"The Man" to Pokemon voice actors: You're fired!



I don't watch Pokémon with the frequency that I used to (that's for sure), but this news is certainly disheartening: The talented group of actors who've voiced the characters since the show began airing in the US are about to be replaced. Not a few...ALL. Seems that Pokémon USA (the US company that oversees all thing Pokémon) has decided using the original voices is too expensive. Perhaps it's a sign that the anime series just isn't doing as well as it used to. But I doubt any of the actors were pulling in too terribly much to voice these characters to begin with.

Here are a few links on the situation:

Eric Stuart's guestbook
ToonZone.net discussion thread
Pokemon Community board
Anime News Network picks up the story

And a few words from two of the actors, taken from messageboard postings:

Pokemon USA has decided that it's too expensive to use 4Kids and the actors that have made Pokemon the TV show such a success for the last 10 years. They have 'behind our backs' re-cast the show with 'sound-a-likes' to try to save money. They acutally believe the fans don't care. They are starting with the 10 year anniversary special-starring all new voices. The main cast, me included, has taken a lot of pride in the characters we have helped to create. To change now, on the last season, based on greed is a sad example of what big buisness kids marketing really is.

Please spread the word-maybe some fan buzz can stop this tragedy.

Eric 'Brock & James" Stuart

and

Unfortunately, this is very real. We have been informed that Pokemon USA has already made plans to do the Anniversary special with substitute voices. Apparently, they haven't made a firm decision on the next season yet. None of us have been formally asked to do the show, we've simply been told we'll be replaced. Pokemon USA has made no effort to negotiate with 4kids, simply feeling that getting a cheaper rate to dub the show is enough. They care nothing for the quality. They will be using new script writers, voices, music, etc. We (the voice actors and those at 4kids who work so hard on the show) are all extremely upset as we care very much for Pokemon and what we've worked to create. However, there is nothing that we can do. It seems that the only recourse is for fans to write to Pokemon USA and tell them how wrong their decision is and how it will adversely affect the show.

Thanks for your concern. Please spread the word and let's all try to work together to right this wrong before it's too late.

Veronica Taylor (voice of Ash and others)

It'd be a shame if they switched all the actors (soundalikes just wouldn't be the same on the entire cast), but on the other hand not too many US cartoons keep the same voice actors forever. Just hate to see a great group of people get screwed over. :'( These people love Pokémon and they've done a lot to bring these characters to life in the last 8 or so years.

How would you feel if Optimus Prime or Megatron had a new voice halfway through the series (and not 'cuz the actor died)?

Posted: Mon - March 27, 2006 at 10:53 PM         | |

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