Reimagining Funimation’s Naruto Shippuden Dub: A Fan’s Perspective

Introduction: The world of anime has seen numerous changes over the years, with voice actors and dubs playing a significant role in our emotional connection to iconic characters. In particular, the Netflix re-release of Naruto Shippuden has sparked a wave of discussions among fans regarding the dubbing, which has been handled by Funimation. In this article, we explore the idea of reimagining the Funimation dub, focusing on Naruto himself and the implications of the new voice cast.

The Voice of Naruto: An Important Consideration

The voice of Naruto is an integral part of the character’s journey, reflecting his growth and evolution throughout the series. While many fans appreciated the voice acting by the original voice actor, Gregory Smith, who brought out a youthful innocence in the pre-adolescent Naruto, some argue that the character’s transformation into a teenager calls for a deeper, more mature voice. This shift would not only enhance the narrative but also align with the visual changes brought about by puberty.

During the Naruto Shippuden arc, Naruto’s voice becomes more confident and assertive, a reflection of his character development. Despite the criticism, the original dub’s continuity in voice acting was comforting to many, providing a familiar connection to the character. However, a complete change in the dubbing, as the series progresses, could offer a more authentic representation of his journey and emotional growth.

The Impact of Reimagining the Voice Cast

Should Funimation decide to revoice the series, they have a panel of talented voice actors at their disposal. Maxey Whitehead, known for his roles in children’s programming, brings a fresh perspective to the adult Naruto. Eric Vale, with his experience in portraying older, more complex characters, would lend depth to Sasuke. Luci Christian, known for her lively characterizations, would be perfect for Sakura. J Michael Tatum, with his ability to convey wisdom and authority, would bring a new dynamic to Kakashi, while Justin Cook, known for his deep and resonant voice, would excel in voicing Shikamaru.

Chuck Huber, with his rich, guttural tones, would amplify the intensity in Gaara, and Christopher Sabat, with his commanding presence, would bring more menacing depth to Jiraiya. John Swasey, with his seasoned voice acting skills, would bring a new level of gravitas to Hiruzen, while Ed Blaylock would enhance the villainous aspect of Danzo. Aaron Dismuke’s portrayal of Deidara’s internal struggle and Robert McCollum’s portrayal of Itachi’s complexity would both be elevated with new voices. Meredith McCoy’s character animation for Konan would be complemented by a more robust voice, and Christopher Ayres, known for his ability to portray villainous characters, would add a new layer to Orochimaru. Sean Schemmel, with his unique voice, would be a perfect fit for Tobi, while Bob Carter’s dynamic range would enhance Kurama and the nine-tails fox character. Dameon Clarke, with his deep and commanding voice, would complete the ensemble by bringing a more menacing essence to Madara.

Conclusion

A reimagining of the Funimation dub could offer a richer, more nuanced experience for fans of Naruto Shippuden. The opportunity to evolve the voice acting in accordance with the character’s growth would not only enhance the storytelling but also provide a new perspective on an old favorite. While the original voice acting brought a sense of comfort and familiarity, a fresh voice could spark new emotions and deeper engagement with the series.