Tony Hawk Has 'Aspirations' Of Getting a Tony Hawk's Underground Remake

Tony Hawk’s Underground Could Be Making a Epic Comeback, and Fans Are Hyped
The skateboarding world is buzzing with excitement as legendary pro skater Tony Hawk recently dropped a bombshell: he’s got “aspirations” for a remake of the iconic Tony Hawk’s Underground. For gamers and skate culture enthusiasts, this news is like landing a perfect 900 after years of anticipation. The 2003 classic, beloved for its gritty vibe and innovative gameplay, could be grinding its way back to modern consoles, and the internet is already ablaze with speculation. Here’s everything we know, why it matters, and what a remake could mean for a new generation of shredders.
A Nostalgic Classic That Defined a Generation
Tony Hawk’s Underground (often called THUG by fans) wasn’t just another entry in the wildly successful Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series—it was a game-changer. Released by Activision and developed by Neversoft, THUG introduced a story-driven experience where players started as a nobody skater, clawing their way to fame through gritty urban environments. Its mix of open-world exploration, customizable tricks, and a killer soundtrack featuring bands like Alkaline Trio and Kiss made it an instant hit.
Unlike its predecessors, THUG let players create their own characters, design skateparks, and even get off the board to climb walls or sprint through levels. For many, it was the ultimate blend of skate culture and gaming freedom. The game’s raw energy captured the early 2000s skateboarding boom, when baggy jeans and Warped Tour were peak cool. Now, with Tony Hawk hinting at a remake, fans are ready to dust off their virtual decks.
Tony Hawk’s Tease: What Did He Say?
In a recent interview, the 56-year-old skateboarding icon shared that he’s dreaming of bringing THUG back to life. While he didn’t spill concrete details—no release dates or studio names—his comments were enough to send fans into a frenzy. Hawk mentioned that the original game holds a special place in his heart, and he believes its story and mechanics could resonate with today’s gamers. He also hinted at wanting to modernize the experience while keeping the soul of the original intact.
This isn’t the first time Hawk has fueled remake rumors. In 2020, the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 remaster by Vicarious Visions was a massive success, proving there’s still a huge appetite for the series. That project polished the first two games with stunning visuals and updated controls, all while staying true to the originals. Could a THUG remake follow the same playbook? Fans are crossing their fingers.
Why THUG Deserves a Remake
A Tony Hawk’s Underground remake isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about reintroducing a game that pushed boundaries. Here’s why a modern version could be a slam dunk:
Timeless Gameplay, Modern Flair: The original’s mechanics, like the spine transfer and wallplant, were groundbreaking. A remake could enhance these with smoother controls, ray-traced graphics, and maybe even VR support for next-level immersion.
Cultural Relevance: Skateboarding is thriving, with stars like Nyjah Huston and Sky Brown dominating X Games and the Olympics. A THUG remake could tap into this resurgence, blending old-school vibes with today’s diverse skate scene.
Customization on Steroids: The original let players design their own tricks and parks. Imagine a remake with deeper tools, letting you share creations online or even 3D-print your dream skatepark.
Soundtrack Magic: The THUG soundtrack was a time capsule of punk, hip-hop, and rock. A remake could mix classic tracks with new artists, introducing kids to the music that defined an era.
Challenges and Hopes for the Remake
Reviving THUG won’t be a cakewalk. The gaming industry is a different beast in 2025, with sky-high development costs and fan expectations. Activision, which owns the Tony Hawk franchise, has been quiet about future plans since the 1 + 2 remaster. Plus, Neversoft no longer exists, so a new studio would need to take the reins. Vicarious Visions, now part of Blizzard, did wonders with the remaster, but their availability is anyone’s guess.
There’s also the question of scope. Should the remake be a faithful glow-up, or should it expand the open world, add multiplayer modes, or integrate live-service elements like seasonal events? Fans are vocal about wanting authenticity—nobody wants a watered-down THUG with microtransactions galore. Hawk himself seems aware of this, emphasizing the need to honor the game’s roots.
What Fans Are Saying
Social media is exploding with reactions to Hawk’s comments. On X, users are sharing their favorite THUG memories, from perfecting combos in the New Jersey level to laughing at the game’s quirky cutscenes. One fan posted, “A THUG remake with today’s graphics would be unreal. I’d play it for hours.” Another wrote, “Please, Tony, make it happen. My teenage years need this.” The hype is real, and it’s clear the game still has a passionate fanbase.
Some are even pitching ideas for the remake, like adding pro skaters from today’s scene or including real-world skate spots from cities like Tokyo or São Paulo. Others want cross-platform play so friends can compete online, recreating the couch co-op vibes of the early 2000s.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for THUG?
Tony Hawk’s hint at a Tony Hawk’s Underground remake is more than just a nostalgia trip—it’s a chance to bridge skateboarding’s past and present. Whether it’s pulling off a darkslide in a revamped Manhattan or designing a park to share with the world, a remake could capture the magic of the original while pushing the series forward. For now, there’s no official confirmation, but Hawk’s enthusiasm is a promising sign.
As we wait for more news, one thing’s clear: the skateboarding community, from OG fans to newbies, is ready to drop in. Keep your eyes peeled for updates, because if this remake lands, it’s going to be one hell of a ride.
Mon May 12 2025 15:14:27 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)