Buzz
With a solid presence in the global film industry, Studio Ghibli consistently attracts iconic figures to lend their voices in their creations. Here are some well-known personalities who have contributed their vocal talents to the studio's films.
Kimura Takuya
In the current era, Kimura Takuya remains an iconic name in Japanese cinema. Starting as a teenage idol singer under Johnny & Associates in the late '80s, he later transitioned to acting, becoming one of the most celebrated male actors in the land of the Rising Sun.
Kimura Takuya has been part of hit films like Long Vacation, Love Generation, and Hero, causing a sensation across Japan and Asia. Known for his unique talent, he was once praised by director Takeshi Kitano. With his handsome, enigmatic appearance, Kimura Takuya was the heartthrob of many young women in the '90s, and he continues to maintain his status in the Japanese showbiz.
In Studio Ghibli, Kimura Takuya collaborated on Howl’s Moving Castle, lending his voice to the protagonist Howl. To this day, Howl remains one of the most beloved Ghibli characters. In 2023, he once again appeared in a Ghibli work with A Youth and a Kite, voicing the father of the main character, Mahito.
Masaki Suda
Masaki Suda stands as one of Japan's most popular young actors today. His journey commenced with roles in the Kamen Rider series, followed by successful ventures like Death Note, Oboreru Knife, Wilderness, and Todome no Kiss. Suda, honored as the youngest Best Leading Actor awardee at the Japan Academy Film Prize, enjoys immense fan support for his beautiful love story with his wife, renowned actress Komatsu Nana.
In voice acting, Masaki Suda has lent his voice to works like Fireworks. In the upcoming collaboration with Studio Ghibli in 2023, he will take on the role of the Kite in the blockbuster A Youth and a Kite.
Ryunosuke Kamiki
Ryunosuke Kamiki is among Japan's top choices for the 'most famous male actors who have voiced Ghibli characters.' Active in both acting and voice acting, he first connected with Ghibli at the age of 8, providing his voice for the acclaimed Spirited Away, followed by Howl’s Moving Castle and The Secret World of Arrietty. Additionally, he's renowned for lead roles in other anime hits like Summer Wars by director Mamoru Hosoda and Your Name by director Shinkai Makoto.
Ryunosuke Kamiki's acting career has seen success with major films such as Rurouni Kenshin, As the Gods Will, Fortuna’s Eyes, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, and Last Letter. Upcoming is his return to the screen as the lead in Godzilla Minus One, Japan's most anticipated kaiju blockbuster of the year.
Christian Bale
Renowned English actor Christian Bale has left an indelible mark on 21st-century cinema, participating in major projects such as Little Women, Christopher Nolan's Batman Trilogy, and Terminator.
Recently, the news of Christian Bale lending his voice in the US release of A Youth and a Kite has created a buzz in the film community. However, this isn't Bale's first appearance in a Ghibli film. Rumors circulate that Bale is a devoted Ghibli fan, willing to take any role in Howl’s Moving Castle. He initially expected a small part but ended up voicing the main character Howl, a performance cherished by audiences.
In A Youth and a Kite, Bale will voice Shoichi, Mahito's father. This creates a surprising coincidence with actor Kimura Takuya, both voicing similar roles in both Howl’s Moving Castle and A Youth and a Kite.
Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning
The Fanning sisters, Dakota and Elle, quickly built successful careers in Hollywood, earning acclaim for their angelic beauty and impressive acting. While initially overshadowed by her sister Dakota, Elle Fanning, as she matured, became even more captivating, featuring in major projects like Maleficent and A Rainy Day in New York. In the realm of voice acting, both Fanning sisters lent their voices to the siblings in My Neighbor Totoro.
Liam Neeson
A prominent figure in Hollywood, Liam Neeson is synonymous with numerous 'rescue' roles. He has been part of notable works such as Schindler’s List, Star Wars, Love Actually, the Taken trilogy, and Batman Begins. Neeson also contributed his voice in Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, a renowned Ghibli film, portraying the character Fujimoto alongside Miley Cyrus's sister, Noah Cyrus, and Australian actress Cate Blanchett.
Robert Pattinson
One of Hollywood's freshest faces to join a Studio Ghibli project is Robert Pattinson. Rising to fame after the Twilight romantic saga, Pattinson became one of Hollywood's most notable names. Continuously evolving with diverse roles, he has appeared in both blockbuster and indie films, reshaping his image from the beloved 'handsome vampire' adored by global teens.
In his Ghibli debut, Robert Pattinson will voice the Kite in A Youth and a Kite. Fans are thrilled about Pattinson taking on a lead role in a Ghibli project. The character of the Kite is entrusted to top young male actors in both the Japanese and North American markets. With Christian Bale also joining, A Youth and a Kite becomes even more special as both generations of Batman contribute their voices.
