I’m sure everyone knows that a few days ago, the official English cast for The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya was announced via the new episode of the ASOS Brigade. If there’s anyone who’s not familiar with the voice actors, here’s a list of their names, who they’ll be playing in the Haruhi dub, and some of their other anime roles I’m familiar with…
Wendee Lee – as Haruhi
other roles: Ururu(Bleach), Faye(Cowboy Bebop), T.K.(Digimon), Yui(Fushigi Yuugi), Kiyone(Tenchi Muyo!)
Crispin Freeman – as Kyon
other roles: Holland(Eureka 7), Zelgadis(Slayers), Tsume(Wolf’s Rain), Alucard(Hellsing), Hideki(Chobits)
Stephanie Sheh – as Mikuru
other roles: Orihime(Bleach), Eureka(Eureka 7), Hinata(Naruto)
Michelle Ruff – as Yuki
other roles: Rukia(Bleach), Chii(Chobits), Tsukiko(Paranoia Agent)
Johnny Young Bosch – as Itsuki
other roles: Vash(Trigun), Kiba(Wolf’s Rain), Renton(Eureka 7), Ichigo(Bleach)
Bridget Hoffman – as Ryouko
other roles: Rem(Trigun), Miaka(Fushigi Yuugi)
Kari Wahlgren – as Tsuruya-san
other roles: Sher(Wolf’s Rain), Anemone(Eureka 7)
In my opinion, I think the dub will turn out pretty good. Most of these voice actors are very experienced and have done a ton of other anime voices, both major and minor roles, as well as general staff jobs and many non-anime roles too. Johnny and Crispin for example, are two of my most favorite voice actors in the industry, and probably two of the most well-respected among anime fans. So I think Bang Zoom! did a good job of picking the cast that they did. Of course I couldn’t say for sure until the DVDs are actually released, but it really looks like they’re trying to do their best to please fans =) As you can probably tell, I’m not one of those people who despises all anime dubs. Though nowadays I pretty much only watch subtitled anime, I used to watch dubs all the time, and even now I still like them as long as they’re good. There’s no reason why English voice actors can’t be just as talented as Japanese voice actors in anime. Of course, even if you have a good dub, 99% of the time the Japanese version will be better because Japanese actors are naturally more fitting in shows that are intended for a Japanese audience and are endowed with Japanese ideals and culture. But still, I think English voice actors deserve some credit for the many good anime dubs out there. And let’s hope The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya will be among them! ^_^
For once, an American dub cast has me thinking positively. That’s a rather pleasant change, for once.
I also enjoyed Crispin and Bridget’s voice acting in Xenosaga as Albedo and KOS-MOS, respectively.
when will the new dubbed version be coming to the uk?
If you mean the DVDs, I’m not sure but you can probably order them online from some US merchant.
I’ve seen a lot of posts on other blogs saying how horrible the dub is…
but I think it’s going to be good.
I like Crispen Freeman’s work and I noticed a lot of the other voice actors also come from Chobits, which I think was dubbed rather nicely. I can’t wait to get the box set for Haruhi!!
when is Haruhi coming into English version…my gf is bitching at me to find out…she wants to see the American version..ugh..knowing her,shes gona force me to watch it with her…-.-‘…but..this cast sound good…i think it will be good..
The English version has been out for over a year now. You can find the DVDs at Best Buy or other store that sells anime DVDs.