The Simpsons: Hit & Run remains one of the most popular video games based on the animated series, and the odds of a remaster may have increased following a recent development in the animated series. Released in 2003, The Simpsons: Hit & Run borrowed inspiration from Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto series. Players were given the chance to control multiple characters from the show as they explored the game’s take on Springfield, including Homer, Bart, Lisa, Marge, and Apu.
Released on PC, PS2, Xbox, and GameCube, The Simpsons: Hit & Run has not been made available on any platforms since. Despite the fact that more than two decades have passed, fans continue to ask for a remaster of the game. The show’s creators are well aware of this demand, and Matt Groening has teased a possible return for The Simpsons: Hit & Run. Nothing has ever been confirmed, and fans have wondered about potential changes that might have to be made.
Apu Makes His Return on The Simpsons
A potential remaster of The Simpsons: Hit & Run has had one big hurdle to overcome, which is the game’s use of Apu. Apu was a major presence in the show going back to its very first season, but the character was basically written out of The Simpsons several years ago. Apu was originally voiced by actor Hank Azaria, but the actor stepped away from the role following accusations that the character’s voice perpetuated racist stereotypes. Many had hoped that Apu would instead be recast with an Indian-American actor, similarly to the recasting of Carl in the show. That finally happened with the new special Treehouse of Horror Presents: The Revengening, which featured the debut of actor Sunil Malhotra as Apu. Now that the character is back in the series with a new actor, it’s possible Malhotra could similarly take over the role in a remaster of The Simpsons: Hit & Run.
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The Simpsons: Hit & Run‘s developers wanted to make multiple sequels, but that never actually panned out. Instead, the game exists as a one-off game that’s held in high-regard among players. Unfortunately, the game still commands a relatively high price tag on the secondary market; used copies of the game are regularly priced between $60 and $100 on sites like eBay. That means Hit & Run remains difficult to play even for those that have the necessary gaming console.
There have been a lot of Simpsons video games since the show’s debut in 1989, but there are very few success stories. Konami’s Simpsons arcade game remains a favorite, but many of the other games based on the show haven’t been well-received. The Simpsons: Tapped Out was a favorite on mobile, but the game was shut down in 2025. A remaster of The Simpsons: Hit & Run would go over very well with fans of the series, finally giving them something to celebrate. In the short time since Malhotra’s debut on the show, Simpsons fans have already begun talking about the actor potentially filling Azaria’s role in the game.
With a new voice for Apu, and Matt Groening openly talking about a remaster or remake, it seems likely that The Simpsons: Hit & Run will eventually make its return on modern platforms. Fans have been waiting a long time to see it happen, and a finish line might finally be in sight. For now, fans will have to keep waiting patiently to see what gets announced.
- Released
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September 16, 2003
- ESRB
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3+
- Developer(s)
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Radical Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
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Radical Entertainment
- Engine
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unreal engine 5
