King of the Hill Revival Could Recast Kahn, According to Co-Creator

Article Overview

The King of the Hill revival may recast the character Kahn, acknowledging the debate surrounding White actors voicing characters of different races.

Greg Daniels, the co-creator, has confirmed that if Kahn returns, Toby Huss will not be the voice of the character. This change reflects the shift in voice casting, as the focus now is on diversity and representation rather than budget constraints, which was the case back in 1997.

Co-creator Greg Daniels recently discussed the possibility of recasting the character Kahn in the upcoming revival of King of the Hill. Daniels confirmed that Toby Huss will not be returning to voice Kahn. He expressed his thoughts on the changing landscape of actors voicing characters of different races and ethnicities. Here is Daniels' quote from his conversation with TVLine:

“Not certain if Kahn will return, but it seems probable that Toby’s voice will be replaced with a different actor for Kahn. If we were casting today, we would not have chosen him. However, we made the decision to cast Toby Huss in 1997, primarily for the character of [Hank’s father] Cotton Hill. The character of Kahn was introduced later on. In most animation casts, actors portray multiple roles, and Toby Huss initially played Cotton Hill before taking on the role of Kahn. During that time, it was not common for productions, particularly those with limited budgets, to hire separate actors for each voice. The landscape has since changed.”

There Are Different Layers To The Voice Casting Debate

The issue of White actors dominating voice roles and portraying characters of diverse races and ethnicities has become increasingly prominent in recent years. Within the entertainment industry, there has been a shift towards promoting inclusion both in terms of representation on screen and involvement behind the scenes. In response to this, television shows such as Family Guy, Central Park, and others have taken steps to ensure that White actors are not cast to voice BIPOC characters.

Since 2017, The Simpsons has been a point of controversy due to the portrayal of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon. A documentary called The Problem with Apu delved into the issue of how Apu perpetuated stereotypes about South Asians, sparking further debate. Hank Azaria, who voiced Apu, announced that he would no longer portray the character and expressed regret for doing so. In season 29, episode 1, titled "The Serfsons," Apu had his final speaking role, although he has made subsequent appearances as a background character.

The financial aspect may drive the debate on voice-acting even when the character portrayal is neutral and the representation lacks significance. The predominance of White actors voicing most characters restricts job prospects and advancement opportunities for other groups. Despite efforts to enhance diversity in on-screen roles, these groups still face a disadvantage. Hence, King of the Hill is making a commendable decision.

Editor's P/S

The potential recasting of Kahn in the King of the Hill revival sparks mixed feelings among fans. On one hand, some may feel attached to Toby Huss's portrayal of the character and might be disappointed by the change. On the other hand, others may appreciate the show's commitment to diversity and representation, acknowledging the importance of casting actors who authentically reflect the characters' backgrounds.

The decision to recast Kahn reflects the evolving landscape of voice acting, where there is a growing awareness of the need for accurate representation and inclusivity. By choosing a different actor for the role, the show can demonstrate its commitment to these values and avoid perpetuating stereotypes. It also opens up opportunities for talented actors from diverse backgrounds to lend their voices to animated characters.