20 Celebs You Didn’t Know Voiced Anime Characters
Anime English dubs have featured some major stars in roles you might not expect. Many of these recordings happened quietly in between live action projects, so plenty of viewers never realized they were hearing a familiar voice behind a beloved character.
From Studio Ghibli adventures to action packed series, these performances brought anime to a wider audience and helped new fans jump in. Here are twenty celebrities who stepped into the booth and gave life to memorable characters.
Christian Bale as Howl in ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’
Christian Bale voices the mysterious wizard Howl in the English dub of the Studio Ghibli fantasy. He brings a smooth and assured tone to a character who carries a floating castle across the countryside while keeping a dangerous war at bay.
His performance anchors scenes with Sophie as she navigates a curse and discovers the magic that powers the castle. The role called for warmth and intensity, and his voice guides listeners through the film’s shifting landscapes and spells.
Lauren Bacall as the Witch of the Waste in ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’
Lauren Bacall plays the Witch of the Waste, a powerful figure who sets the story in motion by cursing Sophie. Her rich and commanding delivery makes every scene with the witch feel weighty and precise.
The character transforms through the story, and her voice tracks that change with careful control. The result is a performance that adds depth to the film’s themes of aging, pride, and forgiveness.
Claire Danes as San in ‘Princess Mononoke’
Claire Danes voices San, the wolf raised warrior who fights to protect the forest. Her delivery captures the urgency of San’s mission as she clashes with humans over the fate of the land.
The English track matches her voice to swift action scenes and quieter moments with the forest spirits. Listeners can follow San’s resolve through every confrontation and truce.
Gillian Anderson as Moro in ‘Princess Mononoke’
Gillian Anderson brings a cool and resonant voice to Moro, the wolf goddess who raised San. Her lines carry the authority of an ancient guardian who speaks for the forest and its creatures.
The performance helps ground the film’s debate about nature and industry. Each exchange with human characters adds weight to the story’s central conflict.
Billy Crudup as Ashitaka in ‘Princess Mononoke’
Billy Crudup voices Ashitaka, the prince who seeks a cure and a path to peace. His calm and steady delivery supports the character’s role as a mediator in a world split by fear and ambition.
The English dub tracks Ashitaka’s journey across villages, forests, and ironworks. His voice keeps the focus on empathy and responsibility as the story pushes toward resolution.
Patrick Stewart as Lord Yupa in ‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’
Patrick Stewart gives voice to Lord Yupa, a master swordsman and mentor figure. His controlled and thoughtful delivery adds stature to a character who moves carefully through danger and politics.
The role supports Nausicaä as she studies the toxic jungle and searches for answers. His presence in key scenes highlights wisdom and restraint amid chaos.
Uma Thurman as Kushana in ‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’
Uma Thurman voices Kushana, a determined military leader with complex goals. Her measured delivery conveys authority in battle briefings and tense negotiations.
The character’s tactics shape the conflict around the valley and the jungle. Her voice performance helps draw clear lines between strategy, loyalty, and survival.
Shia LaBeouf as Asbel in ‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’
Shia LaBeouf plays Asbel, a pilot whose path collides with Nausicaä during a crisis. His energetic delivery fits the speed and urgency of aerial chases and rescue scenes.
Asbel’s scenes reveal new information about the world beyond the valley. The voice work supports fast shifts from action to discovery.
Anna Paquin as Sheeta in ‘Castle in the Sky’
Anna Paquin voices Sheeta, a girl with a link to a floating island. Her clear and gentle delivery supports a character who learns to trust her past while escaping sky pirates and soldiers.
The performance carries Sheeta through escapes, mysteries, and a final choice about power. Her voice helps the audience track courage and curiosity through every turn.
Mark Hamill as Muska in ‘Castle in the Sky’
Mark Hamill brings a precise and chilling tone to Muska, the calculating antagonist. His delivery adds sharp edges to a character who seeks control over ancient technology.
The voice performance defines the stakes when the story reaches the island in the sky. Every line signals ambition and threat as secrets come to light.
Dakota Fanning as Satsuki in ‘My Neighbor Totoro’
Dakota Fanning voices Satsuki in the Disney English dub. Her bright and natural delivery fits a big sister who balances school, chores, and caretaking.
The performance pairs well with everyday moments like rain waits, bus rides, and forest visits. Her voice keeps the focus on family and small wonders.
Elle Fanning as Mei in ‘My Neighbor Totoro’
Elle Fanning voices Mei, the curious younger sister who discovers the forest spirits. Her energetic delivery captures exploration, surprise, and the joy of finding new friends.
The role plays off Satsuki’s steadiness and brings a playful rhythm to scenes with Totoro and the Catbus. The voice work helps make routine days feel magical.
Kirsten Dunst as Kiki in ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’
Kirsten Dunst voices Kiki, a young witch who starts a delivery service in a seaside town. Her clear and hopeful delivery supports a story about independence and skill building.
The performance carries Kiki through flights, friendships, and setbacks. Listeners can hear determination grow as she learns how to serve a community.
Phil Hartman as Jiji in ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’
Phil Hartman voices Jiji, Kiki’s talkative cat companion. His timing and crisp delivery make the familiar bond between witch and cat feel lively and helpful.
Jiji guides Kiki through daily problems and tricky deliveries. The voice adds a practical counterpoint that keeps scenes moving and focused.
Michael Keaton as Porco in ‘Porco Rosso’
Michael Keaton voices Porco, a former pilot who works as a bounty hunter while living under a strange curse. His calm and slightly world weary delivery suits a character who navigates air duels and old rivalries.
The performance helps balance adventure with reflection as Porco faces friends and foes. His voice keeps the story centered on skill, honor, and choice.
Anne Hathaway as Haru in ‘The Cat Returns’
Anne Hathaway voices Haru, a student who saves a cat and gets pulled into a kingdom of cats. Her bright and quick delivery tracks Haru’s shift from confusion to confidence.
The role carries the listener through narrow escapes and a daring rescue. Her voice maps each step as Haru learns to trust her own judgment.
Cary Elwes as The Baron in ‘The Cat Returns’
Cary Elwes brings a refined and assured voice to the Baron, a gentleman cat who guides Haru. His delivery matches the character’s calm, collected manner.
The performance supports key scenes inside the cat kingdom and during the escape. Each line adds clarity and purpose to Haru’s path.
Tim Curry as The Cat King in ‘The Cat Returns’
Tim Curry voices the Cat King, a ruler whose plans create trouble for Haru. His rich delivery gives the monarch a larger than life presence that shapes the entire quest.
The performance frames the stakes inside the palace and during the final chase. His voice signals why the heroes must outsmart the royal court.
Cate Blanchett as Granmamare in ‘Ponyo’
Cate Blanchett voices Granmamare, a powerful ocean spirit and mother to Ponyo. Her serene and resonant delivery lends scale to scenes beneath the waves.
The performance supports the film’s themes of care and balance between sea and shore. Her voice adds calm authority during moments of storm and restoration.
Liam Neeson as Fujimoto in ‘Ponyo’
Liam Neeson voices Fujimoto, a caretaker of the sea and Ponyo’s father. His careful and urgent delivery fits a character who watches tides, magic, and human choices.
The role guides the story through rules of the ocean and what happens when those rules bend. His voice sets clear stakes as the town faces rising water and wonder.
Share your favorite surprise casting in the comments and tell us which anime voice you discovered today.