Simpsons' Apu Returns with New Voice in Halloween Episode

Key points

• Apu Nahasapeemapetilon returned to The Simpsons in the October 18 episode 'The Revengening,' voiced by Sunil Malhotra.
• The character had been seen but not heard on the show since the October 2017 episode 'The Serfsons' due to controversy over racial stereotypes.
• Sunil Malhotra, who has voice acting credits in games like World of Warcraft and TV shows like Grey's Anatomy, described the return as a 'reclamation' of the character.
• The episode features Apu as a vengeful figure in a Halloween-themed plot, addressing the show's past handling of the character.
• Showrunner Matt Selman confirmed that Apu and his wife Manjula will appear more frequently in future episodes.

Background

Apu Nahasapeemapetilon has been a character on The Simpsons since 1990, voiced by Hank Azaria until 2017. The character's portrayal as a South Asian convenience store clerk sparked controversy, leading to a 2017 documentary by Hari Kondabolu titled 'The Problem With Apu.' Azaria stepped down from the role in 2020, and Apu was subsequently reduced to a background character. The return of Apu in 2026 marks a significant shift in the show's handling of the character, with a new voice actor and a more culturally sensitive approach.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline and Variety both highlight the return of Apu and the new voice actor, Sunil Malhotra. Deadline emphasizes Malhotra's extensive voice acting credits and his description of the return as a 'reclamation' of the character. Variety notes that the return was a closely guarded secret and that the episode addresses the show's past handling of the character. BBC focuses on the racial controversy surrounding the character and the new voice actor's approach to making the character more culturally appropriate. Yahoo provides a brief summary of the return but does not offer additional details or perspectives.

Why it matters

The return of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon to The Simpsons with a new voice actor marks a significant shift in the show's handling of a controversial character. The character's portrayal as a South Asian convenience store clerk sparked controversy in 2017, leading to a documentary by Hari Kondabolu and the eventual departure of Hank Azaria from the role. The return of Apu in 2026, voiced by Sunil Malhotra, represents an effort to address the character's past and make it more culturally sensitive. This change reflects broader trends in media representation and the importance of addressing racial stereotypes in popular culture.

What to watch

Showrunner Matt Selman has confirmed that Apu and his wife Manjula will appear more frequently in future episodes of The Simpsons. The next episode, 'Treehouse of Horror XXXVII,' is expected to feature Apu in a Halloween-themed plot. The show's handling of the character will likely continue to evolve, with a focus on making it more culturally sensitive and addressing the character's past.