Ethan Crossfield 
Fans waiting to replay The Simpsons: Hit & Run on current hardware have a new development worth watching. Apu has returned to the animated series with actor Sunil Malhotra in the role, which could make it easier to address one of the biggest questions around a potential remaster: how the game’s original Apu content would be handled.
What changed for a possible Hit & Run remaster
Apu had largely disappeared from The Simpsons after Hank Azaria stepped away from voicing the character amid criticism that the performance relied on racist stereotypes. The character has now returned in Treehouse of Horror Presents: The Revengening, with Sunil Malhotra taking over the role. That does not confirm a game project, but it gives any future Hit & Run release a clearer route to retain or revisit a character who was part of the original game. Malhotra could potentially provide new dialogue if a remaster required updated voice work, though no such casting decision has been announced.
Who this matters to
The development is especially relevant to longtime players who have continued to push for an official return of the 2003 game. Hit & Run put players in control of Homer, Bart, Lisa, Marge and Apu while letting them drive around its version of Springfield. Its open-world structure drew inspiration from Grand Theft Auto, but its missions, characters and humor gave it a distinct Simpsons identity. The game launched on PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube, and it has not received an official release on later platforms.
What to expect next
There is still no confirmed remaster, remake, developer or launch window. Matt Groening has previously indicated that a return for Hit & Run is possible, but public interest from the show’s creators should not be mistaken for a formal announcement. The renewed Apu casting conversation may remove one complication, rather than guarantee that work is underway. Until an official reveal arrives, players should treat the situation as a positive sign for preservation and re-release discussions, not as evidence of an imminent launch.
What players should know
- The original Hit & Run remains unavailable on modern platforms through an official re-release.
- Apu was a playable character in the 2003 game, making his voice and portrayal an important consideration for any updated version.
- Sunil Malhotra recently debuted as Apu in The Simpsons, replacing the previous voice performer.
- Used copies commonly sell for around $60 to $100 on secondary marketplaces, even for players who still own compatible hardware.
- No remaster or remake has been formally announced.
Expert View
Apu’s return is a meaningful practical development for a Hit & Run revival, because it shows the series has established a new path for the character. However, the central issue remains unchanged: no publisher or developer has confirmed that an updated release exists. Fans have more reason to keep an eye on the game, but not enough reason to stop waiting for official news.
