Anime dubs are often a point of contention, butSolo Leveling’s latest episode has ignited a particularly heated debate thanks to an unexpected celebrity voice-over performance.A Latin music star lent their voice to the recent episode of the hit anime,only to be met with widespread backlash from fans and critics alike. Their delivery, described by some as “flat” and “emotionless,” has led to accusations that the production prioritized star power over voice-acting expertise. This misstep has fueled discussions about the effectiveness of celebrity stunt casting in anime.
Solo Leveling, the smash-hit animebased on a South Korean web novel written by Chugong, continues to thrill audiences as it nears the end of its second season. While it’s not unusual for mainstream animated films to feature A-list actors, anime dubs have historically relied on trained voice actors who understand the medium’s nuances.Colombian singer J. Balvin’s performance, however, has many questioning whether the practice belongs in anime when the results can be this distracting.
J. Balvin Lends His Vocal Talents toSolo Leveling
The Colombian Singer Voices the Boss of an A-rank Dungeon
J. Balvin’s role inSolo Levelingwas meant to be an exciting crossover between anime and global music, but it seems to have backfired spectacularly. In season 2, episode #18, “Don’t Look Down on My Guys,” theColombian Reggaeton superstar voices the boss of an A-rank dungeon.The high orc shaman Kargalgan is a menacing foe that should exude intimidation and authority. Instead, many fans feel that Balvin’s delivery lacks the emotional weight needed to make the character a credible threat.
Solo Leveling Is the World’s Biggest Anime Right Now, And a New Report Proves It
Solo Leveling has been topping international streaming services, but a recent achievement proves it’s getting even bigger than its first season.
The controversy surrounding J. Balvin’sSolo Levelingrole highlights the challenges of celebrity stunt casting in anime. While big names can generate hype, they don’t always deliver theperformance that fans expect from a well-crafted dub. With anime’s growing mainstream appeal, studios may continue to experiment with high-profile casting choices, but as this backlash shows, audiences will always prioritize quality over name recognition. Unlike traditional acting,anime dubbing requires precise timing, emotional intensity, and a deep understanding of the character’s motivations—all of which can be difficult for newcomers to the medium.
The Performance Was Poorly Received and Torched Online
Some Think J. Balvin Should Stick to Singing and Leave Voice-over Work to the Pros
As soon as the episode aired, social media exploded with reactions from disappointed fans. Clips of Balvin’s performance quickly spread across X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, with many calling it the“worst dub ever.”Some viewers point to this performance as an example of why they don’t watch dubbed anime in the first place, while others light-heartedly argue that his delivery felt more like a bad Arnold Schwarzenegger impression.
The backlash isn’t just from casual fans either; many of the original web novel’s audience members express disappointment inSolo Leveling’s creative decisions. Some claim that Balvin’s performance disrupts the immersive experience, making it difficult to take the scene seriously. Others have criticized the decision to cast a pop star in a role that could have gone to a professional voice actor, especially given how many talented performers specialize in anime dubbing. Another opinion noted that if anime studios want to include celebrity voices, at the very least, consider keeping them behind the microphone for a theme song rather than a speaking role.
Celebrity Voice-over Work in Anime Is Nothing New
J. Balvin’s Talents Would Better Serve a Theme Song
J. Balvin isn’t the first celebrity to take on an anime role, and he won’t be the last. From Samuel L. Jackson inAfro Samuraito Simu Liu’s work inBright: Samurai Soul,celebrities have been lending their voices to anime projects for years. Even major anime films likeWeathering with YouandBellehave featured Hollywood actors in their English dubs.
However, the difference between a successful celebrity dub and a disastrous one oftencomes down to preparation and experience.Many of the actors who have successfully transitioned into anime voice-over—such as David Tennant inEdenor Giancarlo Esposito inCyberpunk: Edgerunners—are trained professionals with a deep understanding of performance. Others, like Simu Liu or John Cho, have taken on anime roles that play to their personal interest in the genre.
In J. Balvin’s case, perhaps his talents would have been better suited to contributing a theme song rather than a spoken role. Many anime series have tapped musicians for original tracks that enhance the viewing experience without the risk of awkward voice acting. Given his global influence and musical prowess, Balvin could have been an excellent choice for aSolo Levelingtheme song—one that fans might have embraced instead of ridiculed.
