Apu Nahasapeemapetilon made a comeback on the latest episode of “The Simpsons,” titled “Treehouse of Horror Presents: The Revengening,” marking his first speaking role since 2017. Despite being visible in the background in the intervening years, Apu had refrained from speaking amid concerns of perpetuating racial stereotypes.
The character is now voiced by Sunil Malhotra, an Indian-American actor known for his work on “The Legend of Korra,” taking over from Hank Azaria, a white actor who had voiced Apu for 27 years. In 2021, Azaria publicly expressed remorse for his involvement in creating and voicing the character, acknowledging the need to apologize to the Indian community for his portrayal.
Apu’s return was a well-kept secret until the recent episode aired, where he reappeared dramatically with the declaration, “I am Apu.” The show’s producers have indicated that Apu and his family will have a more prominent presence in future episodes, emphasizing a desire to evolve the character in a way that respects past missteps.
The decision to recast characters of color with actors of color, as seen with Apu and others like Carl Carlson and Dr. Julius Hibbert, reflects a broader industry trend towards more inclusive casting practices. The unexpected return of Apu has sparked mixed reactions online, with some fans celebrating the character’s comeback while others expressing reservations over the casting change.