In the latest episode of “The Simpsons,” Apu Nahasapeemapetilon made his first speaking appearance since 2017, returning in “Treehouse of Horror Presents: The Revengening.” Despite being seen in the background over the years, Apu had not spoken amid criticism of perpetuating racial stereotypes.
Sunil Malhotra, an Indian-American actor known for his role in “The Legend of Korra,” now voices Apu, taking over from Hank Azaria, a white actor who portrayed the character for 27 years. Azaria publicly apologized in 2021 for his involvement in creating and voicing Apu, expressing regret and acknowledging the need for personal apologies to the Indian community.
The character’s last speaking role before the recent return was in the 2017 episode “The Serfsons.” The debate around Apu intensified that year with the release of Hari Kondabolu’s documentary “The Problem with Apu,” which delves into the character’s impact and the racial stereotypes he represents.
Apu’s comeback was a surprise reveal in the recent episode, with Malhotra sharing an Instagram post celebrating the character’s return as a form of reclamation. The show also introduced Janina Gavankar as the new voice of Apu’s wife, Manjula, as part of the show’s initiative to have characters of color voiced by actors of color.
“The Simpsons” showrunner Matt Selman stated that Apu and his family will have a more prominent presence in future episodes, emphasizing the desire to evolve the character in a “Simpsons”-style manner. Malhotra initially had reservations but felt reassured after discussions with the show’s producers and found recording Apu’s return to be a significant moment.
The unexpected return of Apu has sparked mixed reactions online, with some fans welcoming the character’s comeback while others expressing nostalgia for Azaria’s portrayal. The show’s decision to bring back Apu and other characters with actors of color aligns with a broader industry trend toward more diverse casting.
Overall, the reintroduction of Apu with a new voice marks a significant development in the ongoing conversation surrounding representation in media and popular culture.