Fans of The Simpsons have been stunned by what appears to be a significant alteration to a popular character.
Viewers have noticed that Mr Burns’ voice has changed in recent episodes, and some have speculated that he may be played by another actor.
The beloved sitcom has been on our screens since 1989, and Christopher Collins first voiced Homer’s nasty boss, Mr Burns.
Harry Shearer, who also voices Ned Flanders and Smithers on The Simpsons, took over the part of Mr Burns in 1990 and has played him for nearly three decades.
However, viewers have since said that Mr Burns sounds ‘brutal’, even going so far as to call him ‘terrible’ and like an impersonation.
Sharing a clip from season 35 episode Thirst Trap: A Corporate Love Story, one viewer, @dropchris1000, said: ‘Burns’ voice is just brutal man. Let these people retire in peace.’
@SkippEdward added: ‘I know it’s inevitable with the age of the voice actors but Mr. Burns voice on the latest episode is really throwing me off.’
@blisssabyss meanwhile said: ‘i think its less that he sounds old and more that he just. doesnt sound like mr burns anymore. like theres more to a voice than age.’
‘If you just posted the voice there would be no way of telling it’s meant to be Burns,’ @bornposting said.
Omg this is awful
— The Wiz (@IAmThatWiz) May 14, 2024
So @TheSimpsons did the voice of burns change or am I hearing something wrong 🤔
— Whitney (@WhiTWhiT_317) May 14, 2024
I know it's inevitable with the age of the voice actors but Mr. Burns voice on the latest episode is really throwing me off.
— Skipp Scoggins (@SkippEdward) May 13, 2024
That voice isn’t even CLOSE
— Mehdi0cre (@BrendanMortimer) May 12, 2024
Other fans however rushed to Shearer’s defence, saying the 80-year-old’s voice now fit Mr Burns perfectly, and sharing their opinions on Marge’s voice instead.
@DocZombieZ said: ‘Honestly, burns voice fits with him now? He sounds perfect now. Marge voice? She needs a rest from breaking her vocal cords for that voice.’
‘It took his Burns voice for people to realize this? Julie Kavner has been sounding like she’s tearing her vocal cords apart doing Marge’s voice for years now. Her Marge is so painful to listen to now,’ @Atomic_Spike added.
Last year, Shearer spoke about the longevity of the cartoon, saying: ‘It’s still a very funny show, I think, and it’s been a godsend.
‘You know, the idea of having a job in show business that lasts for 35 years?’
He added to The Independent: ‘You dangle that in front of anybody, in Hollywood or New York or Pittsburgh… they’ll fall at your feet and kiss your toes. It’s an amazing thing.’
The Simpsons is available to stream on Disney Plus.
