Apu Nahasapeemapetilon returned to 'The Simpsons' on Thursday with a substantial speaking role for the first time since 2017, when Hank Azaria stepped away from voicing the character. A South Asian actor has taken over the part, Fox producers confirmed.

Azaria relinquished the role following backlash documented in Hari Kondabolu's 2017 film 'The Problem with Apu'. The character appeared only silently in background scenes thereafter, and show executives repeatedly declined to say whether he would ever speak again.

The recasting reflects a broader industry trend toward casting actors who share a character's heritage. Networks including Fox, ABC and Netflix have adopted this standard across animated series such as 'Family Guy', 'Central Park' and 'Big Mouth' in recent years. Series showrunner Matt Selman had previously signaled interest in restoring the character.

Viewers and critics debated the move on social media and in entertainment outlets, with opinions divided on whether recasting resolved longstanding objections or reopened them. Kondabolu, whose documentary prompted the original reckoning, has said he preferred the character be reimagined rather than erased.

'The Simpsons' enters its fourth decade as Fox's longest-running scripted series. The show has been renewed through additional seasons and continues to generate cultural discussion as the autumn television schedule begins.