Apu Nahasapeemapetilon made a comeback on the latest episode of “The Simpsons,” marking his first speaking role since 2017. The character, previously criticized for perpetuating racial stereotypes, has been silent in recent years despite making background appearances.
Sunil Malhotra, an Indian-American actor known for his work on “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 performing the character, expressing regret and a desire to make amends.
Apu’s return was a surprise in “Treehouse of Horror Presents: The Revengening,” following his last speaking part in the 2017 episode “The Serfsons.” The character’s depiction came under scrutiny in 2017 when comedian Hari Kondabolu released the documentary “The Problem with Apu,” analyzing Apu’s impact and the stereotypes associated with him.
Sunil Malhotra celebrated Apu’s return on Instagram, emphasizing the significance of bringing the character back. The show also introduced Janina Gavankar as the new voice of Manjula, Apu’s wife, in line with the series’ commitment to casting actors of color for characters of color.
“The Simpsons” showrunner Matt Selman mentioned plans for Apu and his family to have a more prominent presence in future episodes, aiming to evolve the character in a “Simpsons”-style manner. The decision to reintroduce Apu was met with mixed reactions online, with some fans welcoming the return while others expressed reservations about the change.
The episode’s reveal of Apu’s return as a central figure signifies a new chapter for the character, with the show evolving its approach to inclusivity and representation in response to past criticisms.