Dan Da Dan is making a much-anticipated splash back onto streaming platforms. In preparation for the new season, Science Saru and GKids are teaming up once again to unveil Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye, a cinematic release that showcases the first three episodes of the upcoming second season. This special event will also feature an exclusive behind-the-scenes chat with co-directors Fuga Yamashiro and Abel Gongora.
Following a special screening in Los Angeles for Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye, io9 conducted a virtual interview with the English voice cast: Abby Trott (who voices Momo Ayase), A.J. Beckles (Okarun), and Aleks Le (Jiji Enjoji). During our engaging conversation, these talented actors reminisced about their favorite moments from the previous season and expressed their excitement for the new scenes set to enthrall fans in the forthcoming compilation film, releasing on June 6, alongside the new season debuting in July.
This interview has been edited for brevity.
Why Momo Ayase Stands Out in Shonen
Isaiah Colbert, io9: You’ve voiced several memorable characters in anime, but Momo Ayase in Dan Da Dan truly stands out. What makes her special to you, and how does she shine in this shonen landscape?
Abby Trott: I absolutely love voicing Momo. This anime manages to blend various genres together, helping her to stand out. Unlike many shonen protagonists who are oblivious to romantic advances, Momo enters the narrative with a relationship already developing. I’m eager to see how that evolves in future seasons. She embodies confidence and fiercely cares for her loved ones, truly willing to do anything for them. I once read an interview with the mangaka, who mentioned that Momo is his favorite character and likened her to Superman. She inspires everyone around her to elevate their game, and that’s a quality I admire in her.
Exciting Scenes from the Manga Adaptation
io9: In your last interview, you mentioned being a fan of the Dan Da Dan manga. Were there particular scenes you were excited to bring to life in the second season?
A.J. Beckles: The opening interaction with Evil Eye is incredibly compelling in the manga. Science Saru has magnified that moment with added depth and excitement, enhancing what was already a strong scene. The upcoming content promises thrilling fights that surpass standard combat sequences, which is something I can’t wait for.
Bringing Humor and Realism to Character Dynamics
io9: Congratulations, Aleks, on your anime voice acting award for Solo Leveling. You’ve been in tune with fan engagement. Can you share how you brought creative humor into Dan Da Dan, especially with your memorable lines?
Aleks Le: Thank you! The “deez nuts” line came from collaboration with our English dub director, Alex Von David. It was a fun team decision that really resonated with the audience’s sense of humor. We brought in layers to our improvisation while respecting the original context. It was a process of aligning our performance styles to find the right fit. There are many moments of subtlety where we can showcase our improvisational skills, which is incredibly gratifying.
The Dynamic Trio and Their Thriving Relationships
io9: As season two approaches, what aspects of the characters’ relationships are you looking forward to exploring?
Trott: Season two kicks off with intense action, with Momo leading many of these dynamic moments. I’m particularly excited about her interaction with Okarun, which includes a delightful blend of action and flirtation. It’s intriguing to observe how their bond develops under pressure.
Beckles: Okarun’s reaction to Jiji will be exciting to watch, especially as he navigates the contrast between Jiji’s carefree nature and his own more reserved demeanor. The contrasting personalities will definitely create engaging moments this season.
Le: We have a great understanding of each other’s performance styles, making our collaborative efforts in the booth feel seamless. This connection allows us to perform even when recording separately, maintaining fluidity in our character dynamics.
When Can Fans Catch Dan Da Dan?
Dan Da Dan season two launches this July on Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu. Don’t miss the theatrical release of Evil Eye hitting U.S. theaters on June 6.
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