Hollywood actor Channing Tatum, known for his roles in major franchises, will lend his voice to the English dub of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle. Variety confirmed that Tatum will portray Keizo, a key character connected to the film’s antagonist, Akaza. This announcement brings notable star power to the film’s English version, set to release in American theaters on September 12th, 2025.
Tatum’s inclusion highlights the growing influence of major celebrities in anime dubbing projects, especially as Demon Slayer remains one of the most successful Japanese anime franchises globally. Alongside Tatum, Rebecca Wang will voice Keizo’s daughter Koyuki, adding depth to the supporting cast.
Channing Tatum’s Career and Connection to Demon Slayer
With over two decades of acting experience, Channing Tatum is widely recognized for his performances in hits like Magic Mike and the 21 Jump Street series. He recently gained praise playing Gambit in Deadpool & Wolverine, with plans to reprise the role in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. His move into anime dubbing marks a new expansion of his versatile career.
Mitchel Berger, executive vice president of global commerce at Crunchyroll, shared that Tatum’s motivation comes from his personal fandom, inspired by watching Demon Slayer with his daughter. According to Berger, this connection made Tatum’s involvement a natural fit.
Crunchyroll’s parent company, Sony Pictures Entertainment, plays a significant role in facilitating such collaborations by leveraging its ties to Hollywood agencies and studios. This relationship helped secure Tatum despite his A-list status, reflecting the growing prestige of the Demon Slayer franchise, which has already shattered records at the Japanese box office.
Supporting Cast and Industry Context of Celebrity Voice Roles
The English dub will also feature returning voice actors such as Zach Aguilar, Abby Trott, Aleks Le, Bryce Papenbrook, Johnny Yong Bosch, and Erika Harlacher, who have been part of the Demon Slayer series. Rebecca Wang’s addition as Koyuki complements Tatum’s role, enriching the characters connected to the film’s villainous storyline.
Celebrity involvement in anime dubbing is not unprecedented; iconic actors have participated in English dubs of popular animated works. For example, Studio Ghibli films have attracted voices from Christian Bale, Kirsten Dunst, Dakota Fanning, Robert Pattinson, and Michael Keaton. Meanwhile, Samuel L. Jackson provided voice work for the Afro Samurai anime on Adult Swim, demonstrating Hollywood’s continued interest in anime projects.
The Impact of Channing Tatum’s Participation on Demon Slayer and Anime’s Future
Channing Tatum’s joining the Demon Slayer dub underscores the increasing mainstream appeal of anime titles in Western markets. This trend is expected to grow even further by 2025, as the anime industry expands its footprint internationally.
Fans of both the franchise and Tatum may appreciate this crossover, which could encourage more high-profile actors to explore voice acting in anime. Crunchyroll’s strategic casting choices reflect the platform’s commitment to providing dedicated and recognizable talent to lead anime projects overseas, supporting the genre’s wide-reaching popularity.
The film’s release later this year in U.S. theaters represents a significant moment for fans eagerly awaiting the English-language experience, bringing together veteran dub actors and fresh celebrity voices to enrich the Demon Slayer story.
Anime’s Going to Be Huge in 2025 (But Fans Are Nervous for One Reason)
—Mitchel Berger, Executive VP, Crunchyroll
