Who Voiced Pikachu in Detective Pikachu?
The highly anticipated movie Detective Pikachu, a live-action/animated hybrid film, was released in 2019. The movie tells the story of a detective who teams up with a talking Pikachu to solve the mystery of his father’s disappearance. The film featured a unique blend of animation and live-action, which raised questions about the voice of Pikachu. In this article, we will dive into the answer to this question and explore the world of voice acting in anime and Hollywood.
What is Voice Acting?
Before we get into who voiced Pikachu, let’s define what voice acting is. Voice acting is the art of providing voices for characters in various forms of media, such as anime, cartoons, video games, and films. Voice actors use their vocal talents to bring characters to life, often using their own voice, accent, and expression to convey emotions and personalities.
The World of Anime Voice Acting
Anime, a style of Japanese animation, has a thriving voice acting industry. Anime voice actors, known as seiyuu, are highly skilled professionals who bring characters to life using their voices. In Japan, voice acting is considered a prestigious career, with many seiyuu members being household names. Anime voice acting is a key element in the success of anime shows and films, as it helps to establish the characters’ personalities and emotions.
Who Voiced Pikachu in Detective Pikachu?
Now, back to the question at hand: who voiced Pikachu in Detective Pikachu? The answer is Ryan Reynolds. Yes, you read that right! Ryan Reynolds, the Canadian actor known for his roles in films like Deadpool and The Proposal, provided the voice of Pikachu in the movie. Reynolds’ voice acting in the film was a game-changer, bringing a new level of humor and charm to the beloved character.
Why Ryan Reynolds?
So, why did the filmmakers choose Ryan Reynolds to voice Pikachu? According to an interview with Detective Pikachu director Rob Letterman, Reynolds was the perfect choice because of his ability to bring a comedic edge to the character. Letterman stated that Reynolds’ humor and wit would be a great fit for Pikachu’s playful and cheeky personality.
Comparing Anime and Hollywood Voice Acting
While anime and Hollywood voice acting share some similarities, there are also significant differences. Here are a few key differences:
• Language: Anime voice acting is typically done in Japanese, while Hollywood voice acting is often done in English.
• Characteristics: Anime voice acting tends to focus on nuance and subtlety, while Hollywood voice acting often emphasizes volume and expression.
• Industry: The anime voice acting industry is highly competitive and hierarchical, with many seiyuu members being part of large talent agencies. In Hollywood, voice acting is often a freelance profession.
Table: Comparison of Anime and Hollywood Voice Acting
| Anime Voice Acting | Hollywood Voice Acting | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Japanese | English |
| Characteristics | Nuance and subtlety | Volume and expression |
| Industry | Competitive and hierarchical | Freelance profession |
Conclusion
Detective Pikachu was a unique film that brought together anime and Hollywood in a live-action/animated hybrid. Ryan Reynolds’ voice acting as Pikachu was a game-changer, bringing humor and charm to the character. While anime and Hollywood voice acting share some similarities, there are also significant differences. As the demand for voice acting continues to grow, it will be exciting to see how the industry evolves and how voice actors like Ryan Reynolds continue to bring characters to life.
