Ever felt like your favorite anime character is going through *exactly* what you’re going through? That’s how it feels watching Yuji Itadori in Jujutsu Kaisen. This isn’t just another shonen anime; it’s a rollercoaster of emotions, especially with what Season 2 put us all through. Season 3 promises to be even darker, and who better to give us the inside scoop than Adam McArthur, the English voice actor for Yuji himself?
As an SEO Content Strategist and Storyteller, I’ve spent years dissecting why some stories resonate and rank. This deep dive into my interview with Adam isn’t just for the fans; it’s for anyone curious about the magic behind voice acting and character development.
What Can Fans Expect from Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3?
When I asked Adam about his excitement for Season 3, his response was telling. “I’m very much looking forward to JJK Season 3,” he said. “The movie kicked it off in a really awesome way. I enjoyed getting back to the recording studio weekly. I think we have a lot of good things to look forward to this season.”
He hinted at amazing new characters, fan favorites from the manga, finally making their animated debut. But here’s the kicker: Season 3 will push Yuji into one of the darkest phases of his journey. After the Shibuya Incident, this isn’t a surprise, but it does set the stage for some intense emotional moments.
How Does Adam McArthur Describe Yuji’s Emotional State in Season 3?
Yuji’s emotional state is complex. According to Adam, “I think the reality of what happened in Shibuya has really sunk in for Yuji. He’s starting to accept what his fate is as a jujutsu sorcerer.” It’s like watching a friend grow up too fast, forced to face harsh realities. He’s no longer the naive kid from Season 1. He understands he’s not a hero but a jujutsu sorcerer, a realization spurred on by those around him, including his friend Todo.
Todo reminds him that he has to keep moving forward, no matter what. This resonates with Yuji, who’s maturing and realizing he has to carry the weight of his responsibilities because he doesn’t have a choice. He’s carrying the world on his shoulders, just like many fans feel in their own lives. I once felt the same when dealing with family issues and found solace in similar stories of perseverance.
How Does McArthur Connect with Yuji on an Emotional Level?
When I asked Adam how he approaches a character like Yuji, whose beliefs are constantly tested, his response was profound. “The writing is incredible, and it gives me so much to work with as a voice actor. I try to take it scene by scene and meet Yuji exactly where he is emotionally,” he explained.
During the Shibuya Incident, when Yuji regains control from Sukuna and witnesses the devastation, Adam focuses on what Yuji is truly feeling. It’s not just sadness; it’s immense grief and guilt. Adam taps into his own deeply human emotions and personal experiences to connect with Yuji, especially in those intense situations. It’s a reminder that even in extraordinary stories, the core emotions are universally relatable.
Those are deeply human emotions that we’ve all experienced at some point. So I stay in touch with my own feelings and personal experiences and find ways to connect them to Yuji, especially as he’s placed in these intense, unique situations.
Yuji’s Humor and Optimism: How Does Adam Balance It with Darker Emotions?
Yuji often uses humor to deflect from pain. Balancing this with the darker aspects of his character is key. Adam shared, “Honestly, using humor during moments of tragedy or difficulty is very much an anime and a me-thing. That’s something I do in my own life, so bringing levity to heavier moments isn’t particularly difficult for me.”
The real challenge, he says, is allowing himself to be emotionally vulnerable in those raw moments. “As a person, I want everyone around me to feel okay and not worry about me, and sometimes that instinct keeps me from showing just how deeply I’m feeling. That actually mirrors Yuji Itadori in a big way.” This makes his performance even more authentic. I’ve noticed that in my own life, using humor as a coping mechanism can sometimes mask deeper feelings.
How Does Sukuna’s Influence Affect Yuji’s Performance?
As Sukuna’s influence grows, Yuji’s control slips, creating psychological tension. I asked Adam how this affects his portrayal. “Definitely. At this point, Yuji truly understands what Sukuna is capable of,” he replied. The devastation of Shibuya showed him just how much destruction Sukuna can cause. Yuji, not wanting that to happen again, starts pushing people away, believing no one should be around him anymore. That realization changes everything. It’s a heavy burden for a 15-year-old to carry.
Adam sees Sukuna as both an external and internal threat to Yuji. This strengthens Yuji’s resolve. When Yuji says he’ll stop Sukuna, he truly means it. Adam believes Yuji when he says only he can consume Sukuna. It’s like watching a cornered animal, dangerous and determined. There’s still doubt, but his determination hardens, influencing Adam’s performance, especially in lines that reflect Yuji’s internal struggle.
What Was Adam McArthur’s Initial Impression of Yuji?
Adam finds it fascinating that Yuji was destined for execution from the start. “Whenever a writer puts their main character in what feels like a tough position, I find that incredibly interesting,” he shared. The ticking clock over Yuji’s head shapes the story, creating uncertainty and excitement. This sense of not knowing what will happen next keeps both Adam and the audience invested.
Which Yuji Scene Impacted Adam the Most?
The Shibuya Incident was particularly tough for Adam. “Whether it was what happened to Kento Nanami and Nobara Kugisaki, or witnessing the sheer devastation Sukuna caused, it was emotionally exhausting,” he said. Those recording sessions were rough, filled with tears and sadness. It was necessary to make it feel real, to make it feel like Yuji was truly living through those moments.
Yuji is only 15 when all this happens, so it’s natural he would break down and struggle to process it all, blaming himself for the tragedies. That emotional weight made the experience incredibly tough, but it was necessary to honor what the character was going through. It’s a stark reminder of the emotional toll voice acting can take. To deal with this, Adam prefers not to take breaks during emotionally heavy arcs, because he mentioned that staying in that headspace makes it easier to return to the character.
What Sets Yuji Apart from Other Shonen Heroes?
Yuji isn’t a typical shonen hero; he doesn’t always win, and he doesn’t grow stronger in a straightforward way. Adam believes what sets Yuji apart is his selfless motivation. “At his core, Yuji just wants to make sure his friends are okay. He doesn’t want anyone to get hurt,” Adam explained. “It’s not about becoming the strongest, proving himself, or making sure the world knows his name. It’s much simpler than that: he doesn’t want anyone else to die. He wants to protect people.” This selflessness is a defining characteristic, making him a unique protagonist. I feel that this is what makes Yuji someone that people can relate to.
How Does Adam McArthur Handle Fan Expectations for JJK Season 3?
Fans have high expectations for JJK Season 3, and Adam is aware of it. “In the beginning, I definitely felt a lot of pressure, especially during Season 1. But I’ve learned that my job is to let that go and not focus too much on what people are saying or thinking,” he shared. His responsibility is to serve the character in the best way possible, trusting his instincts, doing the work, reading the manga, and understanding Yuji Itadori for himself.
He does acknowledge the content creators who dedicate channels to Jujutsu Kaisen and admits that sometimes he’ll see something that makes him pause and think. But ultimately, he can’t let outside noise dictate the performance. He has to trust himself, his director, and his research. This grounded approach helps him stay true to the role. It’s a lesson in staying authentic amidst external pressures.
Adam McArthur on Attack on Titan and Video Games
Adam was also part of the voice cast for Attack on Titan. “I think Attack on Titan is incredible,” he said. He groups it with shows like Bleach and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood as top-tier anime that left a lasting impact. He feels lucky to have been a small part of the Attack on Titan world, acknowledging its influence on the popularity of shows like Jujutsu Kaisen. He even worked with Mike McFarland, whom he regards as a legend.
I then asked Adam about his experience working on video games such as Far Cry 5 and Ghostwire: Tokyo and how his approach shifts when performing across different media like anime and video games.
Adam explained that the execution differs across mediums, even though his overall approach doesn’t change much. In anime, actors perform while watching the scene, syncing their delivery to the animation. With video games, actors often work with less context, relying heavily on the director’s guidance. He also highlighted pre-lay animation, like in Star vs. the Forces of Evil, where performances are recorded first, allowing for greater creative freedom. It’s fascinating to see how the same actor adapts to such different environments.
How Did Adam McArthur Get Into Voice Acting?
Voice acting has been part of Adam’s journey from the start. His first paid professional job was a Macy’s radio commercial. While he initially envisioned doing a bit of everything, he learned to follow where his career led him. Adam genuinely loves working as a voice actor and has been on this path long enough to trust it. He always wanted to work on projects he could feel proud of, roles he would never be uncomfortable sharing with others. That mindset makes his work in animation, cartoons, and anime especially fulfilling.
Fans approach him at conventions mostly for Star vs. the Forces of Evil and Jujutsu Kaisen, but he also gets fans for Kaiju No. 8 and Tokyo Revengers. He cherishes the personal stories fans share about how much the shows mean to them, especially those who found comfort in Yuji Itadori during difficult times. When I asked if there was a type of role he still feels he hasn’t explored, Adam said he’d love the chance to voice a legacy character, one that has already been portrayed by multiple actors over the years, something like a Looney Tunes character or a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
If There Was a Live-Action Jujutsu Kaisen, Who Would Adam Play?
Purely hypothetically, if a Jujutsu Kaisen live-action project ever becomes a reality, Adam wants to be the cursed bear Yuji carries around. “That’s it. The live-action cursed bear. Lock it in,” he said jokingly. He then turned the question back around and asked me who I would cast him as. I suggested Gojo, and Adam laughed, saying he’d just need bluer eyes and much whiter hair. It’s clear he has a great sense of humor about his roles.
We wrapped up the conversation with a quick round of rapid-fire questions:
One word to describe Yuji Itadori in Season 3?
Loyal
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 in one word?
Epic
Yuji’s journey so far: fair or unfair?
Fair
A Yuji scene that emotionally hit you the hardest?
The death of Nobara Kugisaki (And Nanami, of course).
If Yuji could get one peaceful day off, what would he do?
Probably carry Nobara’s shopping bags while she shops.
Adam’s insights into Yuji Itadori and Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 provide a deeper understanding of the character’s emotional journey and the dedication it takes to bring him to life. Now knowing about the darker phase, what’s one aspect of Yuji’s journey you’re most eager to see in Season 3, and will you share your thoughts below?