Hollywood actors' participation in anime productions has contributed to the genre's rising profile in the West over the last several decades. Although most people think of Japanese voice actors when they think of anime, several well-known Hollywood actors have lent their voices to dubs of famous anime programs in English.
Anime has benefited from the increased visibility of these Hollywood actors' work, and they have gained new followers as a result. Throughout the history of anime, from early works like Akira to more current successes like My Hero Academia, Hollywood celebrities have often provided the voices of popular anime characters. This article will focus on the Hollywood actors that have dubbed anime and will examine how their roles have impacted the growth of the anime industry in the West.
7 Kirsten Dunst Voiced Kiki In The English Dub Of Kiki's Delivery Service
Actress Kirsten Dunst voiced the title character, Kiki, in the English version of the anime Kiki's Delivery Service. Dunst's portrayal of Kiki, a young witch who relocates to a new town to launch her own delivery business, was full of energy and optimism.
Dunst's performance brought new dimensions to Kiki's character, evoking the teen's internal conflicts as she dealt with self-doubt and the stresses of maturation via her voice. With roles in films like Interview with the Vampire and Jumanji under her belt, Dunst was an obvious choice to play Kiki. Her portrayal of the lead role was a major reason why the film's English dub is now regarded as a masterpiece by its many devoted fans.
6 Tony Hale Voiced The Joker In Batman Ninja
Tony Hale used his knowledge and imagination to provide his voice for the part of The Joker in the anime Batman Ninja. The anime follows Batman being teleported to medieval Japan. Upon his arrival, he discovers the Joker and other Gotham City criminal lords in charge of the country are a wonderful match for Hale's wry humorous style.
To prepare for the role, Hale researched previous performances and comic book renderings of The Joker to better grasp the character's backstory and quirks before taking on the role. Then he put his own stamp on the character, injecting The Joker with his own comedy and energy while remaining faithful to the villainous origins of the role. Hale, via his voice acting, breathed fresh life into this classic villain, cementing him as an unforgettable figure in the Batman canon.
5 James Marsters Voiced Zamasu in the English adaptation of Dragon Ball Super
James Marsters, a Hollywood actor and singer, provided his voice for Zamasu in the English adaptation of Dragon Ball Super. To most people, Marsters will always be recognized for his depiction of Spike on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Acting abilities in hand, he lent his voice to Dragon Ball Super's Zamasu, a god-like entity with a deep-seated hate of humans. Marsters' acting brought an additional layer of complexity and profundity to the character, which helped to establish him as a memorable and intriguing antagonist in the Dragon Ball Super series.
4 John Cho Voiced The Father In Mirai
Korean-American actor and producer John Cho voiced The Father in the English adaptation of the anime Mirai. Cho has a large fan base because of his appearances in blockbuster movies and TV shows like Star Trek and Harold & Kumar.
Using his acting chops, he provided the voice of The Father in Mirai, a dedicated and loving parent who has challenges in juggling his professional and personal life. With Cho's portrayal, the character became more human and likable than before. His voice work was critical to the movie's success as an emotional exploration of family and love.
3 Liam Neeson Voiced Fujimoto In Ponyo
In the English version of the anime Ponyo, the legendary Irish actor and Hollywood heavyweight Liam Neeson provided the voice of Fujimoto. Fujimoto, Ponyo's biological father and a human scientist who has now embraced his aquatic heritage, is a multifaceted character in the film.
Neeson was a great choice for the part because of his deep, commanding voice and his ability to show both power and tenderness. In order to fully embody the role, Neeson collaborated extensively with the film's director, Hayao Miyazaki. His acting made him one of the movie's most memorable characters.
2 Dakota Fanning Voiced Satsuki Kusakabe In My Neighbor Totoro
Actress Dakota Fanning provided her voice for the English version of My Neighbor Totoro, in which she portrayed Satsuki Kusakabe. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the picture follows two sisters as they relocate to the countryside and make friends with various woodland spirits.
Fanning brought Satsuki to life for English-speaking viewers by capturing the character's young vitality and passion. Her voice work contributed to the film's enduring popularity, endearing My Neighbor Totoro to generations of anime viewers and establishing it as a classic.
1 Samuel L. Jackson Voiced Afro Samurai In Afro Samurai
In the anime of the same name, Samuel L. Jackson provided the voice of the title character, Afro Samurai, whose austere and lethal manner was well suited to Jackson's performance. Jackson's strong, authoritative voice added a new dimension of drama and gravity to the character, which in turn benefited the plot and action of the anime.
Jackson's commitment to the project was shown by the fact that he acted as executive producer in addition to providing his voice for the series. His participation in the production undoubtedly boosted the popularity of the anime, which went on to become a classic in the industry. Fans and critics alike lauded Jackson's performance, further solidifying his reputation as a talented actor who could add new dimensions to any character.