Voice actor David Lodge, who previously provided the English voice for Kenpachi Zaraki, criticized VIZ Media for ignoring fans who requested his return for Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War.
Lodge uploaded a post to social media shaming the studio for neglecting Bleach’s fanbase, many of whom called for his reinstatement to the role of Kenpachi in the anime adaptation’s latest season. “This is what happens when you do not listen to your audience,” the voice actor wrote. “So sad…for the fans. I was willing…for low pay…to return to just make fans of Bleach happy! I’m very popular even though [I’m] not really on social media. I literally have millions of fans! Love you, fans!”
Lodge’s return as Kenpachi became one of the most discussed topics amongst Bleach’s audience after the Oct. 10 premiere of Thousand-Year Blood War. Many of his fans hoped VIZ Media would allow the voice actor to reprise his role as the Captain of the Eleventh Division in the new season, with Lodge himself claiming he was willing to acquiesce to his supporters’ requests. The voice actor additionally sent an ultimatum to VIZ Media, stating that he would immediately move on to other projects if the studio did not accept his offer to return.
Kenpachi’s Voice Actors
Lodge was the original voice actor for Kenpachi in the English dub for Bleach’s anime adaptation. Despite being widely praised for his performance as the battle-crazed Soul Reaper, Lodge reportedly relinquished the role after pay disputes with VIZ Media. After Lodge’s departure, his co-star Patrick Seitz, who also voiced Isshin Kurosaki, took over as the English voice of Kenpachi. Seitz was also expected to reprise the role in Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War.
The Fan Favorites
VIZ Media’s latest Bleach popularity poll previously reported Kenpachi was one of the most beloved characters in the entire franchise. The Eleventh Division Captain ranked fourth on the overall list, putting him a step up from series antagonist Sosuke Aizen and behind Rukia Kuchiki, Ichigo Kurosaki and Kisuke Urahara. Bleach’s protagonist Ichigo notably only took second place, which ranked him just below the poll’s winner, Rukia.
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War is exclusively available to stream on Hulu in the United States; international fans may also watch the series on Netflix and Disney+.
Source: Twitter
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