Hank Azaria Is No Longer Voicing Apu — So What Happens to 'The Simpsons' Character?

Almost every diehard Simpsons fan out there is most likely familiar with Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, but if you aren't, let me fill you in: On the show, Apu is the owner of the local convenience store, Kwik-E-Mart. He immigrated to Springfield from India many years ago, and has a strong Indian accent. The returning character was played by voice actor Hank Azaria for the last 30 years, that is, until the actor recently announced he'd be stepping down from playing Apu.

With Hank's recent decision to step away from the character, fans can't help but wonder: is Apu leaving The Simpsons altogether? What will come of Kwik-E-Mart without our beloved Apu? Here is what we know, regarding what's to come of the longtime convenience store-owner, Springfield resident, and returning character.

The actor apparently told Slashfilm that Apu's future is entirely up to the writers, but it seems as though it was all done on good terms. 

“What they’re going to do with the character is their call. It’s up to them and they haven’t sorted it out yet. All we’ve agreed on is I won’t do the voice anymore.” So until the series' creators make a definitive decision, the fate of Apu is totally up in the air. 

The documentary was released by Hari Kondabolu, who aimed to highlight the fact that Apu's character progressed stereotypes about South Asian culture. Although fans of the show retaliated, arguing that the show pokes fun at just about everything, Simpsons creators acknowledged the issues in an episode, in which Lisa notes that what's deemed "P.C." changes over time.  

With Hank stepping away from Apu, fans wonder: should Apu stay or should he go? Times change, and maybe it's time for Apu to move on from Springfield.