A wave of controversy has hit the Jujutsu Kaisen fandom after many English-speaking viewers began criticizing the voice of Sukuna, the fearsome King of Curses. Fans on platforms like Reddit have accused Sukuna’s English dub actor of making him sound like “a YouTuber doing impressions,” claiming the performance lacks the dark menace and gravitas that define the character. The criticism has sparked a broad conversation about voice direction, localization, and the challenges of adapting a charismatic villain for a global audience.
Sukuna is one of the most important and terrifying figures in Jujutsu Kaisen, and his voice plays a huge role in establishing his presence. Ray Chase, a voice actor with a broad resume across anime and video games, performs the English dub version.
But despite his experience, the reception to his performance as Sukuna has been polarized. Many fans feel his tone does not match the cold, calculated, and deeply sinister nature of the character as written in the manga or voiced in Japanese.
Reddit threads lit up quickly after new episodes were released, with several users arguing that Chase’s voice performance leans too heavily into theatrical inflections or exaggerated intensity. On one thread, a user wrote that the dub “tries too hard to sound evil” and ends up sounding generic, rather than the commanding, demonic presence they expected.
Jujutsu Kaisen Franchise (Credits: Gege Akutami)
Jujutsu Kaisen Fans Clash Over Sukuna’s English Voice: “It Sounds Like an Impression”
In response to the backlash, the voice actor defended his approach on social media. He clarified that he was following the direction given to him during recording sessions and that many of his choices were guided by the creative team.
According to him, the tone and delivery were not entirely up to him, and he emphasized that voice direction, not his acting, is where much of the responsibility lies. He expressed respect for the fan feedback but asked for understanding of how dubbing works, especially when translating such a multifaceted character.
Part of the disagreement seems to stem from how dubbing requires adaptation, not just direct translation. English dubs often have to balance staying true to the original character while making sure the performance fits Western listeners’ expectations.
Some fans think Jujutsu Kaisen’s English dub leans too far toward theatrical fantasy villain tropes instead of the subtle, menacing calm voice that Sukuna sometimes has in the manga or Japanese version.
Further fueling the debate are criticisms of how other parts of the English adaptation are handled. For instance, some fans have also pointed out that the dub changed or dropped certain jokes, making the tone feel different from the original. One example brought up by localizers is a scene where a character’s English line in Japanese was deliberately accented for humor in the English version, that joke couldn’t translate in the same way, and fans felt the energy was lost entirely.
Sukuna’s Dub Sparks Backlash as Voice Actor Blames Direction, Not Delivery
Others on both sides of the debate have defended the performance. Some community members say that the criticism overlooks how hard voice actors work under tight schedules and how difficult it is to meet audience expectations for such a powerful character.
They argue that Ray Chase’s experience and vocal range should be appreciated, even if not every fan loves his interpretation. Indeed, a few voices in the fandom have come out in support, saying that while the delivery isn’t what they expected, Chase’s performance is still solid and serves its own purpose in the dub.
This controversy reflects a larger conversation happening in anime circles about dubbing quality and localization. Many fans now pay more attention to how voice performance, script changes, and direction affect their favorite characters.
Jujutsu Kaisen Franchise (Credits: Gege Akutami)
For non-Japanese speakers, the English dub is often their first or only experience of the story, making it especially important. As the global anime community grows, the stakes for getting it right feel higher.
What’s clear is that Sukuna’s voice will no longer go unquestioned. Whether the production team considers re-recording lines, tweaking direction, or just hearing out fan feedback remains to be seen. For now, the debate continues, with passionate fans dissecting every syllable, tone shift, and line delivery to make sure the King of Curses gets the voice he deserves.
“Jujutsu Kaisen” is a dark fantasy manga and anime that follows Yuji Itadori, a high schooler who, after consuming a cursed object, gets into a face-off with Jujutsu sorcerers. Tasked with collecting all the cursed fragments of a powerful demon, Yuji teams up with other sorcerers to combat malevolent curses and uncover deeper mysteries.
Fans of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War have never been shy about sharing their opinions, and the reaction to Part 3 of the anime has proven that once again. What was supposed to be a powerful continuation of one of the most loved arcs in the series has instead sparked frustration, disappointment, and loud demands for change.
Many viewers are now calling for a new animation studio to take over the project, saying the current team has failed to deliver the pacing and energy the story deserves.
The main complaint centers on how slowly Part 3 has been moving. Episodes that fans expected to be filled with intense action and high-stakes battles are, instead, packed with long pauses, extended reaction shots, and drawn-out scenes.
While some viewers appreciate added depth and emotional tension, a much larger group feels the story is being stretched too thin. They argue that important fights are losing their impact because they are broken up over too many episodes with too little happening in each one.
For a series like Bleach, pacing matters a lot. The Thousand-Year Blood War arc is known in the manga for its speed, brutality, and constant sense of danger. Fans expected the anime to reflect that feeling. They wanted short, powerful episodes packed with action and shocking moments. Instead, they feel they are being asked to wait too long for meaningful progress. This has led to online discussions filled with disappointment, anger, and comparisons to other anime that are delivering faster and more intense storytelling.
Some fans believe the current studio is trying too hard to stretch the content to fit a certain number of episodes. They say this could be done to make more money or to fill a planned schedule, but it is hurting the quality of the story.
These viewers argue that the arc deserves a more focused and direct approach instead of being dragged out. They point out that moments that should feel explosive and heartbreaking are losing emotional power because of how slowly they unfold.
Bleach Franchise (Credits: Tite Kubo)
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 Sparks Outrage Over Slow Pacing
Others, however, are more understanding. They believe the studio is being careful and respectful with the source material. They argue that rushing such an important arc could lead to poor animation, missing details, or confusing storytelling.
These fans appreciate the extra time given to certain scenes, especially those that explore character emotions or build tension before big fights. For them, the slower pacing is not a mistake, but a creative choice meant to add weight and meaning to the story.
Even so, the loudest voices online are those demanding change. On social media, hashtags calling for a new studio have begun to appear. Some fans have even created edits showing how the episodes could have been shorter while still keeping the key moments.
Others compare the current adaptation to earlier seasons of Bleach, which they feel moved with more purpose and energy. They want the same excitement and momentum that originally made them fall in love with the series.
This debate also shows how much love people still have for Bleach. If fans did not care so deeply, they would not be so upset. The fact that Part 3 is causing so much discussion proves that the series still holds a powerful place in anime culture. Many of the people complaining are long-time supporters who have waited years to see this arc animated. Their frustration comes from high expectations and deep emotional attachment.
Fans Demand New Studio as Bleach Viewers Grow Frustrated with Latest Episodes
The studio has not made any official statement about the complaints so far. No plans to change teams have been announced, and production continues as scheduled. This silence has only increased tension within the fanbase. Some hope the feedback will be heard and that future episodes will pick up the pace. Others have already lost trust and believe the only solution is a full change in leadership and creative direction.
Meanwhile, new viewers entering the series may have a different perspective. Without the long wait and heavy expectations, they might be more patient with the storytelling. This creates an interesting divide between older fans who grew up with Bleach and newer fans who are just discovering it. One group feels protective and critical, while the other is simply enjoying the journey as it unfolds.
Bleach Franchise (Credits: Tite Kubo)
In the end, whether the studio changes or not, one thing is clear: Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War still has the power to create strong emotions, not only through its story, but through the way it is being told.
The demand for a new studio is not just about pacing. It is about respect for the legacy of the series and the desire to see it reach its full potential. As Part 3 continues, all eyes will be on how the rest of the arc is handled, and whether the voices of the fans will lead to real change or simply fade into another chapter of anime history.
Ichigo Kurosaki is a seemingly ordinary high schooler, except for one crucial detail, he can see ghosts. One night, his life changes forever when a mysterious woman named Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper (shinigami), crashes into his room while hunting a monstrous spirit called a Hollow.
