Kenichi Matsuyama to appear in Disney & Pixar's "Elio"

It was revealed on July 3rd that actor Kenichi Matsuyama will be the voice actor for the Japanese version of Disney & Pixar's new animated feature film "Elio" (released August 1st). Matsuyama will play Glygon, the proud and aggressive alien warrior who is the father of alien boy Grodon and plots to dominate the Communiverse. On the same day, Matsuyama made a surprise appearance at the Japan premiere held at TOHO Cinemas Roppongi (Minato Ward, Tokyo) to announce the role.

Matsuyama said, "I think everyone else in the cast felt the same way, but it was an audition. I'm so happy to have passed the audition! I was so happy, I wanted to tell you right away." Regarding the character he plays, Glygon, he said, "I've played the worst villain in my life. He's the worst villain I've ever played, so I hope everyone will enjoy him."

Appearing at the event were Kawahara Eito, who plays the main character Elio , Nana Seino, who plays Elio's aunt Olga, Tasuku Sato, who plays Glodon, Noro Kayo, who plays Wuuuuu, the high-tech helpful computer who acts as a guide at the dreamlike "Communiverse" where representatives from all the stars gather, and Mayurika Nakatani, who plays Melmac, Olga's subordinate and a radio geek.

The protagonist of "Elio" is a boy named Elio who loves space and feels lonely after losing his parents, who were his biggest supporters. Elio believes that somewhere in this vast world, there must be a "true place for him to belong". His sad wish is answered, and he is invited to the dreamlike "Comniverse" where representatives of the stars gather. There, he meets Grodon, an alien boy who is just as lonely. The two share a bond, but a threat that will shake up the "world of the stars" approaches. The key to their salvation lies in a "promise" made by the two lonely people... This is the story.

The film will be directed by Madeline Sharafian, who served as story artist on "Coco" (2017), Domy Shi, director of "Me and the Red Panda" (2022), and Adrian Molina, who wrote and co-directed "Coco."