Super Electromagnetic Machine Voltes V:The live-action dubbed version of the Philippine film will feature a star-studded cast of voice actors. The main character will be played by Kobayashi Chiaki, while Suwabe Junichi will play the "Prince" of the Boazan Empire. Koichi Makoto, Nakajima Megumi

「ボルテスV レガシー」の日本語吹き替え版の声優陣(C)TOEI Co. Ltd,Telesuccess All Rights Reserved
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「ボルテスV レガシー」の日本語吹き替え版の声優陣(C)TOEI Co. Ltd,Telesuccess All Rights Reserved

The Japanese voice cast for "Voltes V Legacy," a live-action film made in the Philippines based on "Voltes V," a robot anime popular mainly in the 1970s, has been announced, with voice actress Kobayashi Chiaki playing the protagonist Steve Armstrong, pilot of Voltes Machine No. 1. Suwabe Junichi will play Prince Zardoz, a member of the Boazan Empire's royal family and commander of the Earth Conquest Army of the Boazan Empire who becomes Steve and his friends' enemy. When "Voltes V Legacy" was announced, Suwabe posted on his social media that he wanted to play Prince Heinel (Prince Zardoz's name in the original anime), which led to his casting. It was also announced that Kaneshiro Yamato will play Mark Gordon, the pilot of Unit 2 of the Voltes Team, Hanakura Kido will play Big Bert Armstrong, the pilot of Unit 3, Koichi Makoto will play Little John Armstrong, the pilot of Unit 4, and Nakajima Megumi will play Jamie Robinson, the pilot of Unit 5.

The cast of characters from Planet Boazan who plot to conquer Earth with Zardoz was also announced, with Iida Riho playing Zandra, in charge of weapons development, Hiyama Yusaku playing Draco, the strategist, and Echigoya Kosuke playing Zul, the second weapons developer.

Kobayashi commented, "The original anime was not only well-produced, but the performances of the voice actors, who are all senior to me, were unique and made me feel that the characters were truly alive. In the live-action version, I could find many aspects of the production that showed respect for the original work, and as someone who is usually involved in the Japanese anime industry, I felt proud that it is loved even across the ocean. The work carefully depicted family love, so it was easy to empathize with the characters. I got very excited when the shouts and special moves used in the anime appeared (laughs)."

Regarding the character Steve, he said, "Steve is the eldest son of the family, but I also tried to be conscious of the recklessness of a teenager. In the special move scenes, I was careful to balance the intonations of the anime version and the Filipino version. I think this work will be enjoyable not only for those who have supported Voltes V so far, but also for those who are experiencing it for the first time, so I hope you will watch it. Thank you! Let's Volt-in!" Suwabe said, "I'm from the generation that watched the original Super Electromagnetic Machine Voltes V when it was first broadcast. The five machines combine to become a giant robot! It still makes my heart pound. It feels like it's engraved in my DNA. I also knew that it was popular in the Philippines because of the story. I also heard the news early on that a live-action version was going to be made with that enthusiasm. I posted on social media that I wanted to do the voice-over for Heinel (Zardoz), but I never thought it would actually happen... I was really happy when I was chosen to appear." He commented, "When I was acting, I took into consideration the balance with Steve and the others and played a much younger character than I had imagined. I hope I fit in well with the work (laughs). This work really conveys the passion and attention to detail of the creators. I hope that more people will watch it. Thank you!" The trailer for the Japanese dubbed version has been released on YouTube. The video starts with Prince Zardoz, played by Suwabe, saying, "Begin your invasion of Earth," and includes impressive scenes of Steve, played by Kobayashi, shouting during the Voltes V fusion scene and the special move in the battle scene. The theme song, "Voltes V no Uta," is sung by Filipino singer Julie Ann San Jose.

Advance tickets for the film will be sold as Mubichike advance tickets and advance ticket bromides (5 types in total). Mubichike advance tickets will come with an original "Let's Volt In! Smartphone Wallpaper" as a bonus.

"Voltes V Legacy" is a "Super Electromagnetic Edited Version" that has been re-edited to add scenes that were not included in the Philippine version of the film, "Voltes V Legacy." It will be shown for the first time in the world at the Japan premiere to be held at Marunouchi TOEI (Chuo-ku, Tokyo) on September 29th. It will be released on October 18th.

The live-action version will be produced by GMA Network, a terrestrial TV station in the Philippines. A film and a 90-episode TV series were produced. The entire TV series was broadcast in the Philippines in 2023. A specially edited TV series for Japan will be broadcast on TOKYO MX this fall. The original 90 episodes for the Philippines are also planned to be released in Japan.

"Voltes V" is a legendary robot anime that was broadcast in Japan from 1977 to 1978. The story depicts the five characters, the protagonist Kenichi, the brothers Gozo, Ippei Mine, and Megumi Oka, piloting the combined robot Voltes V and fighting the invading forces of the planet Boazan led by Prince Heinel, who has come to Earth. The story depicts the separation of parents and children, shocking developments surrounding the protagonist, confrontations with half-brothers, resistance and revolution against oppression, and other themes, and was highly praised overseas for its high level of drama. It was also a hot topic in the Philippines, and the "Voltes V Song" sung by Mitsuko Horie also gained popularity.

◇Comment from Yamato Kaneshiro, who plays Mark Gordon

When I was asked to appear in this film, I watched the anime, and I was immediately drawn in by the wonderful characters that are unique to anime, and the detailed portrayal of humans (living beings), such as the backbone that firmly establishes them. In the live-action version, I feel the love and respect of the people of the Philippines deeply (I really feel it). The V in "Voltes V" is pronounced as "Five", but I think it could also be pronounced "Voltes Love". Become a blue warrior and protect the Earth. I don't know if it's experience or intuition, but for some reason I feel like I can do it! We will all accept the overwhelming love of the people of the Philippines, and we will deliver it to you with the love of the Japanese dubbing team. Let's bolt in!

◇Comment from Kido Hanakura, who plays Big Bert Armstrong

Big Bert is the second son of the three Armstrong brothers, so I think he is a character who has a reliable side but also a pure and straightforward boyishness. Big Bert, played by Matt Lozano, was also an attractive character, so I tried to make him an attractive character with my love for Voltes V. To all Voltes V and robot fans across the country! I'm sure you have high expectations, but also some anxiety. I felt the same way until I saw it. But don't worry. This work, which was made into a movie with the genuine love of the Philippines, is a wonderful thing! Please watch it on the big screen! ◇Comment from Makoto Koichi, who plays Little John Armstrong I vividly remember being deeply moved when I went to the Philippines for an anime event some time ago and received such passionate support. Because of that incident, I was very happy when I heard that the production would be in the Philippines this time, and the "love and passion" that came through when I saw the video was exactly the same as what I felt at that time. I thought I had to work hard so that I wouldn't lose to that passion. This story will be enjoyed not only by those who already love Voltes V, but also by those who are watching it for the first time. I personally really enjoyed the scenes with the Armstrong family, so I hope you'll pay attention to them when you watch! I hope you'll come to the theater!

◇Comment from Megumi Nakajima, who plays Jamie Robinson

My mother is Filipino, and she often told me that when she was a child, everyone was crazy about watching "Voltes V". As someone with roots in Japan and the Philippines, I'm very happy that our countries are connected in such a wonderful way, and I'm happy to be involved. Jamie is a character who never forgets to stay calm and encourage everyone even in the toughest battles, so I tried to play him with a strong core while also feeling warm. Every line touched my heart, and I cried when I read the script. I also quietly cried at the dubbing site. It's a work that is filled with the utmost respect and love for anime, and it's a heart-warming work. The story and images are simply beautiful, so please enjoy it on the big screen at the theater!

◇Comment from Riho Iida, who plays Zandra

I couldn't predict the plot from beginning to end, and when there was a surprising development, I burst into tears while checking the script. That's how absorbed I was in the work. It was a role I'd always wanted to try, the only female in an evil organization. I always tried to remember my loyalty to Zardoz, and to bring out the charm of an intelligent and lovely woman as Zandra. This is a special work in which a historic Japanese anime has been made into a live-action film in the Philippines. I dubbed it with all my heart. It's full of the sincerity of many people. I'm sure that long-time fans, as well as first-time viewers, will be hooked on this movie, "Voltes V Legacy"! Please watch it as many times as you like.

◇Comment from Yusaku Hiyama, who plays Draco

I read the script and it clearly conveyed the straightforward message that resides in the work, so I felt that it was a work that fans of the original work would also be able to enjoy and agree with. In the dubbing, I tried not to damage the character image of the original anime, and since it was a dubbing, I took into account the acting of the actor who plays Draco in the live-action version and the worldview of the story, and added parts that I would do if I were in that situation. I want everyone to experience the passion and great love of the Filipino people through this work called "Voltes V Legacy" and see why "Voltes V" is so popular in the foreign land of the Philippines. Please go see it at the theater!

◇Comment from Echigoya Kosuke, who plays Zulu

A Japanese anime is being made into a live-action film in the Philippines! ... To everyone looking forward to Voltes V, the fusion scene will be on the big screen at the theater! I think it will be very exciting!! Ahh!! I want to ride it!! I sincerely hope that it will reach as many people as possible and that they will enjoy it.

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