The Simpsons Brings Apu Back With a New Voice Actor

The Simpsons brought Apu Nahasapeemapetilon back as a speaking character in its October 18, 2026, episode, with Sunil Malhotra taking over the role from Hank Azaria. The return came in the season 38 episode “The Revengening,” after Apu had largely appeared without speaking for nearly nine years. The episode makes Apu’s absence part of its story. A mysterious figure repeatedly killed by Springfield residents summons the town to City Hall and reveals himself as Apu. He says he ended up on an Island of Forgotten Garbage and accuses Springfield of acting as if he had never existed. Marge apologizes on behalf of the town, while the characters refer to their stalled discussions about what to do with him. Apu later wakes at the Kwik-E-Mart beside his wife, Manjula, and Homer invites him to a Halloween party. The episode also brings Manjula back with a new voice actor, Janina Gavankar. The story presents the confrontation as a dream, though its final moments leave a hint of uncertainty about that explanation. Malhotra said he spoke with the show’s producers about Apu’s portrayal and wanted the character’s return to be culturally appropriate and respectful to South Asian audiences. He...