The Simpsons Brings Back Apu With New Voice Actor
The character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon returned to the long-running show in the latest episode.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Asian-American
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After a multi-year absence, Apu Nahasapeemapetilon made a surprise return to The Simpsons in the episode titled The Revengening. Actor Sunil Malhotra has taken over the role, replacing longtime voice actor Hank Azaria.
Why it matters
The return follows the character's removal from the show due to widespread backlash over the use of racial stereotypes. The move marks a significant update to one of the most debated casting and character decisions in television history.
Apu Nahasapeemapetilon first appeared in 1990 and was voiced by Hank Azaria, who is 62, until 2020. The current voice actor, Sunil Malhotra, is 50.
The players
Apu Nahasapeemapetilon
He is a long-standing fictional character on the animated series The Simpsons.
Sunil Malhotra
He is the new voice actor for the character Apu and was raised in the US.
Hank Azaria
He is the actor who provided the voice for Apu from 1990 until 2020.
Hari Kondabolu
He is the filmmaker who directed the 2017 documentary The Problem With Apu.
The details
The character made his reintroduction when a mysterious figure wearing a Daft Monk costume revealed his identity to the residents of Springfield. Apu returned to the narrative specifically to seek revenge on the town's population.
Timeline
1990: Apu Nahasapeemapetilon makes his debut on The Simpsons.
2017: Hari Kondabolu releases the documentary The Problem With Apu.
October 2018: Apu makes his final appearance before his 2026 return.
2020: Hank Azaria officially steps away from the role.
October 18, 2026: Apu returns to The Simpsons in the episode The Revengening.
Culture Shift
The character's return reflects the ongoing evolution of legacy television properties in response to changing social standards. This shift mirrors the broader re-evaluation of long-running tropes that were previously challenged by projects like the 2017 documentary The Problem With Apu.
Viewers can expect a new vocal performance for the character as the show integrates him back into the Springfield storyline. The return represents a change in the show's ongoing approach to legacy characters and content access.
The takeaway
The return of Apu highlights how long-running entertainment franchises navigate historical controversies through casting changes and narrative adjustments. Fans can monitor future episodes to see how the character's arc develops under the new voice actor.
Further reading
For more on evolving cultural representation in media, visit the Asian-American section.
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Should television shows bring back characters that were removed due to past public controversy?
