Demonstrating an Alternative Perspective: The Comeback of King of the Hill Offers Enjoyable Viewing, Yet Anticipation Remains for the Potential Reappearance of Two Key Characters in Upcoming Episodes
In the much-anticipated return of the animated series King of the Hill in 2025, fans were surprised to find that Luanne Platter, Hank and Peggy's niece, and her family were noticeably absent. This absence is due to the passing of voice actors Brittany Murphy (Luanne) and Tom Petty (Lucky).
The showrunners felt that recasting these characters would not be appropriate or respectful. Showrunner Saladin Patterson compared this decision to retiring a sports jersey as a sign of respect for what the actors meant to the show, and they chose to honor the characters in other storytelling ways rather than recasting or including them outright.
Luanne's role in the series decreased over time partly due to Brittany Murphy's rising movie career, and Lucky's character, although gaining prominence in later seasons, was written out to preserve their legacy intact. The series does not currently mention what happened to Luanne and Lucky after they had moved away from Arlen with their daughter Gracie, leaving their status ambiguous in the new season.
While no concrete plans have been announced, future acknowledgments or appearances through other means remain a possibility, depending on how the storytelling develops. Some fans hope to see Luanne, Lucky, or even their daughter introduced as a way to honor the characters, but the showrunner has emphasized a preference not to recast the roles out of respect.
In the revival, the characters of Hank and Peggy Hill return after their time abroad in Saudi Arabia. The voice actor for Dale, Johnny Hardwick, tragically passed away during the making of the revival and was replaced by Toby Huss. The new episodes of King of the Hill are available to watch with a Hulu subscription.
Many King of the Hill fans who watched the original series would like to see Luanne and Lucky return for at least one more story. The character of John Redcorn, voiced by Jonathan Joss, has finished his voice work, and the show may consider finding a new voice actor for him.
Luanne got married to her husband Elroy "Lucky" Kleinschmidt during the original run of King of the Hill. Bobby, a character from King of the Hill, has taken on a larger role in the series since Luanne's departure. The creators of King of the Hill decided not to change Bobby's voice as an adult, choosing to keep it as fans remember it.
For students attending eligible US Title IV accredited colleges or universities, the Hulu With-Ads plan, usually costing $7.99 a month, is available for just $1.99 a month. The latest ten episodes of King of the Hill are now available to watch on Hulu.
In the ongoing absence of Luanne Platter and her family, the showrunners of King of the Hill have chosen to honor the characters with a daily blend of storytelling, rather than recasting or including them outright. Amidst speculation, future acknowledgments or interviews featuring Luanne, Lucky, or even their daughter could potentially materialize, shaping the entertainment landscape of the revived series.
