Regarding voice work, the English dub ofKingdom Heartsis no stranger to high-profile talent. The voice of Sora, ostensibly the main character of the series, is Haley Joel Osment, who starred in iconic films such asThe Sixth SenseandA.I. Artificial Intelligence. Sora is one of his longest running roles, first voicing the character at age 12, and continuing to reprise the role since.
That said, Osment is far from the only actor Western audiences will recognize in theKingdom Heartsseries. Many notable actors who starred in animated Disney films, returned to their roles for the game. Examples include Chris Sarandon as Jack Skellington, Ming-Na Wen as Mulan, and Idina Menzel as Elsa. However, other famous actors have appeared in the series, lending their voices to characters that they are less recognized for.
6David Boreanaz
Squall “Leon” Leonhart
David Boreanazhas starred in television shows from the late 90s up until the present. His most well-known role is the ensouled vampire Angel, a major character inBuffy the Vampire Slayer,who later received aself-titled spin-off series. He is also recognized for starring inBonesas Agent Seeley Booth.
To date, Squall Leonhart (referred to as “Leon” inKingdom Hearts),originating fromFinal Fantasy VIII,remains one of Boreanaz’s few voice acting roles. In everyKingdom HeartsorFinal Fantasygame since, Squall Leonhart has been dubbed by veteran voice actor, Doug Erholtz.
5Sean Astin
Hercules
Sean Astinhas starred in several well-known films, includingThe Goonies(1985),Rudy(1993), andThe Lord of the Rings Trilogy(2001-2003), in which he played Samwise “Sam” Gamgee. However, he made his voice acting debut inKingdom Hearts, filling in for Tate Donovan as the voice of Hercules. Astin previously starred alongside Donovan inMemphis Belle(1990).
Although Donovan would return to the role of Hercules in future installments ofKingdom Hearts, Astin would continue his voice acting career in other video games. Notably, he reprised the role of Samwise in numerousLord of the Ringsgames, as well as LegoDimensions.
4Mandy Moore
Aerith
Mandy Mooreis perhaps one of the few famous actors to lend her voice to aKingdom Heartsgame before starring in an animated Disney film.Moore voiced Aerith Gainsborough fromFinal Fantasy VIIinKingdom Hearts. Notably, the game was released the same year as one of her most remembered films,A Walk To Remember(2002). InKingdom Hearts,Aerith was one of a handful ofFinal Fantasycharacters first encountered in Traverse Town, alongside Leon, Yuffie, and Cid.
Like many of her co-stars in the first game, Moore did not voice Aerith in futureKingdom Heartsreleases. Despite Rapunzel, a character she voiced inTangled(2010) appearing inKingdom Hearts III, Moore did not return for the role. Kelsey Lansdowne provided the character’s dialogue instead. Despite this fact, Moore has voiced Rapunzel in other games, such asDisney InfinityandDisney Dreamlight Valley.
3Mark Hamill
Master Eraqus
Mark Hamillis best known for his appearance asLuke Skywalker in the initialStar Warstrilogy(1977-1983). He initially voiced the older Master Eraqus in the prequel game,Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep. He later reprized the role inKingdom Hearts III.
Hamill is a prolific voice actor, having a huge catalog of voice work before ever being cast forBirth By Sleep. Most recently, Hamill was announced once again as the voice of the Joker for the Warner Bros. fighting game,Multiversus.
2Billy Zane
Ansem, Seeker of Darkness
Billy Zaneis no stranger to playing the villain, being perhaps best-known for his performance as Caledon Hockey inTitanic(1997). InKingdom Hearts, he uses his vocal chops to bring to life the game’s final boss:Ansem, Seeker of Darkness. Thus far, it remains Zane’s latest role in a video game, preceded only by his appearance in the snowboarding game,SSX Trickyas Brodi Ford.
Zane has not reprised the role since the first game. Veteran voice actor Richard Epcar was the voice of Ansem, Seeker of Darkness in subsequentKingdom Heartsgames featuring the character.
The elderly Master Xehanort was the primary corrupting force in theKingdom Heartsseries. He is thus far an overarching antagonist in the games, even where he is not the main villain outright. Even other characters who take on the role of the main antagonist, such as Ansem or Xemnas, are simply other forms of him. Such a core character requires a consummate performer, and across the series so far, three veteran actors have taken on the role of Xehanort.
The lateLeonard Nimoywas the first to voice the villain inKingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep,a role he later reprised inKingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. After Nimoy’s passing,Rutger Hauertook over the role inKingdom Hearts III. Finally,Christopher Lloydhas voiced the character since Hauer passed away, appearing in theRe:MindDLC for Kingdom Hearts III as well as a rhythm game recounting the series,Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory.
Kingdom Hearts
WHERE TO PLAY
KINGDOM HEARTS: Fear locks the light in darkness. Courage is the key.When a supernatural storm transports 14-year-old Sora to a distant land, he sets out to track down his missing friends. Teaming up with Court Wizard Donald and Captain Goofy, join Sora as he embarks on a valiant quest to find his friends and defeat the evil ‘Heartless’.Explore new and familiar worlds featuring over 100 Disney characters. Beware of the Disney villains and their devious intentions. Team up with Disney heroes as you battle evil. Experience stunning graphics and authentic voiceovers.
