The newly released anime film Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle continues to dominate the Japanese box office, yet the announcement of Channing Tatum joining the English dub has stirred controversy among viewers. Tatum, known for his roles in Deadpool and Wolverine, will voice the character Keizo in the upcoming English-language adaptation. This casting choice has caused confusion and disappointment among many anime fans who argue that his involvement undermines the contributions of professional voice actors in the industry.
Concerns Raised Over Hollywood Names Replacing Experienced Voice Artists
Some fans openly expressed dissatisfaction with Tatum’s casting on social media platforms such as Twitter (now X), highlighting concerns about fairness. One user remarked,
“There are some [English-language voice actors] who are not happy that Channing Tatum was cast in the latest Demon Slayer movie… and the complaints are 100% valid,”
underscoring a perception that established voice talent is being overshadowed by celebrity status. Another echoed,
“Any VA would and should feel slighted when a big-name actor is cast in an anime role, especially in a movie as big as Infinity Castle.”
Other fans shared similar sentiments, with one stating,
“Love Channing Tatum… I just feel this is kinda a slap in the face to everyone else.”
Another warned of a potential trend, saying,
“This might potentially be the start of US dubbing companies phasing out actual experienced anime dub actors for Hollywood talent. And that would be a very bad thing.”
Supporters Defend Tatum’s Casting, Highlighting His Fandom and Role Size
Despite the pushback, some supporters argue that Tatum deserves an opportunity, particularly since his role is minor. Fans emphasize that he is a Demon Slayer fan himself and might deliver an adequate performance. One supporter questioned,
“But what if he does a completely fine and normal job at it?”
This casting decision follows a precedent of Hollywood actors participating in anime roles, such as Robert Pattinson in The Boy and the Heron and Mark Hamill in Immortal Grand Prix.
Core English Voice Cast Returns for Infinity Castle
Alongside Channing Tatum, the English dub features the original Demon Slayer voice cast, including Zach Aguilar as Tanjiro Kamado, Abby Trott as Nezuko Kamado, Aleks Le as Zenitsu Agatsuma, Bryce Papenbrook as Inosuke Hashibira, Johnny Yong Bosch as Giyu Tomikoa, and Erika Harlacher as Shinobu Kocho. Their consistent performances help maintain the series’ voice continuity despite the new casting additions.
About Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Its Release
Directed by Haruo Sotozaki, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is the first installment in a planned trilogy adapting the Infinity Castle arc from the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga. The plot follows Tanjiro Kamado as he confronts his biggest challenge yet, navigating a demon stronghold known as the Infinity Castle to rescue the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps. The film’s intense storyline and animation have contributed to its record-breaking success in Japan.
Upcoming Release Dates and Future Expectations
The English-language version of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is scheduled to premiere in theaters across the United States and the United Kingdom on September 12, 2025. As fans wait eagerly for its arrival, debates over voice casting choices continue to highlight the tensions between Hollywood star power and traditional anime dubbing culture.
