The Propane Pioneers: A Shocking Look At The King Of The Hill Revival Cast And Major Character Updates

The iconic animated series King of the Hill is officially returning, and the cast lineup for the highly anticipated revival on Hulu is packed with both familiar voices and heartbreaking changes. As of this current date in December 2025, the news confirms that the show will jump forward in time, bringing the Hill family and their Arlen neighbors into the modern era, but not without some major shakeups to the beloved ensemble, most notably due to the passing of key original voice actors.

The new 10-episode season, which has been in development for years, will see the return of the show's co-creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels. This fresh take on the lives of Hank, Peggy, and Bobby Hill promises to maintain the show's signature sharp wit while addressing the emotional reality of a cast that has endured significant loss since the original run concluded in 2010. Fans can expect a mix of nostalgic comfort and necessary evolution in this new chapter.

The Main Cast of King of the Hill: Original Voices and Revival Updates

The heart of King of the Hill has always been its core cast, a tight-knit group of voice actors who brought unparalleled depth to the residents of Arlen, Texas. While most of the main Hill and Dauterive family are returning, the revival introduces significant updates and recasts, making this one of the most talked-about returns in animation history.

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• Mike Judge as Hank Hill and Jeff Boomhauer: The co-creator of the series is back to voice the propane and propane accessories salesman, Hank Hill, the moral center of the show, along with his unintelligible but loyal neighbor, Jeff Boomhauer. Judge's dual roles are foundational to the series' humor and heart.
• Kathy Najimy as Peggy Hill: The self-proclaimed genius, substitute teacher, and three-time substitute Teacher of the Year, Peggy Hill, is reprised by Kathy Najimy. Peggy's unique blend of confidence and delusion remains a key element of the show's dynamic.
• Pamela Adlon as Bobby Hill: Pamela Adlon, who originally voiced the sensitive, aspiring comedian son, Bobby Hill, returns. The time jump is expected to show a grown-up Bobby, exploring his life as a young adult, which is a major character development for the series.
• Stephen Root as Bill Dauterive: The lonely, perpetually unlucky, but kind-hearted neighbor and Hank's friend, Bill Dauterive, is once again voiced by Stephen Root. Bill's presence provides much of the show's pathos and comedic relief.
• Johnny Hardwick (Late) and Toby Huss as Dale Gribble: This is one of the most significant changes. The original voice of the paranoid exterminator and conspiracy theorist, Dale Gribble, was the late Johnny Hardwick, who tragically passed away in 2023. Hardwick had recorded lines for the first seven episodes of the new season, ensuring his voice will be heard. For the remaining episodes, the role has been recast with actor Toby Huss, who also voiced Kahn Souphanousinphone in the original series.

The Heartbreaking Absence of Luanne and Lucky

The revival faces the challenge of addressing the loss of two other major original cast members: Brittany Murphy (Luanne Platter) and Tom Petty (Lucky Kleinschmidt). Both actors passed away, making their characters' inclusion in the new series impossible to handle seamlessly.

The Status of Luanne Platter and Lucky Kleinschmidt

Luanne Platter, Hank and Peggy's niece, was voiced by Brittany Murphy, who passed away in 2009. Her husband, Lucky Kleinschmidt, was voiced by rock legend Tom Petty, who passed away in 2017.

The showrunners have confirmed that both Luanne and Lucky will not be returning for the Hulu revival. This absence is explained by the time jump, which allows the narrative to move forward without them. In the original series' continuity, Luanne and Lucky were a major part of the Hill family, and their absence will undoubtedly be felt by fans. The decision to write them out is a respectful nod to the late actors and avoids the need for recasting these complex roles.

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New Faces and Key Recasts for the Arlen Community

As the series moves forward in time, some characters have naturally been recast to reflect the new era and the aging of the characters. The introduction of new voices also signals an expansion of the Arlen universe, bringing in fresh comedic talent and perspectives.

Recasts and New Characters in the Revival

The revival has made key recasts for several recurring characters, particularly those who are now young adults, which is a common practice in animated shows returning after a long hiatus. This is a direct result of the time jump, necessitating a change in the vocal texture for characters who have aged significantly.

• Joseph Gribble Recast: Joseph, the son of Dale and Nancy Gribble, was originally voiced by Brittany Murphy and later by Pamela Adlon. In the revival, the character is being recast to reflect his age and the new timeline.
• Ted and Chane Wassanasong Recast: The Wassanasong family, particularly Ted and his son Chane, are also being recast. These characters, who are neighbors and rivals to the Hills, will now be voiced by Kenneth Choi (known for The Wolf of Wall Street and Spider-Man: Homecoming).
• Keith David Joins the Cast: A major addition to the Arlen community is a new character voiced by the legendary actor Keith David (known for The Princess and the Frog and The Thing). David is set to play a new, yet-to-be-fully-revealed character, adding a fresh dynamic to Hank's social circle.

These new additions and recasts are essential for maintaining the show's topical authority and ensuring that the stories feel relevant and grounded in a modern setting. The show's ability to seamlessly integrate new voices while honoring the original cast is a testament to the strength of the writing and the enduring appeal of the Arlen community.

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The Legacy and Future of the King of the Hill Cast

The core theme of King of the Hill has always been the quiet, relatable struggles of the American middle class, and the cast is central to that reality. The return of Mike Judge, Kathy Najimy, Pamela Adlon, and Stephen Root ensures that the foundational voices of the Hill family remain intact, providing a sense of continuity and comfort for long-time fans. The decision to have the late Johnny Hardwick's voice in the initial episodes is a moving tribute to the actor and his iconic character, Dale Gribble.

The casting news confirms that the revival is not just a simple rehash but a thoughtful continuation of the story. By addressing the time jump and the real-world losses with sensitivity, the show is poised to explore new, mature storylines for Bobby, Hank, and the rest of the gang. The new season promises to be a powerful blend of classic Texas humor, topical social commentary, and a heartfelt look at what it means to be a family in an ever-changing world. Bwaaah!