Exclusive: MSNBC Films has unveiled its spring and summer slate including a Dave Eggers documentary about book-banning.
The news network is launching four feature and short documentaries in its Sunday night slot between April and July.
This includes a number of films for its The Turning Point series, which kicked off in 2022 with a Trevor Noah-produced series.
Eggers’ To Be Destroyed, which will launch on July 21, follows the A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius author as he embarks on a journey to Rapid City, South Dakota in the aftermath of his book’s controversial ban by the local school board. As Eggers navigates this landscape of censorship and resistance, viewers will learn how these ideas resonate far beyond the borders of Rapid City.
The film is directed by Arthur Bradford and will be the ninth installment of The Turning Point documentary series.
The seventh installment of the series is...
The news network is launching four feature and short documentaries in its Sunday night slot between April and July.
This includes a number of films for its The Turning Point series, which kicked off in 2022 with a Trevor Noah-produced series.
Eggers’ To Be Destroyed, which will launch on July 21, follows the A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius author as he embarks on a journey to Rapid City, South Dakota in the aftermath of his book’s controversial ban by the local school board. As Eggers navigates this landscape of censorship and resistance, viewers will learn how these ideas resonate far beyond the borders of Rapid City.
The film is directed by Arthur Bradford and will be the ninth installment of The Turning Point documentary series.
The seventh installment of the series is...
- 3/21/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Hank Azaria and Hari Kondabolu are finally getting a chance to have a public conversation about the latter’s documentary The Problem With Apu.
During an episode of NPR’s podcast Code Switch, Azaria joined Kondabolu to discuss the comedian and writer’s 2017 project that criticized the Simpsons character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon as a South Asian stereotype and called out the fact that a white actor voiced him. Azaria had voiced the Kwik-e-Mart employee since the long-running comedy’s first season before announcing in early 2020 that he would no longer portray the character. The show has not recast the role.
Kondabolu told Azaria that he had wanted to have him appear in the truTV documentary in the hopes that this would discourage angry reactions to the film, in addition to giving the discussion closure. Kondabolu recalled feeling upset when the actor opted against appearing in The Problem With Apu, which Kondabolu wrote and Michael Melamedoff directed.
During an episode of NPR’s podcast Code Switch, Azaria joined Kondabolu to discuss the comedian and writer’s 2017 project that criticized the Simpsons character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon as a South Asian stereotype and called out the fact that a white actor voiced him. Azaria had voiced the Kwik-e-Mart employee since the long-running comedy’s first season before announcing in early 2020 that he would no longer portray the character. The show has not recast the role.
Kondabolu told Azaria that he had wanted to have him appear in the truTV documentary in the hopes that this would discourage angry reactions to the film, in addition to giving the discussion closure. Kondabolu recalled feeling upset when the actor opted against appearing in The Problem With Apu, which Kondabolu wrote and Michael Melamedoff directed.
- 4/26/2023
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
King of the Hill is coming back to TV, thanks to a Hulu revival, with most of the original cast returning — but there’s one character who’s conspicuously missing.
Hank, Peggy, Bobby, Bill, Dale and Boomhauer will all be back and voiced by the same actors from the original 1997-2009 Fox run of the animated comedy. Hank’s niece Luanne is understandably absent, since Brittany Murphy tragically passed away in 2009. But Hank’s nemesis Kahn, the status-chasing Laotian dad who moved in next door, is nowhere to be found in the revival. And there’s an obvious reason why: Kahn was an Asian character,...
Hank, Peggy, Bobby, Bill, Dale and Boomhauer will all be back and voiced by the same actors from the original 1997-2009 Fox run of the animated comedy. Hank’s niece Luanne is understandably absent, since Brittany Murphy tragically passed away in 2009. But Hank’s nemesis Kahn, the status-chasing Laotian dad who moved in next door, is nowhere to be found in the revival. And there’s an obvious reason why: Kahn was an Asian character,...
- 1/31/2023
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
“Wednesday” continues posting huge numbers after three weeks on Netflix, beating out even the highly anticipated “Harry & Meghan” series on the streamer’s latest viewership rankings.
Tim Burton’s “Addams Family” offshoot starring Jenna Ortega as Wednesday has officially become the third title to cross 1 billion hours viewed on Netflix within one month — only “Squid Game” and “Stranger Things” Season 4 have also done so to date.
This also means that “Wednesday” has passed Ryan Murphy’s “Dahmer” to become Netflix’s No. 2 most popular English-language series of all time. The company measures its Most Popular list based on each title’s viewership in its first 28 days of availability; “Dahmer” reached 856.2 million hours in that time, while “Wednesday” still has one more week to climb even higher. However, the series is now 352.1 million hours behind “Stranger Things” Season 4’s performance in its first 28 days, and with “Wednesday” racking up 269.7 million hours viewed during the Dec.
Tim Burton’s “Addams Family” offshoot starring Jenna Ortega as Wednesday has officially become the third title to cross 1 billion hours viewed on Netflix within one month — only “Squid Game” and “Stranger Things” Season 4 have also done so to date.
This also means that “Wednesday” has passed Ryan Murphy’s “Dahmer” to become Netflix’s No. 2 most popular English-language series of all time. The company measures its Most Popular list based on each title’s viewership in its first 28 days of availability; “Dahmer” reached 856.2 million hours in that time, while “Wednesday” still has one more week to climb even higher. However, the series is now 352.1 million hours behind “Stranger Things” Season 4’s performance in its first 28 days, and with “Wednesday” racking up 269.7 million hours viewed during the Dec.
- 12/13/2022
- by Selome Hailu and Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
A scene from Netflix’s ‘Chef’s Table: Pizza’
Netflix has set premiere dates for much of its fall and winter culinary lineup including Chef’s Table: Pizza, Nailed It! season seven, Easy-Bake Battle: The Home Cooking Competition, and Somebody Feed Phil season six. The streaming service’s lineup of food (and drink) oriented programming also includes Drink Masters, The Great British Baking Show: Holidays season five, Snack Vs. Chef, and Cook at All Costs.
The Great British Baking Show Collection 10 is also a part of Netflix’s fall lineup, however, the premiere date hasn’t been announced.
Chef’S Table: Pizza – Premieres September 7, 2022
•The long-running culinary hit returns with a season that’s all about the pizza pie. From Portland to Phoenix, Italy to Japan, go inside the kitchens of chefs whose creativity elevates this ordinary dish to an art form via their unique flavors, inspiring backgrounds, and passion for creating the perfect slice.
Netflix has set premiere dates for much of its fall and winter culinary lineup including Chef’s Table: Pizza, Nailed It! season seven, Easy-Bake Battle: The Home Cooking Competition, and Somebody Feed Phil season six. The streaming service’s lineup of food (and drink) oriented programming also includes Drink Masters, The Great British Baking Show: Holidays season five, Snack Vs. Chef, and Cook at All Costs.
The Great British Baking Show Collection 10 is also a part of Netflix’s fall lineup, however, the premiere date hasn’t been announced.
Chef’S Table: Pizza – Premieres September 7, 2022
•The long-running culinary hit returns with a season that’s all about the pizza pie. From Portland to Phoenix, Italy to Japan, go inside the kitchens of chefs whose creativity elevates this ordinary dish to an art form via their unique flavors, inspiring backgrounds, and passion for creating the perfect slice.
- 8/19/2022
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Mira, Royal Detective – “The Great Kathak Mystery” – Series dance consultant and choreographer *Nakul Dev Mahajan (“So You Think You Can Dance”) Guru Nakul. (Disney)
Many people know Nakul Dev Mahajan as the brilliant Bollywood choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance. Of course, Nakul is known for his successful Ndm Bollywood Productions and Studios. Plus, he has worked all over the world on a myriad of fantastic projects. But according to him, a recent project has been something he really is honored to be a part of. Nakul has been the choreographer and dance consultant for the animated show, Disney Junior’s Mira, Royal Detective since its inception. But for an upcoming episode, Nakul got even more involved.
He recently took part in a very special episode titled “The Great Kathak Mystery,” which premiers on August 9th. What is so cool is that Nakul guest stars as an animated version of himself – Guru Nakul.
Many people know Nakul Dev Mahajan as the brilliant Bollywood choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance. Of course, Nakul is known for his successful Ndm Bollywood Productions and Studios. Plus, he has worked all over the world on a myriad of fantastic projects. But according to him, a recent project has been something he really is honored to be a part of. Nakul has been the choreographer and dance consultant for the animated show, Disney Junior’s Mira, Royal Detective since its inception. But for an upcoming episode, Nakul got even more involved.
He recently took part in a very special episode titled “The Great Kathak Mystery,” which premiers on August 9th. What is so cool is that Nakul guest stars as an animated version of himself – Guru Nakul.
- 8/8/2021
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
First Look Media has promoted Maria Zuckerman to President of Topic Studios. She will continue to report to the company’s CEO Michael Bloom.
Zuckerman will continue to lead the Studio’s creative vision and overall strategy, including development, financing, and production across feature films, documentaries, television, and podcasts. She joined the Studio in May of 2019 as EVP & Head of Topic Studios.
During her tenure, Topic Studios has expanded with a broad range of award-winning film projects, as well as ramping up their TV division and full-service podcast studio. In addition, the Topic Studios has brought in world-class creators such as Pablo Larraín, Destin Daniel Cretton, Awkwafina, Kevin Macdonald, Chris Smith, Nikyatu Jusu, Adam Leon and Toni Collette.
Zuckerman’s promotion comes just weeks after Topic Studios, along with its partners The Intercept and the Invisible Institute, were lauded as a Pulitzer Prize finalist for the podcast Somebody, and the...
Zuckerman will continue to lead the Studio’s creative vision and overall strategy, including development, financing, and production across feature films, documentaries, television, and podcasts. She joined the Studio in May of 2019 as EVP & Head of Topic Studios.
During her tenure, Topic Studios has expanded with a broad range of award-winning film projects, as well as ramping up their TV division and full-service podcast studio. In addition, the Topic Studios has brought in world-class creators such as Pablo Larraín, Destin Daniel Cretton, Awkwafina, Kevin Macdonald, Chris Smith, Nikyatu Jusu, Adam Leon and Toni Collette.
Zuckerman’s promotion comes just weeks after Topic Studios, along with its partners The Intercept and the Invisible Institute, were lauded as a Pulitzer Prize finalist for the podcast Somebody, and the...
- 7/28/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Actor-producer Daniel Dae Kim urged those of Asian and Pacific Islander descent to work hard at “allyship” with other underrepresented communities in order to focus on the roots of systemic racism. Kim spoke on May 20 at a half-day virtual seminar hosted by Amazon Studios to examine Api representation in film and media as part of Asian American Pacific Islander heritage month.
The rising tide of anti-Asian hate crimes underscores the urgency to act. But Asian Americans in general represent about 6% of the U.S. population, which means that Aapi advocates need to build bridges with Black and brown communities, Kim said during Amazon’s “Voices: Api Representation in Film & Media.”
“It’s going to take more than just us,” said Kim, the actor known for “Lost,” “Hawaii 5-0” and, most recently, NBC’s “New Amsterdam.” “It’s important that we find allies in every other demographic. And part of accepting allyship is being an ally.
The rising tide of anti-Asian hate crimes underscores the urgency to act. But Asian Americans in general represent about 6% of the U.S. population, which means that Aapi advocates need to build bridges with Black and brown communities, Kim said during Amazon’s “Voices: Api Representation in Film & Media.”
“It’s going to take more than just us,” said Kim, the actor known for “Lost,” “Hawaii 5-0” and, most recently, NBC’s “New Amsterdam.” “It’s important that we find allies in every other demographic. And part of accepting allyship is being an ally.
- 5/21/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
Hari Kondabolu appeared virtually on Thursday at an Amazon Studios event, accentuating the importance of Asian & Pacific Islander Representation In Film & Media. There, he delivered a “Lightning Talk,” in which he addressed complaints among comics of a politically correct world, and his hopes for more diverse and inclusive media.
In his pre-recorded speech, the comedian and filmmaker behind acclaimed 2017 doc The Problem with Apu argued that stand-up comedy is “the freest art form,” and that that has never been more true than it is today, despite what some comics are saying. This is true because today, comics from underrepresented communities can speak their mind or hit back, when racist or intolerant jokes are made—whereas in the past, a power imbalance existed that prevented them from doing so. “As a stand-up, you should be able to talk about whatever you want, but that doesn’t mean there’s not repercussions,...
In his pre-recorded speech, the comedian and filmmaker behind acclaimed 2017 doc The Problem with Apu argued that stand-up comedy is “the freest art form,” and that that has never been more true than it is today, despite what some comics are saying. This is true because today, comics from underrepresented communities can speak their mind or hit back, when racist or intolerant jokes are made—whereas in the past, a power imbalance existed that prevented them from doing so. “As a stand-up, you should be able to talk about whatever you want, but that doesn’t mean there’s not repercussions,...
- 5/20/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Hank Azaria stepped down from voicing controversial “The Simpsons” character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon last year. The voice actor recently opened up about the lessons he learned about whitewashing and promoting stereotypes during a recent interview on the “Armchair Expert” podcast.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, Azaria, who is white, stated that he participated in several seminars to understand the controversy surrounding the character and offered several anecdotes that helped inform his decision to quit voicing the character.
“I was speaking at my son’s school, I was talking to the Indian kids there because I wanted to get their input,” Azaria said. “A 17-year-old […] he’s never even seen ‘The Simpsons’ but knows what Apu means. It’s practically a slur at this point. All he knows is that is how his people are thought of and represented to many people in this country.”
Apu, an Indian immigrant character in the show who runs a Kwik-e-Mart business,...
Per The Hollywood Reporter, Azaria, who is white, stated that he participated in several seminars to understand the controversy surrounding the character and offered several anecdotes that helped inform his decision to quit voicing the character.
“I was speaking at my son’s school, I was talking to the Indian kids there because I wanted to get their input,” Azaria said. “A 17-year-old […] he’s never even seen ‘The Simpsons’ but knows what Apu means. It’s practically a slur at this point. All he knows is that is how his people are thought of and represented to many people in this country.”
Apu, an Indian immigrant character in the show who runs a Kwik-e-Mart business,...
- 4/14/2021
- by Tyler Hersko
- Indiewire
Hank Azaria has issued an apology for voicing Kwik-e-Mart owner Apu on “The Simpsons,” a controversial role he played for 30 years despite Apu being Indian.
“I apologize for my part in creating that and participating in that,” Azaria said. “Part of me feels I need to go round to every single Indian person in this country and apologize.”
Azaria, who began voicing the convenience store owner in 1990, spoke about the recent controversies surrounding his character on Dax Shepherd’s “Armchair Expert” podcast. In January 2020, he stepped down from voicing Apu on “The Simpsons.” The voice actor insists the character was created with good intentions but said there were real negative consequences to the portrayal.
“I really didn’t know any better,” Azaria said. “I didn’t think about it. I was unaware of how much relative advantage I had received in this country as a white kid from Queens.”
Azaria...
“I apologize for my part in creating that and participating in that,” Azaria said. “Part of me feels I need to go round to every single Indian person in this country and apologize.”
Azaria, who began voicing the convenience store owner in 1990, spoke about the recent controversies surrounding his character on Dax Shepherd’s “Armchair Expert” podcast. In January 2020, he stepped down from voicing Apu on “The Simpsons.” The voice actor insists the character was created with good intentions but said there were real negative consequences to the portrayal.
“I really didn’t know any better,” Azaria said. “I didn’t think about it. I was unaware of how much relative advantage I had received in this country as a white kid from Queens.”
Azaria...
- 4/13/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
On Monday’s episode of the Armchair Expert podcast, The Simpsons actor Hank Azaria apologized for participating in “structural racism,” via his longtime portrayal of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon.
While the Emmy winner continues to voice other parts on the Fox comedy, including Moe Szyslak, and gave voice to Apu from his first appearance on the show in 1990, he announced in February of last year that he would no longer be playing the role. The decision emerged as part of a broad cultural shift in animation, as the industry came to the belief that characters of color should not be voiced by white actors, with other Simpsons roles also being recast.
In the course of his conversation with Armchair Experts hosts Dax Shephard and Monica Padman, Azaria said that he wished he’d committed to exiting the Apu role many years before he actually did. “I’ve had a date with destiny...
While the Emmy winner continues to voice other parts on the Fox comedy, including Moe Szyslak, and gave voice to Apu from his first appearance on the show in 1990, he announced in February of last year that he would no longer be playing the role. The decision emerged as part of a broad cultural shift in animation, as the industry came to the belief that characters of color should not be voiced by white actors, with other Simpsons roles also being recast.
In the course of his conversation with Armchair Experts hosts Dax Shephard and Monica Padman, Azaria said that he wished he’d committed to exiting the Apu role many years before he actually did. “I’ve had a date with destiny...
- 4/13/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Hank Azaria is on an apology tour for his decades of voicing the former “Simpsons” character, Apu Nahasapeemapetilon.
“I really do apologize,” Azaria said on a recent episode of the podcast, “Armchair Expert” hosted by Dax Shepard and Monica Padman. “It’s important. I apologize for my part in creating that and participating in that. Part of me feels like I need to go to every single Indian person in this country and personally apologize. And sometimes I do.”
While Apu has long been a fan favorite on “The Simpsons,” his impact on pop culture and depictions of Indian people in media came under scrutiny because of the 2017 documentary “The Problem With Apu.” In it, director Hari Kondabolu, himself a lifelong Simpsons fan, reflects on his personal feelings for a character that for many years was the only depiction of Indian and Hindu culture on American television. But Kondabolu also...
“I really do apologize,” Azaria said on a recent episode of the podcast, “Armchair Expert” hosted by Dax Shepard and Monica Padman. “It’s important. I apologize for my part in creating that and participating in that. Part of me feels like I need to go to every single Indian person in this country and personally apologize. And sometimes I do.”
While Apu has long been a fan favorite on “The Simpsons,” his impact on pop culture and depictions of Indian people in media came under scrutiny because of the 2017 documentary “The Problem With Apu.” In it, director Hari Kondabolu, himself a lifelong Simpsons fan, reflects on his personal feelings for a character that for many years was the only depiction of Indian and Hindu culture on American television. But Kondabolu also...
- 4/12/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Mira, Royal Detective – Disney Junior
Throughout Season 1 of the excellent animated Indian imbibed series Mira, Royal Detective, children both young and old have learned, danced, sang and followed and solved the clues with the young detective. Inspired by the cultures and customs of India, the series follows the brave and resourceful Mira, a young girl who travels throughout the fictional land of Jalpur solving mysteries for her friends, family and extended community.
Now get ready because season 2, which looks to be even more, is set to begin on April 5th on Disney Junior and DisneyNOW, with new episodes every Monday for eight consecutive weeks.
Season two will include an episode highlighting the Eid al-Fitr holiday debuting Monday, May 3 (5:00 p.m. Edt), and episodes celebrating the festivals of Teej and Dasara, as well as four extended-length music- and dance-filled specials. Not only that, season one of the series will begin streaming on Disney+ on Friday,...
Throughout Season 1 of the excellent animated Indian imbibed series Mira, Royal Detective, children both young and old have learned, danced, sang and followed and solved the clues with the young detective. Inspired by the cultures and customs of India, the series follows the brave and resourceful Mira, a young girl who travels throughout the fictional land of Jalpur solving mysteries for her friends, family and extended community.
Now get ready because season 2, which looks to be even more, is set to begin on April 5th on Disney Junior and DisneyNOW, with new episodes every Monday for eight consecutive weeks.
Season two will include an episode highlighting the Eid al-Fitr holiday debuting Monday, May 3 (5:00 p.m. Edt), and episodes celebrating the festivals of Teej and Dasara, as well as four extended-length music- and dance-filled specials. Not only that, season one of the series will begin streaming on Disney+ on Friday,...
- 4/1/2021
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Exclusive: The second season of Disney Junior’s animated mystery adventure Mira, Royal Detective is set to debut April 5 at 5pm Edt on Disney Junior and DisneyNOW, with a new episode airing every Monday for eight weeks after.
Inspired by the cultures and customs of India, the series follows the brave and resourceful Mira, a young girl who travels throughout the fictional land of Jalpur solving mysteries for her friends, family and extended community. The series further bolsters authentic representation of the Asian community — specifically the South Asian community.
The sophomore season of the animated series will include an episode highlighting the Eid al-Fitr holiday on May 3. There will also be episodes celebrating the festivals of Teej and Dasara, as well as four extended-length music- and dance-filled specials.
As an added bonus, season one of Mira, Royal Detective will drop on Disney+ on April 30.
The series voice cast includes Freida Pinto,...
Inspired by the cultures and customs of India, the series follows the brave and resourceful Mira, a young girl who travels throughout the fictional land of Jalpur solving mysteries for her friends, family and extended community. The series further bolsters authentic representation of the Asian community — specifically the South Asian community.
The sophomore season of the animated series will include an episode highlighting the Eid al-Fitr holiday on May 3. There will also be episodes celebrating the festivals of Teej and Dasara, as well as four extended-length music- and dance-filled specials.
As an added bonus, season one of Mira, Royal Detective will drop on Disney+ on April 30.
The series voice cast includes Freida Pinto,...
- 3/31/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Apu Nahasapeemapetilon might’ve lost his longtime voice actor, but the team behind “The Simpsons” has plans to bring the character back in the future.
Series creator Matt Groening told USA Today in an interview published Monday, in celebration of the show’s 700th episode, that his team has “something kind of ambitious” in the works for the character following Hank Azaria stepping down as the voice of Apu.
“The Simpsons” and Apu, an Indian immigrant character in the show who runs a Kwik-e-Mart business, had courted controversy for several years due to Apu’s characterization, which has been criticized as a racial stereotype. Much of the controversy stemmed from comedian Hari Kondabolu’s 2017 “The Problem With Apu” documentary, which outlined the various negative stereotypes and treatment of Apu. The issue eventually led to Azaria, who is white, no longer voicing the character.
Groening did not offer specific details about...
Series creator Matt Groening told USA Today in an interview published Monday, in celebration of the show’s 700th episode, that his team has “something kind of ambitious” in the works for the character following Hank Azaria stepping down as the voice of Apu.
“The Simpsons” and Apu, an Indian immigrant character in the show who runs a Kwik-e-Mart business, had courted controversy for several years due to Apu’s characterization, which has been criticized as a racial stereotype. Much of the controversy stemmed from comedian Hari Kondabolu’s 2017 “The Problem With Apu” documentary, which outlined the various negative stereotypes and treatment of Apu. The issue eventually led to Azaria, who is white, no longer voicing the character.
Groening did not offer specific details about...
- 3/23/2021
- by Tyler Hersko
- Indiewire
While “The Simpsons” has sidelined Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, the Indian immigrant owner of the Kwik-e-Mart, until a new voice actor can be found, creator Matt Groening says he’s still proud of the character and hopes to bring him back for “something ambitious” in future seasons.
“I think the Apu stories are fantastic, and he’s one of the most nuanced characters on a silly two-dimensional cartoon show. So, yeah, I’m proud of Apu,” Groening told USA Today.
While Apu has long been a fan favorite on “The Simpsons,” his impact on pop culture and depictions of Indian people in media came under scrutiny because of the 2017 documentary “The Problem With Apu.” In it, director Hari Kondabolu, himself a lifelong Simpsons fan, reflects on his personal feelings for a character that for many years was the only depiction of Indian and Hindu culture on American television. But Kondabolu also argues...
“I think the Apu stories are fantastic, and he’s one of the most nuanced characters on a silly two-dimensional cartoon show. So, yeah, I’m proud of Apu,” Groening told USA Today.
While Apu has long been a fan favorite on “The Simpsons,” his impact on pop culture and depictions of Indian people in media came under scrutiny because of the 2017 documentary “The Problem With Apu.” In it, director Hari Kondabolu, himself a lifelong Simpsons fan, reflects on his personal feelings for a character that for many years was the only depiction of Indian and Hindu culture on American television. But Kondabolu also argues...
- 3/22/2021
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Asian-American entertainers are speaking out in solidarity. On Sunday, Entertainment Weekly hosted a roundtable featuring Daniel Dae Kim, George Takei, Olivia Munn, Dianne Doan, Hari Kondabolu and Chloe Bennet, talking about their experiences. Among the current concerns has been the rise in anti-Asian racism amid the global coronavirus pandemic. Related: Daniel Dae Kim Says In 2015 A Man Hit His Sister...
- 3/18/2021
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
In the latest win for inclusive voice casting in animation, Harry Shearer is stepping down from voicing Dr. Hibbert on “The Simpsons” (via The Wrap.) The character, who first appeared in the 1990 second season of the iconic series, will be voiced by beloved voice actor Kevin Michael Richardson, best known for voicing Cleveland Brown Jr. on Seth MacFarlane’s “Family Guy” and “The Cleveland Show.” The change will go into effect as of next week’s episode, according to a statement from “Simpsons” studio 20th Television.
Shearer’s exit comes about eight months after a June 2020 announcement in solidarity with the George Floyd protests that “The Simpsons” would no longer voice Black characters with white actors. “Moving forward, ‘The Simpsons’ will no longer have white actors voice nonwhite characters,” the network said in a brief statement at the time.
Dr. Hibbert is not the most notorious case of cross-racial voice casting on “The Simpsons.
Shearer’s exit comes about eight months after a June 2020 announcement in solidarity with the George Floyd protests that “The Simpsons” would no longer voice Black characters with white actors. “Moving forward, ‘The Simpsons’ will no longer have white actors voice nonwhite characters,” the network said in a brief statement at the time.
Dr. Hibbert is not the most notorious case of cross-racial voice casting on “The Simpsons.
- 2/22/2021
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
White voice actor Harry Shearer will no longer voice Black character Dr. Hibbert on “The Simpsons,” TheWrap has learned, and is being replaced with a Black voice actor.
“Last night’s episode ‘DiaryQueen’ featured Harry Shearer as the voice of Dr. Hibbert for the last time,” “Simpsons” studio 20th Television said in a statement to TheWrap on Monday. “Next Sunday’s episode ‘Wad Goals’ will have Kevin Michael Richardson voicing Dr. Hibbert — and from there on out he will voice the character.”
Shearer had voiced the character of Hibbert since the show’s second season in 1990. He declined through a Fox representative TheWrap’s request for comment on stepping back from the role.
The recasting of Hibbert comes after Fox said last June that “The Simpsons” will no longer have white actors voice non-white characters on the animated series.
“Moving forward, ‘The Simpsons’ will no longer have white actors voice nonwhite characters,...
“Last night’s episode ‘DiaryQueen’ featured Harry Shearer as the voice of Dr. Hibbert for the last time,” “Simpsons” studio 20th Television said in a statement to TheWrap on Monday. “Next Sunday’s episode ‘Wad Goals’ will have Kevin Michael Richardson voicing Dr. Hibbert — and from there on out he will voice the character.”
Shearer had voiced the character of Hibbert since the show’s second season in 1990. He declined through a Fox representative TheWrap’s request for comment on stepping back from the role.
The recasting of Hibbert comes after Fox said last June that “The Simpsons” will no longer have white actors voice non-white characters on the animated series.
“Moving forward, ‘The Simpsons’ will no longer have white actors voice nonwhite characters,...
- 2/22/2021
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
During October, in the throes of the general election, Senator David Perdue deliberately mispronounced and mocked Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’ name. This raised many eyebrows. Including members of the Asian community — particularly the South Asian community.
In response to Perdue’s disrespectful behavior, South Asians and allies rallied to launch the #MyNameIs campaign, which featured actors, media figures and politicians like Hari Kondabolu, Daniel Dae Kim, Ilhan Omar, Ken Jeong, Lea Thompson, Maya Harris and others sharing the origins of their names. As Georgia’s US. Senate runoff nears, Meena Harris and Brad Jenkins’ Phenomenal Productions and the Indian American Impact Fund (Impact) released a new video that is part of series of Georgia voting videos that bolster the #MyNameIs message, mobilize Aapi (Asian American and Pacific Islander) voters and bolster the power of representation. The video features Kumail Nanjiani (The Big Sick), Kal Penn (Kal Penn Approves this Message...
In response to Perdue’s disrespectful behavior, South Asians and allies rallied to launch the #MyNameIs campaign, which featured actors, media figures and politicians like Hari Kondabolu, Daniel Dae Kim, Ilhan Omar, Ken Jeong, Lea Thompson, Maya Harris and others sharing the origins of their names. As Georgia’s US. Senate runoff nears, Meena Harris and Brad Jenkins’ Phenomenal Productions and the Indian American Impact Fund (Impact) released a new video that is part of series of Georgia voting videos that bolster the #MyNameIs message, mobilize Aapi (Asian American and Pacific Islander) voters and bolster the power of representation. The video features Kumail Nanjiani (The Big Sick), Kal Penn (Kal Penn Approves this Message...
- 12/22/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Making it to an in-person audition for “Jeopardy!” isn’t so much a personal accomplishment, the result of some combination of luck and smarts to pass a seasonal online test, but an opportunity. When you sit in that Culver City, Calif. hotel meeting room near Sony Pictures Television studio with other jittery hopefuls and take the 50-question test, when you click, click, click the simulator buzzers with fervor as you earnestly respond to the casting coordinators’ query about what you would do with your winnings, you know you are not just competing to be a part of a legendary trivia institution but for a chance to meet the man synonymous with “Jeopardy!” itself, Alex Trebek.
Now, that possibility is sadly no more. Trebek’s passing on Sunday at 80 from pancreatic cancer, as so many “Jeopardy!” fans will tell you, is akin to losing a family member. As comedian Hari Kondabolu tweeted,...
Now, that possibility is sadly no more. Trebek’s passing on Sunday at 80 from pancreatic cancer, as so many “Jeopardy!” fans will tell you, is akin to losing a family member. As comedian Hari Kondabolu tweeted,...
- 11/9/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Three years ago, Hari Kondabolu released a documentary called The Problem with Apu, which snowballed into a years-long discussion about The Simpsons and the racial stereotypes it may have perpetuated with a mostly white writer’s room and voice cast. Earlier this year, it resulted in Hank Azaria stepping down from voicing Apu to leave room for an actual Indian actor to […]
The post ‘The Simpsons’ Replaces Hank Azaria With Alex Désert as the Voice of Carl in Season 32 Premiere appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘The Simpsons’ Replaces Hank Azaria With Alex Désert as the Voice of Carl in Season 32 Premiere appeared first on /Film.
- 9/25/2020
- by Hoai-Tran Bui
- Slash Film
Homer Simpson’s African American nuclear plant supervisor Carl Carlson will be voiced by Alex Désert on The Simpsons season 32 premiere, according to Variety.
There is now word yet on whether Désert will continue to voice the character beyond Sunday’s episode “Undercover Burns.” Désert is a veteran animation voice actor, appearing as Swarm on Disney Xd’s Spider-Man: Maximum Venom, Mr. Bojenkins on Adult Swim’s Mr. Pickles and its spinoff, Momma Named Me Sheriff, and on The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. He was a regular on the TV series Becker, which starred Ted Danson, and appeared on such varied shows as Boy Meets World, Better Call Saul, and Better Things. He also appeared in films like The Flash, Freaky Friday, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, High Fidelity and Swingers.
“We are very pleased to welcome Alex Désert, playing Carl in The Simpsons’ season premiere,...
There is now word yet on whether Désert will continue to voice the character beyond Sunday’s episode “Undercover Burns.” Désert is a veteran animation voice actor, appearing as Swarm on Disney Xd’s Spider-Man: Maximum Venom, Mr. Bojenkins on Adult Swim’s Mr. Pickles and its spinoff, Momma Named Me Sheriff, and on The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. He was a regular on the TV series Becker, which starred Ted Danson, and appeared on such varied shows as Boy Meets World, Better Call Saul, and Better Things. He also appeared in films like The Flash, Freaky Friday, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, High Fidelity and Swingers.
“We are very pleased to welcome Alex Désert, playing Carl in The Simpsons’ season premiere,...
- 9/25/2020
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
“The Simpsons” has found its new Carl Carlson.
In the season premiere of Fox’s long-running animated comedy, Carl is voiced by Alex Désert, who takes over the role from Hank Azaria. Fox said in June it would no longer have white actors voice people of color.
Azaria, who voices numerous characters for “The Simpsons” is stepping back from the role. Mike Henry made a similar decision when he stepped down as the voice of Cleveland Brown on “Family Guy.”
Azaria had voiced Carl, who is Black, since the show’s beginning. It is not clear if Désert will be the permanent voice for the character going forward. “We are very pleased to welcome Alex Désert, playing Carl in ‘The Simpsons’ season premiere,” the show said in a statement.
This is not the first time “The Simpsons” has had to reckon with race in voice casting. Azaria announced back in...
In the season premiere of Fox’s long-running animated comedy, Carl is voiced by Alex Désert, who takes over the role from Hank Azaria. Fox said in June it would no longer have white actors voice people of color.
Azaria, who voices numerous characters for “The Simpsons” is stepping back from the role. Mike Henry made a similar decision when he stepped down as the voice of Cleveland Brown on “Family Guy.”
Azaria had voiced Carl, who is Black, since the show’s beginning. It is not clear if Désert will be the permanent voice for the character going forward. “We are very pleased to welcome Alex Désert, playing Carl in ‘The Simpsons’ season premiere,” the show said in a statement.
This is not the first time “The Simpsons” has had to reckon with race in voice casting. Azaria announced back in...
- 9/24/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
“The Simpsons” fans might notice at least one long-running character sounds a little different in Sunday’s Season 32 premiere.
In the episode, Carl Carlson — Homer Simpson’s nuclear plant co-worker, and best friend to Lenny Leonard — is now voiced by actor Alex Désert (“Better Things”). Désert replaces Hank Azaria in the role, at least for that episode.
The switch comes as “The Simpsons” producers confirmed earlier this summer that it would no longer have white actors voice non-white characters. Azaria had voiced Carl, who is Black, since the beginning of the show.
It’s unclear whether Désert is Carl’s permanent voice, and if he’ll be voicing other characters as well. Among other recurring characters the edict might impact include Dr. Julius Hibbert, who is seen in the episode, but doesn’t speak.
Désert also voices Swarm on Disney Xd’s “Spider-Man: Maximum Venom” and Mr. Bojenkins on Adult Swim...
In the episode, Carl Carlson — Homer Simpson’s nuclear plant co-worker, and best friend to Lenny Leonard — is now voiced by actor Alex Désert (“Better Things”). Désert replaces Hank Azaria in the role, at least for that episode.
The switch comes as “The Simpsons” producers confirmed earlier this summer that it would no longer have white actors voice non-white characters. Azaria had voiced Carl, who is Black, since the beginning of the show.
It’s unclear whether Désert is Carl’s permanent voice, and if he’ll be voicing other characters as well. Among other recurring characters the edict might impact include Dr. Julius Hibbert, who is seen in the episode, but doesn’t speak.
Désert also voices Swarm on Disney Xd’s “Spider-Man: Maximum Venom” and Mr. Bojenkins on Adult Swim...
- 9/24/2020
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
The Simpsons actor Harry Shearer, who gives voice to characters ranging from elderly miser Mr. Burns to the unflappable African-American physician Dr. Julius Hibbert, isn’t quite in agreement with the long-running show’s recent decision to stop using white actors for non-white characters.
“I have a very simple belief about acting,” Shearer said Monday during an interview on Times Radio. “The job of the actor is to play someone who they’re not.”
The issue has been a source of debate with regard to Fox’s The Simpsons since Hari Kondabolu’s 2017 documentary The Problem with Apu and last year’s announcement by Hank Azaria, Apu’s portrayer, to step away from the role.
Though Shearer pointed out that he was not “opining” on whether the producers’ recent decision was a mistake, the actor said about playing a range of characters, “That’s the gig. That’s the job description.
“I have a very simple belief about acting,” Shearer said Monday during an interview on Times Radio. “The job of the actor is to play someone who they’re not.”
The issue has been a source of debate with regard to Fox’s The Simpsons since Hari Kondabolu’s 2017 documentary The Problem with Apu and last year’s announcement by Hank Azaria, Apu’s portrayer, to step away from the role.
Though Shearer pointed out that he was not “opining” on whether the producers’ recent decision was a mistake, the actor said about playing a range of characters, “That’s the gig. That’s the job description.
- 8/4/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Apple’s “Central Park” animated series is feeling more like a “Hamilton” reunion by the second.
Exactly a month after Kristen Bell announced she was stepping away from voicing the mixed-race character Molly, Apple has found her replacement in the form of “Hamilton” alumna and “Umbrella Academy” star Emmy Raver-Lampman.
She will become the show’s third prominent former “Hamilton” cast member, joining Leslie Odom Jr. (who plays Molly’s father Owen Tillerman) and Daveed Diggs (who voices the assistant to Stanley Tucci’s tyrannical Bitsy Brandenham).
The re-casting comes amid a racial reckoning in the animated space, which has seen multiple white actors stop voicing characters of color.
Bell’s removal from the role was announced in late June via a lengthy statement from the show’s creative team, which said that “casting of the character of Molly is an opportunity to get representation right – to cast a Black...
Exactly a month after Kristen Bell announced she was stepping away from voicing the mixed-race character Molly, Apple has found her replacement in the form of “Hamilton” alumna and “Umbrella Academy” star Emmy Raver-Lampman.
She will become the show’s third prominent former “Hamilton” cast member, joining Leslie Odom Jr. (who plays Molly’s father Owen Tillerman) and Daveed Diggs (who voices the assistant to Stanley Tucci’s tyrannical Bitsy Brandenham).
The re-casting comes amid a racial reckoning in the animated space, which has seen multiple white actors stop voicing characters of color.
Bell’s removal from the role was announced in late June via a lengthy statement from the show’s creative team, which said that “casting of the character of Molly is an opportunity to get representation right – to cast a Black...
- 7/24/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
The Simpsons will no longer feature white actors voicing non-white characters, according to Variety. The Simpsons producers did not say whether the roles will be recast or written-out.
“Moving forward, The Simpsons will no longer have white actors voice non-white characters,” the producers said in a statement.
The Fox series made a similar action three years ago, in response to Hari Kondabolu’s TruTV documentary The Trouble With Apu. Hank Azaria, who voiced the Indian-American Kwik-e-Mart owner Apu Nahasapeemapetilon for more than 30 years, stepped down from the role. The new mandate may bring the character back with a more appropriate actor in the part. Matt Groening said the character will remain as recently as last summer. Tress MacNeille voices Manjula Nahasapeemapetilon. Harry Shearer voices Apu’s brother Sanjay and Dr. Julius Hibbert, who is a spoof of Bill Cosby’s Dr. Huxtable character.
Azaria also voices Drederick Tatum, who is based on Mike Tyson,...
“Moving forward, The Simpsons will no longer have white actors voice non-white characters,” the producers said in a statement.
The Fox series made a similar action three years ago, in response to Hari Kondabolu’s TruTV documentary The Trouble With Apu. Hank Azaria, who voiced the Indian-American Kwik-e-Mart owner Apu Nahasapeemapetilon for more than 30 years, stepped down from the role. The new mandate may bring the character back with a more appropriate actor in the part. Matt Groening said the character will remain as recently as last summer. Tress MacNeille voices Manjula Nahasapeemapetilon. Harry Shearer voices Apu’s brother Sanjay and Dr. Julius Hibbert, who is a spoof of Bill Cosby’s Dr. Huxtable character.
Azaria also voices Drederick Tatum, who is based on Mike Tyson,...
- 6/27/2020
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
“The Simpsons” won’t have any repeats of Hank Azaria voicing Apu.
The producers behind the show issued a statement Friday saying that from now on, its characters of color will be voiced by actors of color only.
“Moving forward, ‘The Simpsons’ will no longer have white actors voice non-white characters,” the statement read.
News of the decision comes less than an hour after Mike Henry announced he will no longer voice the character of Cleveland Brown on fellow Fox animated comedy “Family Guy.”
“The Simpsons” has been subject to heavy criticism over the last few years on this issue, most notably over Azaria playing the Indian character Apu, and this statement represents a substantial shift from the producers’ historical stance on the matter. Azaria announced that he was stepping away from voicing the character in January. Calls for him to do so intensified following the 2017 documentary “The Problem With Apu,...
The producers behind the show issued a statement Friday saying that from now on, its characters of color will be voiced by actors of color only.
“Moving forward, ‘The Simpsons’ will no longer have white actors voice non-white characters,” the statement read.
News of the decision comes less than an hour after Mike Henry announced he will no longer voice the character of Cleveland Brown on fellow Fox animated comedy “Family Guy.”
“The Simpsons” has been subject to heavy criticism over the last few years on this issue, most notably over Azaria playing the Indian character Apu, and this statement represents a substantial shift from the producers’ historical stance on the matter. Azaria announced that he was stepping away from voicing the character in January. Calls for him to do so intensified following the 2017 documentary “The Problem With Apu,...
- 6/26/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
“The Simpsons” will no longer have white actors voice non-white characters on the show, Fox announced on Friday.
“Moving forward, ‘The Simpsons’ will no longer have white actors voice nonwhite characters,” the network said in a brief statement.
The pledge follows the announcement by “Family Guy” star Mike Henry earlier on Friday that he would step away from the Fox sitcom as the longtime voice of the Black character Cleveland Brown.
Also Read: 'Family Guy' Actor Mike Henry Will No Longer Voice Black Character
This is not the first time “The Simpsons” has had to reckon with race in voice casting. Hank Azaria announced back in January that he would stop voicing the Indian American convenience-store proprietor Apu Nahasapeemapetilon after taking heavy criticism, including in a 2017 documentary titled “The Problem With Apu” by comedian Hari Kondabolu.
“My eyes have been opened,” Azaria said in an interview about the criticism at the time.
“Moving forward, ‘The Simpsons’ will no longer have white actors voice nonwhite characters,” the network said in a brief statement.
The pledge follows the announcement by “Family Guy” star Mike Henry earlier on Friday that he would step away from the Fox sitcom as the longtime voice of the Black character Cleveland Brown.
Also Read: 'Family Guy' Actor Mike Henry Will No Longer Voice Black Character
This is not the first time “The Simpsons” has had to reckon with race in voice casting. Hank Azaria announced back in January that he would stop voicing the Indian American convenience-store proprietor Apu Nahasapeemapetilon after taking heavy criticism, including in a 2017 documentary titled “The Problem With Apu” by comedian Hari Kondabolu.
“My eyes have been opened,” Azaria said in an interview about the criticism at the time.
- 6/26/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Mike Henry is exiting his role as Cleveland Brown on “Family Guy.”
Henry made the announcement Friday on Twitter. “It’s been an honor to play Cleveland on Family Guy for 20 years,” he wrote. “I love this character, but persons of color should play characters of color. Therefore, I will be stepping down from the role.”
Henry has been with “Family Guy” since its first season in 1999. In addition to Cleveland, he also voices Consuela, a Latina maid, on the long-running animated series in addition to numerous other minor characters. Henry also voiced Cleveland and his Black stepson, Rallo Tubbs, on the spin-off series “The Cleveland Show,” which aired on Fox for four seasons from 2009 to 2013.
He is now the latest white actor to announce they will no longer voice a character of color on an animated show. Jenny Slate announced on Wednesday that she would no longer play the...
Henry made the announcement Friday on Twitter. “It’s been an honor to play Cleveland on Family Guy for 20 years,” he wrote. “I love this character, but persons of color should play characters of color. Therefore, I will be stepping down from the role.”
Henry has been with “Family Guy” since its first season in 1999. In addition to Cleveland, he also voices Consuela, a Latina maid, on the long-running animated series in addition to numerous other minor characters. Henry also voiced Cleveland and his Black stepson, Rallo Tubbs, on the spin-off series “The Cleveland Show,” which aired on Fox for four seasons from 2009 to 2013.
He is now the latest white actor to announce they will no longer voice a character of color on an animated show. Jenny Slate announced on Wednesday that she would no longer play the...
- 6/26/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
You know when someone is about to do something they shouldn't and they have one moment for a pithy remark, so they always say something like, "I'd rather ask for forgiveness than get permission"? That's basically how Hollywood has always operated when it comes to casting white people in roles that could go to a person of color. The same goes for voice acting, though many find it irrational to throw judgment because it's just someone's voice, not their actual person. Then, when the societal climate changes and the industry tries to meet the moment by rectifying their mistake, they usually get the same two responses: praise for making a change and vitriol for succumbing to the "agenda."
Most recently, folks have been getting up in arms about Jenny Slate and Kristen Bell's decisions to quit their voice work on Netflix's Big Mouth and Apple TV+'s Central Park as Missy and Molly,...
Most recently, folks have been getting up in arms about Jenny Slate and Kristen Bell's decisions to quit their voice work on Netflix's Big Mouth and Apple TV+'s Central Park as Missy and Molly,...
- 6/26/2020
- by Mekishana Pierre
- Popsugar.com
Since the late ’90s, young Indian Americans have dominated the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee, which offers a competitive spelling stage each spring to hundreds of bright young minds, all 14 and younger. Over the years, the bee has broken into mainstream consciousness, thanks to wild winner stories and a growing interest in its competitive nature. In 2002, Jeffrey Blitz’s Oscar-nominated documentary “Spellbound” meticulously chronicled all the drama of the 1999 competition, unknowingly setting the stage for its inspiring followup, Sam Rega’s “Spelling the Dream.”
Anyone who has watched “Spellbound” — and that seems to include all of the central players in Rega’s film — surely remembers that year’s ultimate winner, Nupur Lala, whose big win unknowingly kicked off years of Indian American dominance at the annual event. Lala, who pops up as one of the doc’s many compelling talking heads (all of whom are of Indian descent and offer...
Anyone who has watched “Spellbound” — and that seems to include all of the central players in Rega’s film — surely remembers that year’s ultimate winner, Nupur Lala, whose big win unknowingly kicked off years of Indian American dominance at the annual event. Lala, who pops up as one of the doc’s many compelling talking heads (all of whom are of Indian descent and offer...
- 6/3/2020
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Forget about spelling them. There are words in “Spelling the Dream” that mere mortals may not even be able to say, even after a spelling bee pronouncer repeats it, gives the language of origin, repeats it again and uses it in a sentence. But the young’uns in this entertaining documentary — about the dominance of South Asian kids in the nation’s No. 1 spelling bee — appear undaunted.
Available on Netflix, “Spelling the Dream” begins with arguably its most exuberant moment: 2019’s Scripps National Spelling in which, after 20 rounds, eight kids tied for the title. Cue the parental fist pumps and roars. Seven of the winners were of South Asian or Indian descent; just one was white. When the kids did a victory lap and appeared on Jimmy Kimmel’s show, he looked at the light-haired girl and said, “What kind of name is Erin?”
“Spelling the Dream” provides some answers...
Available on Netflix, “Spelling the Dream” begins with arguably its most exuberant moment: 2019’s Scripps National Spelling in which, after 20 rounds, eight kids tied for the title. Cue the parental fist pumps and roars. Seven of the winners were of South Asian or Indian descent; just one was white. When the kids did a victory lap and appeared on Jimmy Kimmel’s show, he looked at the light-haired girl and said, “What kind of name is Erin?”
“Spelling the Dream” provides some answers...
- 6/1/2020
- by Lisa Kennedy
- Variety Film + TV
Mira, Royal Detective – Disney Junior hosted the world premiere of upcoming animated series “Mira, Royal Detective” at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, CA on Saturday, March 7. Cast members including Freida Pinto, Utkarsh Ambudkar and Leela Ladnier were joined by special guests and their families. Debuting March 20, 2020 in the U.S. and India, the series is set in the magical Indian-inspired land of Jalpur and follows the brave and resourceful Mira, a young girl who is appointed to the role of royal detective by the Queen. (Disney Junior/Image Group La)
Joe D’Ambrosia, Shagorika Ghosh Perkins (Cultural Consultant), Becca Topol (Story Editor), Deepak Ramapriyan (Musical Consultant), Amritha Vaz (Composer), Sascha Paladino (Executive Producer), Nakul Dev Mahajan (Bollywood Choreographer), Diane Ikemiyashiro
The exciting new Disney Junior show titled Mira, Royal Detective is getting ready for it’s worldwide debut. Mira, Royal Detective is an animated mystery-adventure series for preschoolers inspired by...
Joe D’Ambrosia, Shagorika Ghosh Perkins (Cultural Consultant), Becca Topol (Story Editor), Deepak Ramapriyan (Musical Consultant), Amritha Vaz (Composer), Sascha Paladino (Executive Producer), Nakul Dev Mahajan (Bollywood Choreographer), Diane Ikemiyashiro
The exciting new Disney Junior show titled Mira, Royal Detective is getting ready for it’s worldwide debut. Mira, Royal Detective is an animated mystery-adventure series for preschoolers inspired by...
- 3/10/2020
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Actor Hank Azaria has expanded on his reasons for no longer voicing the character of Kwik-e-Mart proprietor Apu Nahasapeemapetilon on the animated series The Simpsons.
In a long New York Times interview with culture writer Dave Itzkoff, Azaria said that voicing the character “just didn’t feel right” after criticisms of its stereotyping emerged. Azaria first disclosed his decision in an interview at the Television Critics Assn. winter gathering.
The Simpsons producers said in a statement that “We respect Hank’s journey in regard to Apu. We have granted his wish to no longer voice the character.” However, they refused to rule out another actor voicing the character or continuing with Apu on the show. “Apu is beloved worldwide. We love him too. Stay tuned.”
Azaria has done many voices on the show in addition to Apu (introduced in 1990), including bartender Mo, Chief Wiggum, and Professor Frink. But Apu and his catchphrase,...
In a long New York Times interview with culture writer Dave Itzkoff, Azaria said that voicing the character “just didn’t feel right” after criticisms of its stereotyping emerged. Azaria first disclosed his decision in an interview at the Television Critics Assn. winter gathering.
The Simpsons producers said in a statement that “We respect Hank’s journey in regard to Apu. We have granted his wish to no longer voice the character.” However, they refused to rule out another actor voicing the character or continuing with Apu on the show. “Apu is beloved worldwide. We love him too. Stay tuned.”
Azaria has done many voices on the show in addition to Apu (introduced in 1990), including bartender Mo, Chief Wiggum, and Professor Frink. But Apu and his catchphrase,...
- 2/27/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Hank Azaria officially announced back in January that he would no longer be voicing the character of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon on The Simpsons, following years of controversy surrounding the Kwik-e-Mart proprietor. The Apu controversy was intensified following the release of Hari Kondabolu's 2017 documentary The Problem With Apu, which explained why Apu is an offensive stereotype of South Asian…...
- 2/26/2020
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
It has been over two years since anyone has heard a word from The Simpsons' Kwik-e-Mart clerk Apu — a silence that looks to be indefinite following Hank Azaria's confirmation to The New York Times on Tuesday that he will no longer voice the character.
Apu Nahasapeemapetilon's transition from a classic to controversial character on the Fox series, now in its 31st season, came shortly after comedian Hari Kondabolu criticized the character for being a racist depiction of Indian Americans in his 2017 documentary, The Problem With Apu.
In the wake of the doc, a wave of criticism followed ...
Apu Nahasapeemapetilon's transition from a classic to controversial character on the Fox series, now in its 31st season, came shortly after comedian Hari Kondabolu criticized the character for being a racist depiction of Indian Americans in his 2017 documentary, The Problem With Apu.
In the wake of the doc, a wave of criticism followed ...
- 2/26/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Hank Azaria reflected on his decision to stop voicing Apu on The Simpsons in an interview with The New York Times.
The actor announced his decision last month amid a growing backlash against the Indian American convenience-store owner and the stereotypes he pushed. “Once I realized that that was the way this character was thought of, I just didn’t want to participate in it anymore,” Azaria said. “It just didn’t feel right.”
In a statement, the executive producers of The Simpsons said: “We respect Hank’s journey in regard to Apu.
The actor announced his decision last month amid a growing backlash against the Indian American convenience-store owner and the stereotypes he pushed. “Once I realized that that was the way this character was thought of, I just didn’t want to participate in it anymore,” Azaria said. “It just didn’t feel right.”
In a statement, the executive producers of The Simpsons said: “We respect Hank’s journey in regard to Apu.
- 2/25/2020
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Hank Azaria announced in January he would be stepping away from voicing Apu on “The Simpsons” following years of controversy over his stereotypical portrayal, and the actor says in a new interview with The New York Times that he was unaware one of the major inspirations for Apu was racist to begin with. Azaria tells The Times writer Dave Itzkoff that he based Apu not only on Indian and Pakistani clerks he heard in New York City but also on Peter Sellers’ character in Blake Edwards’ 1968 comedy “The Party.” The movie stars Sellers as Hrundi V. Bakshi, an unknown Indian film actor who mistakenly finds himself invited to an exclusive Hollywood party. Sellers dons brownface in the film. The character inspired such prolific characters as Azaria’s Apu and Rowan Atkinson’s Mr. Bean.
“That represents a real blind spot I had,” Azaria told The Times “with some disappointment” about...
“That represents a real blind spot I had,” Azaria told The Times “with some disappointment” about...
- 2/25/2020
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Hank Azaria is leaving his role as Apu on The Simpsons after voicing the character for over 30 years. It's been nearly two years since Hari Kondabolu's TruTV documentary, The Problem With Apu, pointed out, well, for lack of better words, the problem with Azaria's portrayal of the character. Since then, there's been much discussion about the future of the character among fans of the show, critics and the producers of The Simpsons. And, until now, it seemed Apu was here to stay, for better or worse. But, it seems common sense has kicked in since Slashfilm is reporting Azaria is leaving the show. At the TCAs Azaria told the outlet, "All we know there is I won't be doing the voice...
- 1/18/2020
- E! Online
While no official statement from the series and its representatives has emerged so far, “The Simpsons” voice actor Hank Azaria has revealed in a new interview with /Film that he will no longer voice Apu, the Indian immigrant proprietor of the Kwik-e-Mart on the beloved animated show. In the interview, which took place during the ongoing TCA tour in Southern California, Azaria said, “I won’t be doing the voice anymore, unless there’s some way to transition it or something…What they’re going to do with the character is their call,” referring to the series’ creative team that includes executive producers Matt Groening and James L. Brooks. “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.”
Azaria has contributed voice work to the series since it began in 1989, and his character...
Azaria has contributed voice work to the series since it began in 1989, and his character...
- 1/17/2020
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Big news coming out of Springfield: The Simpsons star Hank Azaria says he’ll no longer be the voice of Apu on the show.
“All we know there is I won’t be doing the voice anymore, unless there’s some way to transition it or something,” Azaria told Slashfilm at the Television Critics Association winter press tour on Thursday. “We all made the decision together… We all agreed on it. We all feel like it’s the right thing and good about it.”
More from TVLineSouth Park Tackles Apu Controversy, Calls on Fox to #CancelTheSimpsonsQuantico Star Priyanka Chopra:...
“All we know there is I won’t be doing the voice anymore, unless there’s some way to transition it or something,” Azaria told Slashfilm at the Television Critics Association winter press tour on Thursday. “We all made the decision together… We all agreed on it. We all feel like it’s the right thing and good about it.”
More from TVLineSouth Park Tackles Apu Controversy, Calls on Fox to #CancelTheSimpsonsQuantico Star Priyanka Chopra:...
- 1/17/2020
- TVLine.com
Hank Azaria says he is officially stepping down as the voice of Apu on “The Simpsons.”
“I won’t be doing the voice anymore, unless there’s someway to transition it or something,” Azaria said in an interview with SlashFilm. “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.”
Reps for the show declined to comment. Reps for Azaria did not immediately return Variety‘s request for comment.
Calls for Azaria, who has voiced the Indian Kwik-e-Mart owner for decades, to stop playing Apu intensified in 2017 after comedian Hari Kondabolu released the documentary “The Problem With Apu.” The doc explored how people of South Asian descent felt about growing up with Apu as one of their only representatives on American television.
“I won’t be doing the voice anymore, unless there’s someway to transition it or something,” Azaria said in an interview with SlashFilm. “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.”
Reps for the show declined to comment. Reps for Azaria did not immediately return Variety‘s request for comment.
Calls for Azaria, who has voiced the Indian Kwik-e-Mart owner for decades, to stop playing Apu intensified in 2017 after comedian Hari Kondabolu released the documentary “The Problem With Apu.” The doc explored how people of South Asian descent felt about growing up with Apu as one of their only representatives on American television.
- 1/17/2020
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
/Film has been covering the issue of Apu on The Simpsons since Hank Azaria addressed Hari Kondabolu’s documentary The Problem with Apu two years ago. The issue gained more attention when The Simpsons produced an episode, “No Good Read Goes Unpunished”, that specifically addressed it. Voice actor Hank Azaria told Stephen Colbert he would be […]
The post ‘The Simpsons’ Star Hank Azaria Will No Longer Voice Apu [TCA 2020] appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘The Simpsons’ Star Hank Azaria Will No Longer Voice Apu [TCA 2020] appeared first on /Film.
- 1/17/2020
- by Fred Topel
- Slash Film
During the Vanity Fair Summit, Patriot Act creator and host Hasan Minhaj and Sunnyside star and host Kal Penn stepped on to the stage for conversation dubbed “The Standup Citizen”.
“We’re part of the Brown Illuminati,” Minhaj announced.
Penn added, “Yes, Priyanka and Mindy were not available — but we’re here!”
They sat down and Minhaj immediately jokingly asked the audience, “Who of you can tell us apart?” One person raised their hand as the audience laughed before they showed an image of them with fellow South Asian comedians Hari Kondabolu, Aasif Mandvi and Joe Biden.
The conversation then led to world leaders — specifically Justin Trudeau. “We both came dressed like him today,” quipped Minhaj. It took a while for the audience to catch on to the crack referring to the brown face controversy the Canadian Prime Minister was faced with earlier this year.
A clip from Patriot Act...
“We’re part of the Brown Illuminati,” Minhaj announced.
Penn added, “Yes, Priyanka and Mindy were not available — but we’re here!”
They sat down and Minhaj immediately jokingly asked the audience, “Who of you can tell us apart?” One person raised their hand as the audience laughed before they showed an image of them with fellow South Asian comedians Hari Kondabolu, Aasif Mandvi and Joe Biden.
The conversation then led to world leaders — specifically Justin Trudeau. “We both came dressed like him today,” quipped Minhaj. It took a while for the audience to catch on to the crack referring to the brown face controversy the Canadian Prime Minister was faced with earlier this year.
A clip from Patriot Act...
- 10/22/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
The makers of "The Simpsons" have discussed potential Disney spinoffs and also confirmed that the Indian character Apu in the animated show will remain.
Homer, Marge and other "The Simpsons" character are now part of the Disney family and made their first appearance at the Mouse House's D23 Expo convention, where the show's producers were asked plenty of questions about what the relocation as part of the Disney-Fox merger means for the series, reports variety.com.
Also Read:?Awkwafina to star in an upcoming animated film
The assembled "Simpsons" team spoke about the ever-present question of a second movie outing for the characters, with executive producer Al Jean teasing that they "have talked about it" with Disney, as well as ideas for potential spinoff series.
"Disney would be supportive of anything we wanted to do, maybe a crazy limited series with a side character or a movie that we surprise you with,...
Homer, Marge and other "The Simpsons" character are now part of the Disney family and made their first appearance at the Mouse House's D23 Expo convention, where the show's producers were asked plenty of questions about what the relocation as part of the Disney-Fox merger means for the series, reports variety.com.
Also Read:?Awkwafina to star in an upcoming animated film
The assembled "Simpsons" team spoke about the ever-present question of a second movie outing for the characters, with executive producer Al Jean teasing that they "have talked about it" with Disney, as well as ideas for potential spinoff series.
"Disney would be supportive of anything we wanted to do, maybe a crazy limited series with a side character or a movie that we surprise you with,...
- 8/26/2019
- GlamSham
“The Simpsons” has never shied away from lampooning Disney over the years, but maybe that’s no longer the case.
Homer, Marge and co. are of course now part of the Disney family and made their first appearance at the Mouse House’s D23 Expo convention, where the show’s producers were asked plenty of questions about what the relocation as part of the Disney-Fox merger means for the series.
The assembled “Simpsons” gang addressed the ever-present question of a second movie outing for the characters, with executive producer Al Jean teasing that they “have talked about it” with Disney, as well as ideas for potential spinoff series.
“I think Disney would be supportive of anything we wanted to do, maybe a crazy limited series with a side character or a movie that we surprised you with, they’ve been really creatively supportive and this is going to afford...
Homer, Marge and co. are of course now part of the Disney family and made their first appearance at the Mouse House’s D23 Expo convention, where the show’s producers were asked plenty of questions about what the relocation as part of the Disney-Fox merger means for the series.
The assembled “Simpsons” gang addressed the ever-present question of a second movie outing for the characters, with executive producer Al Jean teasing that they “have talked about it” with Disney, as well as ideas for potential spinoff series.
“I think Disney would be supportive of anything we wanted to do, maybe a crazy limited series with a side character or a movie that we surprised you with, they’ve been really creatively supportive and this is going to afford...
- 8/24/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
The Simpsons has been renewed by Fox for a 31st and 32nd season, which will bring them to a record-shattering 713 episodes by the end of the deal. “Woo hoo! 32 Seasons!” Homer Simpson said in a statement. “Watch your back Meet the Press.”
Read: 150 Best ‘Simpsons’ Episodes
And while they’re likely to never catch up to the 70 season run of Meet The Press, The Simpsons is still the longest running scripted prime-time series in the history of American television. They pulled ahead of Gunsmoke in April of 2018, though the classic...
Read: 150 Best ‘Simpsons’ Episodes
And while they’re likely to never catch up to the 70 season run of Meet The Press, The Simpsons is still the longest running scripted prime-time series in the history of American television. They pulled ahead of Gunsmoke in April of 2018, though the classic...
- 2/6/2019
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
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