Voice actor Kenta Miyake attended the Japan premiere of the fourth My Hero Academia film, "My Hero Academia THE MOVIE: You Are Next," held in Tokyo on the 24th. The movie is set to be released on August 2nd.

Miyake, who has played the iconic role of All Might for eight years since the anime began, takes on a dual role in this latest film, also voicing the villain Dark Might. Co-stars Daiki Yamashita (Izuku Midoriya) and Nobuhiko Okamoto (Katsuki Bakugo) expressed their admiration, saying, "Even though he was recording next to us, it sounded like two completely different characters. Miyake-san's acting is truly impressive and brings a unique conviction."

Guest voice actor Mamoru Miyano (Giulio Gandini) added, "It's incredibly challenging for one person to embody two distinct personalities, yet he manages to become entirely different people. This isn't something just anyone can do; it takes immense concentration and dedication."

Miyake, smiling sheepishly, joked, "You've made this old man very happy. I think I'll give you some chocolate." He explained that while he didn't consciously try to separate the two characters distinctly, he did feel the need to create a different persona for Dark Might. "I decided to rewind to the time when I first auditioned for All Might—back when I didn't fully understand the character or the series, a blank slate," he reflected.

He revealed that he performed as "an early version of myself, not yet fully in character as All Might," essentially returning to his roots. He continued, "What scared me was the possibility that if I hadn't fully grasped All Might's character, I might have ended up playing Dark Might as just another version of All Might. I think watching the film will help you understand why this was such a terrifying thought."

The original manga of My Hero Academia has surpassed 100 million copies in circulation and began serialization in 'Weekly Shonen Jump' in July 2014. The first season of the TV anime started in April 2016, and there have been three previous film adaptations. It was announced on the 'Jump PRESS' YouTube program on the 24th of last month that the manga will conclude in the combined 36th and 37th issue of the magazine, released on August 5th.

The upcoming film, the first in three years, features an original story overseen by the manga's creator Kohei Horikoshi, who also provided the character designs. Set in the same timeline as the ongoing seventh season of the anime, the story unfolds in a society overrun by villains who have escaped from detention facilities. As the final battle between heroes, including the protagonist Izuku Midoriya (Deku), and villains approaches, a major incident that shakes the world ensues.

In addition to Okamoto, the Japan premiere was attended by Daiki Yamashita (voice of Izuku Midoriya), Kenta Miyake (voice of All Might/Dark Might), guest voice actors Mamoru Miyano (voice of Giulio Gandini), and Meru Nukumi (voice of Anna Shelbino).

Source : ORICON NEWS