(English) EIGA.COM TRANSLATION: GACKT dubs for the 「King Kong」 Reboot

GACKT Dubs for the 「King Kong」 Reboot, Really Likes the Movie! 「20 times more interesting than 『Jurassic Park』」

The production team of the Hollywood version of 「GODZILLA」 reunited to create the movie 「Kong: Skull Island」 which depicts the origins of King Kong. GACKT and Sasaki Nozomi, who were chosen as voice actors for the Japanese dub of the movie, attended the dubbing event in a studio in Tokyo on February 16.

A talented group of actors including Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, John C. Reilly, and John Goodman have been brought together for this epic adventure. In 1973, the members of an expedition team sent to the undeveloped island, Skull Island, find their lives in danger when they encounter gigantic creatures like Kong. GACKT will be dubbing for the protagonist, the mercenary James Conrad (Hiddleston), while Sasaki will be dubbing for the heroine, the war photojournalist Mason Weaver (Brie Larson).

Sasaki, who is taking on the challenge of dubbing for the first time, appeared tense as she said 「I’ll do my best」, and GACKT, who appeared indifferent, also spoke his mind, saying 「I may look like this but I’m nervous」. In the scene where Conrad and Weaver are trying to find out each other’s true intentions, Sasaki couldn’t smoothly say 「Igirisu rikugun (British Army)」 and looked embarrassed, but GACKT said 「Cute」 and smiled. With regards to GACKT who led with his restrained performance, Sasaki said, inspired, 「His aura is so amazing, and I wasn’t sure that he would talk to me but he’s been giving me advice, he’s very friendly」. Upon hearing that, GACKT said 「I’m nice to cute people. Because I’m a gentleman」, and got the reporters wrapped up in laughter.

When asked about the movie’s story, GACKT said enthusiastically 「It’s 20 times more interesting than 『Jurassic Park』. I don’t really say this but, it’s better if you do watch it!」. He then continued speaking at length about it, saying 「The movie opens with a completely different King Kong than what my generation was familiar with. It was so interesting that I ended up watching it while sitting at the edge of my seat. Here and there were tributes to Ghibli and special effects too, and the manager who sat next to me as I watched it explained to me saying 『That scene is a tribute』 (laughs). And, if you watch the after-credits scene, I think those who get it will say 『No way!』 and start clapping and laughing」, and he added 「The original title is 『KONG』, in other words, a “Kong” becomes a “King” through the events of this movie. Look forward to finding out how he becomes a King」.

Sasaki praised the movie’s realism, saying 「It’s a really thrilling movie that you can’t tear your eyes away from. I felt as if I was there in the movie as well」. She also spoke of the movie’s charm through a woman’s perspective, saying 「I gradually became empathetic towards him and ended up thinking 『Do your best! Go! Go!』. He eventually becomes a lovable characer. Both men and women like a strong character」.

Professional wrestler Makabe Togi will also be joining in the Japanese dub version of 「Kong: Skull Island」 as a voice actor. The movie will be released nationwide on March 25.