The Japanese dubbed trailer for "The Mandalorian and Glogo" (directed by Jon Favreau, released simultaneously in Japan and the US on May 22), the first Star Wars film in seven years, was released on April 22. The Japanese voice cast was also revealed, with Shuhei Sakaguchi reprising his role as the Mandalorian.
◇Who is the voice actor for Colonel Ward, played by Sigourney Weaver?
The film "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Glogu" is set five years after the death of Darth Vader and the fall of the Empire. In a galaxy that has become a lawless wasteland, the Mandalorian, a solitary bounty hunter who perfectly completes any job while adhering to strict rules under the motto "Our Way," takes on a job to deliver alive Glogu, also known as "The Child," a mischievous and gluttonous creature with immense Force powers, to his client. The Mandalorian initially hands over Glogu in exchange for a large reward, but feeling a strange connection, he breaks the rules and takes Glogu back. During their journey, they gradually develop a bond like that of a father and son. "He'll outlive me. I can't protect him forever..." The story follows these two, bound by an unbreakable bond, as they confront destiny to prevent a new war aimed at the resurgence of the Empire.
Sakaguchi will reprise his role as the Mandalorian in the Japanese dubbed version. Regarding playing the lead role in the latest Star Wars theatrical release, Sakaguchi expressed his joy, saying, "I'm just so happy! It's something I can brag about to everyone. I've been really looking forward to it ever since the theatrical release was announced. I've finished recording successfully, and now all that's left is for everyone to see it!"
The usually quiet and cool Mandalorian shows an overly protective, almost parental side to the adorable, mischievous, and gluttonous Glogu, and the Mandalorian commented, "There are so many scenes where Glogu is overflowing with 'I love my daddy' feelings that you'll want to hug him, so please look forward to it! Look forward to 'Glogu & his guardian,' or rather, 'The Mandalorian & Glogu'!" Glogu belongs to the same species as the legendary Jedi Yoda, who lived for over 900 years, and possesses immense Force power, making him a target for the remnants of the Empire. The Mandalorian wants to protect him, but struggles with the fact that "he will outlive me. I can't protect him forever," and the relationship between the two, which will influence the course of the story, is something to watch out for.
The voice actress for Colonel Ward, a former Imperial pilot played by Sigourney Weaver who now serves as an officer in the New Republic and pursues the remnants of the Empire, who approaches the Mandalorian with a request, has been decided as Yui Komazuka. Why did Colonel Ward, who contributed to the destruction of the Empire led by Darth Vader, ask the Mandalorian to eliminate the remaining Imperial forces? Colonel Ward is one of the key figures in this film, so keep an eye on him. Komazuka also dubbed Weaver in the "Ghostbusters" series, so we can expect a dubbing performance that fully captures Weaver's charm.
◇The actor playing the informant Hugo is described as "a man with a voice of seven colors," and he also has memories of "playing Star Wars by himself."
Yuma Uchida, known for his roles as Haruka Sakura in "WIND BREAKER" and Reo Mikage in " Blue Lock ," will voice Lotta the Hutt, a muscular Hutt wielding a giant axe that puts the Mandalorian in dire straits. Regarding Lotta, the son of Jabba the Hutt, the absolute power in the underworld who even troubled the legendary Jedi Luke Skywalker, Uchida reflected on the voice recording, saying, "I had an image in my head. Since this is a dubbed version, I made sure to carefully check the nuances of the original Lotta's voice as I recorded." He added, "I feel that the action scenes are a major attraction of this film. Not only the Mandalorian's fights, but the Hutts' fights are also very impressive. They're huge, after all... I hope you'll enjoy them in theaters!"
The role of Hugo, the manager of a humble shop and an informant well-versed in the underworld, will be played by Koichi Yamadera,"the man with seven voices." Although he previously dubbed Han Solo in the TV version of "The Empire Strikes Back (Episode 5)," this will be Yamadera's first appearance in a theatrical release. He expressed his delight, saying, "This is my second time participating in 'Star Wars' as a voice actor, the first being Han Solo in 'The Empire Strikes Back.' Every time a new film is released and a fascinating character appears, I think, 'I want to be in it!', so I was very happy to receive the offer."
Yamadera, who was able to follow the "Star Wars" saga in real time when the first film, "A New Hope," was released in 1977, revealed, "I like doing impressions, so I have memories of playing 'Star Wars by myself' using the voices of Darth Vader, R2-D2, and Chewbacca, and the sound of a lightsaber." Regarding the character he plays, Hugo, he said, "He's a unique food stall owner who skillfully cooks using all four of his arms. He's a character who rats out the Mandalorian, but I think he's just as cute as Glogoo, so please look forward to his appearance!"
In addition, Minoru Inaba will reprise his role as Zeb, a former Rebel Alliance warrior who has fought fierce battles against the Galactic Empire led by Darth Vader. Furthermore, Yoji Ueda will play the Hutt Sisters, cousins of the infamous crime lord Jabba the Hutt, two twin gang members of the Hutt tribe; Kenji Nomura will play the Hutt Brothers; and Takami Umeda will play the Anzerans, a small species skilled in droid repair. What kind of "adventures" will unfold on the big screen between the Mandalorian and Glogu, who are bound by a bond like that of a parent and child?
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the US theatrical release of the first Star Wars film, "Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV)." Following the release of "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Glogo" this May, the next film, "Star Wars: Starfighter" (working title), starring Ryan Gosling, is scheduled for US release in May 2027. We eagerly await the May 22nd release of this film, which will mark the beginning of a new Star Wars legend.
