The Simpsons fans have been left shocked over what sounds like a huge change made to an iconic character.
Viewers have noticed that Mr Burns sounds a little different in recent episodes, and are even suggesting he may be played by someone else.
The beloved sitcom has been on our screens since 1989, with Homer’s evil boss Mr Burns originally being voiced by Christopher Collins.
Harry Shearer, who also voices Ned Flanders and Smithers in The Simpsons, took over the voice of Mr Burns in 1990, and has continued the role for more than three decades.
But viewers have now been commenting that Mr Burns sounds ‘brutal’, even going so far to say that he sounds ‘awful’ and like an impression.
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.
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.’
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The Simpsons is available to stream on Disney Plus.
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