Simpsons Creator Teases Ambitious Plans For Apu | Screen Rant
The Simpsons creator Matt Groening has big plans for the character of Apu. The animated sitcom is currently in its 32nd season and has just aired its milestone 700th episode, becoming the longest primetime scripted television show in history. Initially, the show was known for pushing boundaries and quickly became a classic hit in pop culture. The Simpsons characters have become widely known, including Kwik-E-Mart store owner Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, a recurring character.
The show came under fire for the Indian character's portrayal, specifically over actor white actor Hank Azaria providing his voice. Since its inception, Azaria has been on The Simpsons and has voiced numerous Springfield residents, including bartender Moe Szyslak and police chief Wiggum. Azaria has since stepped down from voicing the character and other characters of color, including Carl Carlson, an Icelandic-African American now voiced by Alex Désert, and Bumblebee Man, a Mexican Spanish-speaking character now voiced by Eric Lopez. Now Matt Groening has an idea how to bring Apu back to the series.
In an interview with USA Today, Groening says the show has plans for Apu, but it all is riding on if the stories can work, so they have not yet cast a new actor to voice him. While Groening has also defended the character of Apu, he is on board with the decision for the show to have actors of color voicing the show's non-white characters. Groening's full statement can be read below:
"We've got plans for Apu, but we have to see if we can make the stories work. We're working on something kind of ambitious. That's all I can say."
The controversy over Apu has not only been behind who voices the character, but also the character himself. For many, Apu has been portrayed as a dishonest and damaging stereotype of Indian Americans due to his job and his accent. A documentary was made in 2017 by comedian Hari Kondabolu called The Problem With Apu showed the harmful impact the character has had on the Indian community. While other animated shows and actors have gone through this cycle, The Simpsons' longevity has become a catalyst for pop culture and its evolution.
With the recent casting changes the series has made, The Simpsons remains part of the zeitgeist. It will be intriguing to see what changes are made to Apu when he finally returns to the show. Groening's Netflix series Disenchantment seems to have a firm grasp on inclusivity and diversity. Hopefully, some of that rubs off on Apu Nahasapeemapetilon when he makes his triumphant return.
Source: USA Today
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