Photo: Monica Schipper / Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival
Monday’s announcement that The Simpsons The reformulation of Dr. Hibbert’s role was just the last step forward for a program that has only recently begun to address criticism of the use of white actors to give voice to characters from ethnic minorities. In an interview with the BBC on Tuesday, creator Matt Groening evaluated the change, admitting that he saw no need to reshape the role. “Times change, but I actually had no problem with the way we were doing this,” he said. “All of our actors play dozens of characters each, it was never designed to exclude anyone.”
When asked if he regretted the program’s initial defensive attitude towards criticism of him after the 2018 documentary The problem with Apu, he replied: “At some point, it doesn’t matter what you say. You’re going to be attacked by anyone, you know? “But he continued, adding,” We are not going out of our way to comfort fanatics. On the other hand, if you make some kind of gesture and people notice a weakness, you will be criticized. “
Groening said he agreed with the need for broader changes across the industry, however. “Intolerance and racism are still an incredible problem and it is good to finally seek more equality and representation,” he said. Then that’s it!