Gachiakuta Emerges as a Standout in 2025 Anime Scene
Few anime have made such a significant impact in 2025 as the stylish shonen series, Gachiakuta. This production from Bones Film has captured the attention of audiences, largely due to its engaging characters and striking designs. The two main protagonists, Rudo Surebrec and Enjin, have particularly resonated with fans of the English dub, which is released simultaneously with the original Japanese version every Saturday on Crunchyroll. Recently, CBR had the opportunity to interview voice actors Bryson Baugus and Christopher Wehkamp, who lend their voices to Rudo and Enjin, respectively, as the first cour of the anime approaches its conclusion.
Modern Slang Adds Freshness to Gachiakuta
[CBR]: Many anime enthusiasts believe that Gachiakuta distinguishes itself from other shonen titles through its use of contemporary language and slang in the voice acting. Did that factor into your creative approach? [Bryson Baugus]: Absolutely. Decisions about slang and dialogue are typically made during the ADR writing phase, where we can infuse modern expressions. I find this particularly enjoyable in Gachiakuta, as it imparts a contemporary feel that resonates with younger viewers. They can relate to the language we use, thinking, “Yes, I get that.” For me, it’s exciting to explore evolving language and discover new terms. [Christopher Wehkamp]: I share that sentiment. I’m learning a lot of new phrases as well. Ultimately, the final decisions rest with the director and production team, but it’s a blast to incorporate slang and colloquialisms in Gachiakuta more than in any other anime I’ve worked on. The character Enjin, for example, is spontaneous and speaks his mind without overthinking. This immediacy helps the show connect with the audience.
Challenges of Voicing Charismatic Characters
[CBR]: Christopher, you mentioned that Enjin has a cool, charismatic demeanor. Did you face any unique challenges while recording this role? [Wehkamp]: One technical challenge arose during Enjin’s introduction in Episode 2. While he is typically the “too-cool-for-school” type, his debut is marked by a loss of composure when he first meets Rudo. This required a different acting approach, as I had to capture a rare moment of vulnerability for Enjin, who usually maintains his cool demeanor. Finding that balance between his composed self and his emotional outburst was intriguing from an acting perspective.
Finding Balance in Rudo’s Character
[CBR]: Bryson, Rudo is a character known for his explosive outbursts, yet he also seeks community and friendship within the Cleaners. Was there anything particularly challenging about bringing Rudo to life? [Baugus]: One of the tricky aspects of voicing Rudo is striking the right balance between his aggressive tendencies and his desire to connect with others. For instance, when he first encounters Zonka, Rudo is defensive, ready for a confrontation. However, he also shows the ability to step back and analyze the situation, realizing the reasons behind Zonka’s anger. This duality in Rudo’s character adds depth, and while the intense moments can be demanding to voice, I make sure to stay prepared with hot tea to soothe my throat.
Enjoyable Character Interactions
[CBR]: Was there a character in Gachiakuta that you particularly enjoyed sharing scenes with? [Baugus]: I have a great time working with Zeno Robinson, who voices Jabber. His energy brings the character to life, and I always look forward to our scenes together. During our fight sequences, I recorded my parts after him for one episode, which left me eager to see how his performances complemented mine. [Wehkamp]: I completely agree about Jabber. He has a captivating presence that steals every scene. Additionally, I am intrigued by Riyo, who exhibits a fascinating duality. Even though we haven’t explored her character deeply yet, I find her interactions with Rudo compelling, especially her unique fighting style that incorporates scissors in a visually stunning way.
Engagement with the Source Material
[CBR]: Christopher, you mentioned you’ve read the Gachiakuta manga. How familiar were both of you with the series prior to taking on these roles? [Wehkamp]: Yes, after hearing about the series from Zeno Robinson, I became curious and started researching the manga. I was hooked after reading the first chapter and ended up catching up with the entire series. It’s been rewarding to see how faithfully the anime adapts the source material, as the world-building and character designs are truly captivating. Even if I weren’t involved in the anime, I would still be invested in following the story. [Baugus]: I had a similar experience, reading the initial chapters during the audition process. Zeno’s enthusiasm for Gachiakuta drew me in, and I found myself completely caught up with the manga. Just today, I read the most recent chapter, and I am excited about where the story is heading.
Imagining Vital Instruments in Real Life
[CBR]: If you were Givers in real life, what would your Vital Instruments be? [Baugus]: I have an old Game Boy Advance game, Mega Man Battle Network 2, that I’ve cherished for about 20 years. The label has worn off, and I’ve written its name with a sharpie, making it a meaningful keepsake for me. [Wehkamp]: I used to play the drums in bands throughout my 20s, and I still have my original pair of drumsticks from that time. They’re worn out and not usable, but I think they would make for a fun Vital Instrument—maybe I could use them to summon a drum set wherever I go, playing quietly so only I could hear.
Favorite Vital Instruments from Gachiakuta
[CBR]: As we wrap up, do you have any favorite Vital Instruments featured in Gachiakuta’s first season? For me, Rudo’s all-seeing defensive eye was incredibly impressive to see animated. [Baugus]: I agree; that design is fantastic, especially how the tassels transform into hands. It’s one of my favorites as well. [Wehkamp]: While I’m fond of Umbreaker, Riyo’s Ripper stands out to me right now. I find it really cool and innovative—not that I’m envious of it!
