Featured Image Credit: Fox/Disney
Topics: Film and TV, The Simpsons, Viral, Twitter
Emily Brown
Fans of The Simpsons have been left shocked by changes to the voice of Mr Burns after a clip from the latest season of the show went viral.
Considering the beloved animated series has been running for more than 30 years, it's understandable that the show has gone through a few changes.
Without even going in to all the ways the show has moved on visually, the characters have also undergone changes to their voices as the actors behind them found their style or even changed over the years.
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Mr Burns is one of the long-running characters who has been voiced by different people since the show began, with the late actor Christopher Collins initially bringing to life Homer's boss.
The role was later taken over by Harry Shearer, who has also provided the voice for Principal Skinner, Kent Brockman, Waylon Smithers, Ned Flanders and Reverend Lovejoy, among others.
So just a few characters, then.
Shearer, who is now 80-years-old, continues to voice characters in what is now the 35th season of The Simpsons, but fans have noticed that Mr Burns' voice has changed somewhat over the years.
One fan took to X to share their thoughts on the changes as they shared a clip of Mr Burns from the latest season.
They claimed Mr Burns' voice sounded 'brutal' and called for the creators of The Simpsons to 'Let these people (the actors) retire in peace'.
Another X user said it was 'sad to hear' the changes in Mr Burns' voice, while one shared the clip and wrote: "I promise you are not prepared for how atrocious Mr Burns’ voices sounds in this."
On the other hand, some fans of the show have argued that no one is 'forcing' Shearer to continue the role, noting the actor is still being paid good money for his involvement.
Shearer himself has commented on his involvement in The Simpsons in 2023, and admitted his belief that 'the show had a sharper edge earlier on'.
However, he told The Independent the series is 'still a very funny show'.
He went on to make clear he was still happy to be involved, saying: "It’s been a godsend. You know, the idea of having a job in show business that lasts for 35 years? 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.”
UNILAD has contacted a representative for Shearer for comment.