsons Hit & Run remake might have just been rebuilt. Fans recently noticed that Radical Entertainment—the original developer behind Hit & Run and Prototype—has quietly resurfaced under the banner New Radical Games.
For years, the rights to the game were tied up in a messy knot involving EA, Activision, and Disney. But with a “reconstituted” Radical back in play and Disney’s increasing willingness to license out their IP for high-quality remakes, the path to a sequel or a full-fledged 4K remaster has never looked clearer. Imagine Springfield rendered with modern lighting, no loading screens between districts, and—dare we dream—a functional multiplayer mode.
Springfield’s Big 2027 Comeback
The timing for a gaming revival couldn’t be better. The “Simpsons Renaissance” is currently in full swing, fueled by high-concept episodes that have revitalized the brand for a new generation. We already know that The Simpsons Movie 2 is officially on the calendar for 2027, with the first teaser posters already sparking internet frenzies.
A Simpsons Hit & Run remake launching alongside the movie sequel would be the ultimate nostalgia play, creating a cross-media event that captures both long-time fans and younger audiences who only know the game through YouTube speedruns and memes.
The Future of the Franchise
Selman also touched on the longevity of the series itself, noting that while the show will eventually have to take a final bow, there are no plans for a definitive “finale episode” in the traditional sense. The Simpsons is no longer just a sitcom; it’s a living, breathing digital universe. And in that universe, there is a gaping, car-shaped hole where a modern open-world game belongs.
The message from the show’s top brass is clear: the demand has been heard. Whether it’s a direct sequel or a ground-up remake of the 2003 classic, the “Never say never” mantra suggests that the corporate red tape might finally be snapping.
Is the Hype Justified?
While we don’t have a release date or a formal announcement yet, the alignment of Matt Selman’s optimism and the return of New Radical Games is the most substantial news we’ve had in a decade. A Simpsons Hit & Run remake isn’t just a want anymore—it feels like a cinematic and gaming necessity for the 2020s.
What was your go-to car in the original Hit & Run? Are you team “Remake the Original” or are you holding out for a brand-new “Hit & Run 2”? Let us know in the comments below—and tell us which Springfield character you’d most want to see in 4K!
