After a nine-year absence, one of The Simpsons' most talked-about characters has made a triumphant return to Springfield. Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, the quick-witted convenience store owner who has been a part of the show since its earliest days, is back—and he's got a brand-new voice.
The character made his long-awaited comeback in the latest episode, titled "The Revengening," which aired this week. According to Variety, the producers went to great lengths to keep the return under wraps, even withholding screeners from critics to preserve the surprise. The episode also introduced a new voice for Apu's wife, Manjula, with Janina Gavankar taking over the role.
Sunil Malhotra, known for his work on The Legend of Korra, steps into the role previously held by Hank Azaria. Malhotra admitted he had initial reservations about accepting the part, but after conversations with showrunner Matt Selman and co-executive producer Cesar Mazariegos, he was convinced the character would be handled with care.
"When my agent called me about a 'Simpsons' audition, I knew exactly what role it was for, and the idea actually made my stomach sink," Malhotra said. "But admittedly, part of me was also curious." He requested meetings with the creative team before committing, and was pleased with the direction they planned to take.
"My callback was the first of many times that no one at 'The Simpsons' let me down," he added. "I told casting that I'd only consider an offer if I could meet showrunner Matt Selman and co-executive producer Cesar Mazariegos, both of whom gladly did so. I'd be lying if I didn't say that the sweetest part of all was unleashing that righteously rage-fueled 'I AM APU!'—on behalf of so many of us—over and over in the studio until we got it just right."
Selman expressed the team's enthusiasm for the character's return, saying, "We love this character, and wanted to bring him back in a smart, 'Simpsons'-y way that allowed him to evolve. We're excited by what Sunil has already brought to the role, and look forward to seeing more of Apu in the future."
The return marks a significant shift for the show, which has faced criticism in recent years over its portrayal of Apu, a character voiced by a white actor and often seen as a stereotype. Since 2020, The Simpsons has made a concerted effort to cast actors whose backgrounds align with the characters they play, including Alex Désert taking over as Carl Carlson and Kevin Michael Richardson as Dr. Julius Hibbert.
With Apu's return, the Nahasapeemapetilon family is expected to become a more regular presence in Springfield. Fans of the show have long debated the character's fate, and this new chapter promises to explore Apu in a way that acknowledges the past while moving forward.
For those who've followed the show's evolution, this is a moment worth celebrating. And for those who've been waiting to see Apu again, the wait is finally over. As the show continues to adapt, it's clear that even the most controversial characters can find a way back—if handled with thoughtfulness and respect.
