After nearly a decade away from The Simpsons, one of Springfield’s most recognizable characters is finally back.
Apu Nahasapeemapetilon made a surprise return during the Oct. 18 episode of The Simpsons, marking the first time the character has spoken on the long-running animated series since 2017. But his return comes with a major change: Apu is now voiced by Indian-American actor Sunil Malhotra, replacing longtime voice actor Hank Azaria.
The return was kept surprisingly quiet. According to Variety, the episode was not screened for critics ahead of its broadcast, and the production team went to unusual lengths to keep Apu’s appearance and new voice a secret. That meant viewers watching “The Revengening” discovered at the same time that Apu was back and that someone new was playing him.
And it appears this isn’t simply a one-episode cameo.
The Simpsons executive producer Matt Selman told Variety that the creative team “love this character” and wanted to bring him back in a way that allowed him to evolve. He also said the show is excited about what Malhotra has brought to the role and is looking forward to seeing more of Apu in the future.
Apu Has Been Missing From ‘The Simpsons’ Since 2017
Apu’s last speaking appearance came in the Season 29 episode “The Serfsons,” which aired in October 2017. He was subsequently seen in the series without speaking, but the show largely stopped using him as an active character.
That absence was difficult to separate from the controversy surrounding the character.
Apu was introduced during the first season of The Simpsons and became one of the show’s most recognizable supporting characters. He owned the Kwik-E-Mart, was married to Manjula, and eventually became the father of eight children. He was also at the center of countless classic Simpsons storylines.
For longtime viewers, Apu was simply part of the fabric of Springfield. But the character’s portrayal also became increasingly difficult to defend as conversations around representation changed.
Apu was voiced by Azaria, a white actor, who used an exaggerated Indian accent for the role. Critics argued that Apu relied on stereotypes about South Asian immigrants, particularly through his occupation, accent and characterization.
The controversy became a much larger cultural conversation after comedian Hari Kondabolu’s 2017 documentary The Problem With Apu examined how the character affected South Asian Americans and featured interviews with several South Asian actors and comedians.
Azaria eventually stepped away from the role.
In 2021, he also apologized for his involvement with the character, saying he felt a responsibility to listen to Indian and South Asian people who had been affected by the portrayal.
‘The Simpsons’ Never Really Had an Answer for What to Do With Apu
For years, The Simpsons seemed stuck between acknowledging why Apu had become controversial and figuring out whether there was a version of the character who could still exist in Springfield.
The show briefly addressed the controversy in the 2018 episode “No Good Read Goes Unpunished,” but the response itself became part of the debate. Rather than providing a definitive answer about Apu, the episode essentially acknowledged that the character had become difficult territory for the series.
Then Apu mostly disappeared. But he wasn’t killed off and he didn’t leave Springfield in some dramatic storyline. He simply stopped being part of the show’s regular world in the way he had been for decades.
‘The Simpsons’ Is Giving Apu a New Voice
Malhotra’s casting is perhaps the most important part of the decision. Rather than simply having another white actor take over the role, The Simpsons has brought in an Indian-American performer.
Malhotra is known for voice work including The Legend of Korra and The Legend of Vox Machina, along with credits in The Loud House, Monster High, The Casagrandes and several video games.
And he clearly understands the significance of stepping into the role.
Malhotra said the most satisfying part of recording the episode was getting to deliver Apu’s long-awaited declaration, “I AM APU!” He described the experience as something he was excited for fans to finally see.
In “The Revengening,” Apu initially appears to be returning as part of a bizarre storyline in which Springfield has effectively left him behind. The episode ultimately reveals that much of what viewers have seen is a nightmare. Apu wakes up, finds himself back at the Kwik-E-Mart and reconnects with Homer, who invites him to a Halloween party.
By the end, Apu is back where he belongs: in Springfield.
