Everyone’s favourite family, The Simpsons, could be a little different going forward as it has officially been revealed the show has recast the role of Carl Carlson – at least for the time being.
Mild-mannered Carl was previous played by Simpsons star, Hank Azaria, who voices multiple characters in the longstanding series.
However, The Simpsons and many other TV shows have come under fire for casting white actors in the roles of non-white characters, leading to some change-ups in the show.
Ahead of the show’s 32nd season (which is due to kick off this weekend), The Simpsons team have confirmed that Carl Carlson will now by played by Alex Désert. You might recognise Désert from his roles in shows like Better Call Saul or the television series, The Flash.
The news comes from Variety, where it’s noted that it’s yet to be confirmed whether or not Désert will permanently be playing Carl, or whether this is a one-off episode.
Over on his official Instagram, it’s still not clear whether or not we have our Carl locked down for future episodes. Désert took to the platform to share a news article on the casting, writing: “This has been a rough week. No- year. And then…Yup. This is happening. The resemblance is uncanny! See y’all Sunday!”
Earlier this year, Azaria also confirmed he would not longer be voicing the character of Apu. Controversy around the character’s heavy reliance on Indian stereotypes began some time ago, with Apu’s voice actor officially confirming the news in January.
The Simpsons’ 32nd season begins this Sunday.
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