The -Dub- version of Neon Genesis Evangelion was produced by Crunchyroll, in partnership with Studio Khara, the studio behind the original series. The dub was created to provide a more modern and accessible version of the series for English-speaking fans, with a focus on staying true to the original Japanese version. The dub features a new voice cast, including Bryce Papenbrook as Shinji Ikari, and was recorded at Studio Kaizen in Los Angeles.
When Netflix acquired Evangelion in 2019, they commissioned a brand-new dub. The result, produced by VSI Los Angeles and directed by Carrie Keranen, is technically superior in every measurable way: cleaner audio, more accurate translation, consistent pronunciation (no more “Nerv” vs. “NERV”), and a cast of seasoned professionals.
The first English dub was produced by , the original North American distributor. Created under significant budgetary and technical constraints, the production team had to use substandard equipment, and many supporting roles were voiced by production staff rather than professional actors. Despite these limitations, the core voice cast became legendary:
Amazon struck a unique compromise: they brought back the original ADV legacy cast members—including Spike Spencer, Tiffany Grant, and Allison Keith—but forced them to adhere to the strict, literal scripting style favored by Studio Khara. This created a fascinating hybrid universe where the nostalgic voices of the 90s spoke with the precise, clinical dialogue of the modern era. Side-by-Side Comparison: Which Dub is Best? The ADV Films Dub The Netflix Dub Localized, punchy, conversational Highly literal, formal, accurate Shinji's Vibe Frantic, deeply expressive, panicked Melancholic, quiet, reserved Asuka's Vibe Visceral, loud, proudly aggressive Realistically arrogant, guarded Best For Nostalgia, emotional high points, ease of listening Pure narrative accuracy, consistent acting quality The Verdict Neon Genesis Evangelion -Dub-
For many long-time fans, the ADV dub remains the "soul" of the series due to nostalgia and the distinct personalities of the original voice actors. However, the Netflix dub provides a technically superior audio experience and a translation that more closely mirrors the creator's specific wording. Recently, released Blu-ray sets that attempted to bridge this gap by including both versions in specialized collector's editions, recognizing the value of both interpretations in the series' history. Evangelion Complete Series Purchase - Facebook
When Netflix secured the rights, they created a new English dub produced at VSI Los Angeles. This new translation was directly supervised by Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno’s Studio Khara, which demanded a more faithful script over the colloquialized 90s version. This new dub introduced a fresh cast, including:
The offers a smoother, more uniform acting experience. While it sacrifices some of the localized charm and emotional peaks of the original, it provides a highly accurate text that aligns perfectly with Hideaki Anno's precise structural vision. The -Dub- version of Neon Genesis Evangelion was
Characters spoke with formal syntax, rarely used contractions, and mirrored Japanese sentence structures. While this kept the script incredibly accurate to the source text, some critics and fans argued that it made the English dialogue sound stiff, unnatural, and devoid of colloquial warmth. The Rebuild of Evangelion: Funimation and Amazon Prime
Whether you prefer the fiery German ad-libs of Tiffany Grant or the pristine, modern accuracy of the Netflix cast, the dubs succeeded in their most important mission: they made a dense, terrifyingly insular Japanese psychodrama universally understandable. The voices of those pilots, crying out against the end of the world, continue to echo in the minds of fans worldwide.
The Netflix dub drew heavy fire for altering key lines that fans felt erased crucial subtext. The most infamous change occurred in Episode 24, regarding Kaworu Nagisa’s declaration of love to Shinji. When Netflix acquired Evangelion in 2019, they commissioned
By exploring these resources, fans can gain a deeper understanding of the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise and its enduring appeal. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the series, Neon Genesis Evangelion -Dub- is an unforgettable experience that's sure to leave a lasting impression.
This version is cherished by many for its nostalgia. It was a product of its time—pioneering early voice acting, with performances that became iconic to many fans. While some argue the acting took time to settle into roles, it holds a cult status.
Keith balanced Misato’s dual nature perfectly, shifting seamlessly from a bubbly, beer-drinking roommate to a hardened, calculated military strategist.