At this year’s Xbox Games Showcase, ATLUS released (meant to be revealed but was leaked prior to the showcase) Persona 3 Reload. A remake of the 2008 classic, it updates a ton of the original, from gameplay to graphics. While Persona 3 Portable was released on modern consoles, it wasn’t the whole experience. So, when it was announced, fans and newcomers alike were drawn to it. Upon further research, it was found that the characters would be recast. Fans were skeptical about it, as many remember the performances fondly. In fact, many of the actors and actresses still voice-act to this day and are regarded as legends of the craft. However, with the newly released trailer, fans got to hear the new voices of some of these characters, and the reactions have been pretty positive. So, let’s look into the new cast of Persona 3 Reload to get to know them, as well as a bit of history of the character and original actor/actress.
Protagonist (Makoto Yuki) – Aleks Le
As the hero of the story, the protagonist, a transfer to Gekkoukan High from a different town, finds himself a part of the organization known as S.E.E.S (Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad). His role within the secret school group deepens and becomes much more integral to the fate of the world. As the player is in control of him, he does not speak apart from calling out his Personas (mainly Orpheus).
In the original, Yuri Lowenthal (Behind the Voice Actors/BTVA) took the helm and the role of Ryoji. He is best known for his roles as Sasuke in the English dub of Naruto and Peter Parker/Spider-Man from Marvel’s Spider-Man. Despite not having many lines, he would reprise his roles for spinoffs and even play one of the leads (who speaks a ton) in Persona 4 as Yosuke Kitagawa.
In Persona 3 Reload, the protagonist will be voiced by Aleks Le (BTVA), whose resume is very impressive. So far, he has been in lead roles in many popular animes and games, such as Thorfinn in Vinland Saga, Zenitsu in Demon Slayer, and Luke from Street Fighter 6. While his voice has yet to be heard in any trailers, it’s fair to say that Makoto is in the right hands.
Yukari Takeba – Heather Gonzalez
A skilled archer with a tragic backstory, Yukari Takeba fights with her heart on her sleeve. She is one of the protagonist’s classmates and part of S.E.E.S with her Persona Io.
In Persona 3, she was played by Michelle Ruff (BTVA), whose voiced characters such as Rukia Kuchiki in Bleach and Yoko Littner in Gurren Lagann (alongside Yuri Lowenthal, who played Simon). She also voiced Sadayo Kawakami, Joker’s homeroom teacher (and secret maid) in Persona 5. Michelle’s take on the character was charming yet serious, as she was able to switch from comedic to dramatic quickly.
Now, Heather Gonzalez (BTVA) will play the sharpshooting teen. While known for Minoto in Monster Hunter: Rise, her most recent role was Mineru, one of the six sages, in this year’s smash-hit The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Seeing this much variety with fresh talent is sure to be a sign of success in the future. Yukari might be another arrow in Heather’s ever-growing quiver. According to the newest trailer, it’s safe to say that her version will match Michelle’s.
Junpei Iori – Zeno Robinson
The self-proclaimed “ace detective” (or “ace defective,” depending on who you ask) and boisterous baseball bat-wielder Junpei Iori’s bright enthusiasm make up for his not-so-bright mind. He joins S.E.E.S (alongside his Persona, Hermes) not long after the protagonist and grows alongside him in his way.
Giving life to Junpei in the original was Vic Mignogna (BTVA), known for playing Edward Elric in both Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and Broly in the Dragon Ball series. His quick wit was infectious and made every minute he was on screen a joy.
When Zeno Robinson (BTVA) was announced to voice the lovable oaf, many were skeptical about how it would match up to Vic’s performance. Zeno’s resume contains roles such as Hawks in My Hero Academia, Genya from Demon Slayer, and Dee Jay in Street Fighter 6. Surprisingly, the differences in the two voices are minimal, which will bode well for those who can’t get enough of Junpei.
Mitsuru Kirijo – Allegra Clark
Seen as the leader of S.E.E.S, class president, and heir to the Kirijo Group company, Mitsuru Kirijo is as prim and precise as the rapier she dons in battle. Though she starts as the navigator, she joins the fight with her Persona, Penthesilea, when Fuuka takes over.
Tara Platt (BTVA), Yuri Lowenthal’s wife, voiced Mitsuru in the original. Her roles include Edelgard von Hresvelg in Fire Emblem: Three Houses and Yuri Watanabe in Marvel’s Spider-Man. She also voices Elizabeth, the Velvet Room assistant in Persona 3. Her dominating presence and off-the-cuff French made Tara’s performance a joy.
In the remake, Allegra Clark (BTVA) takes on the sharp student. Some of her voices include Dorothea in Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Maki in Jujutsu Kaisen, and Marissa in Street Fighter 6. The same demanding vocals are present in Allegra’s version, proving that she has the ability to execute the role with ease.
Akihiko Sanada – Alejandro Saab
Strong and fierce with a brawler’s spirit, Akihiko Sanada doesn’t pull his punches when protecting his friends. Out of battle at the start of the game, his eagerness to fight the good fight makes his entrance back into the team a heavy-hitter. His Persona’s name is Polydeuces.
The original actor for Akihiko was Liam O’Brien (BTVA), who many might know from the D&D series Critical Role. His voice-acting career contains hits such as Gaara from Naruto, Dr. Kenzo Tenma in Monster, and Grimoire Weiss in NieR: Replicant. Liam’s performance as the bandaged brute was a highlight for many, as his steadfastness and determination were felt whenever he talked.
In his stead, Alejandro Saab (BTVA) dons the boxing gloves. He is known for voicing Gabimaru in Hell’s Paradise, Yuri in Fire Emblem: Three Houses, and Einar in Vinland Saga. Getting just a taste of Alejandro’s performance at the end of the new trailer, it seems like Liam might have a worthy opponent to spar with.
Fuuka Yamagishi – Suzie Yeung
The quietest of the bunch, Fuuka Yamagishi is soft-spoken yet willing to help anyone who needs it. She acts as the navigator of the group, helping them traverse Tartarus. She uses her Persona called Lucia to do it.
Interestingly enough, no actress was credited for the role in the original, yet in other installments, Wendee Lee (BTVA), best known for Faye Valentine in Cowboy Bebop, did her voice.
This time, we know who will help S.E.E.S get through the many floors: Suzie Yeung (BTVA). Gaining popularity recently, her roles range from Yuffie in Final Fantasy VII Remake to Makima in Chainsaw Man. The change in Fuuka’s voice from monotone to bubbly is a bit jarring to some who’ve played the original, but it is a welcomed difference.
Aigis – Dawn M. Bennett
Programmed to kill Shadows, Aigis uses her weaponized robot body to eliminate any and all enemies that stand in the way. In the game, she grows close to the protagonist and acclimates to human society. While she is a living weapon, she does use the Persona Palladion.
Karen Strassman (BTVA) was the voice for Aigis in the original and various spinoffs. Roles she has done include Soi Fon in Bleach and Kallen Stadtfeld in Code Geass. In Persona 4, she voices Nanako, the protagonist’s little cousin. Aigis has a robotic and monotone-like voice, which Karen does very well.
Dawn M. Bennett (BTVA) brings the android to life in this remake. Kale from Dragon Ball, Sash Lilac from Freedom Planet, and Frieda Reiss from Attack on Titan are some of her known roles. We have not been able to hear Dawn’s take just yet, but it’ll be exciting to see how Aigis will sound in this new game.
Shinjiro Aragaki – Justice Slocum
Rejected by society, Shinjiro (Shinji) Aragaki, with his Persona Castor, will stop at nothing to ensure the future is better than the past. Behind his cold exterior, his gentle soul shows throughout the game.
In Persona 3, Grant George (BTVA), known for voicing Warrior of Light in several Final Fantasy titles, plays the misunderstood teen. Grant’s voice brought complexities to Shinji, showcasing his personality beyond the lines.
For the newest game, Justice Slocum (BTVA) takes a swing at the role. The actor is new to the scene, with only two credits so far. It’ll be interesting to see how Justice will be as Shinji, but only time will tell.
Ken Amada – Justine Lee
The youngest of the group, Ken Amada, has as much determination for justice, if not more, than any of his peers. His Persona Nemesis helps him in his quest to avenge his mother.
As with Fuuka, no actor/actress was credited for Ken, but Amy Rose (Sonic The Hedgehog) actress Cindy Robinson (BTVA) played him in spinoffs.
With Persona 3 Reload, newcomer Justine Lee (BTVA) will fill Ken’s shoes. Also, not having many roles so far, Ken might spearhead them into the spotlight.
Conclusion
That’s a wrap on the new cast of Persona 3 Reload! What do you think of the performances so far? Which was your favorite? Who do you think will join next? Feel free to comment below and if you want more content such as this, leave a like and share with friends. Until next time!
