Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
The comparison between the dubbed version and the subbed version of an anime series is one of the most serious topics in the industry. Fans have always compared the two different dubbings to find out which is better, andSolo Levelingwas certainly not an exception to this. However, the series somehow managed to satisfy both categories of fans.
The unique story ofSolo Levelingfollows the adventures of Sung Jinwoo, the weakest hunter, and his struggles to become the strongest hunter in a world filled with monsters. Thus, the comparisons between the dubbed and subbed versions ofSolo Levelingwere obviously going to be judged by the performances of the voice actors of Sung Jinwoo.
In the Japanese version, Sung Jinwoo is voiced by Taito Ban, and in the English version, Aleks Le takes on this responsibility. In a recent interview, the English ADR director ofSolo Levelingrevealed how she helped Le avoid any harsh comparisons between him and Ban for the role of Sung Jinwoo.
Aleks Le Uses Taito Ban As a Template For Sung Jinwoo’s Voice
In an exclusive discussion withComic Book Resources,Solo Leveling’sAutomated Dialogue Replacement Director, Caitlin Glass was asked about how she embeds the progress into the voice acting that is hinted at inSolo Leveling’stitle. Glass revealed that they listen to Ban’s voice change and use it as template.
“Some people just aren’t meant for the battlefield”: Solo Leveling’s Most Wasted Character Had a Broken Ability Even Sung Jinwoo Couldn’t Master
Glass stated:
Jin-woo can only grow as the anime allows him to progress. We’re definitely listening to how the voice changes. Taito Ban is a wonderful Seiyu to use as a template, and I’m not asking Aleks to sound like him. He’s not the English version of that actor. It’s more like these are two actors who can both play this character and how it would be portrayed in English.
According to the voice director, although they use Ban’s voice as a guide to understanding the growth in Sung Jinwoo’s character, they have no intention of makingAleks Lesound like him.
Instead, they allow him to portray Sung Jinwoo’s character in English as he sees fit after understanding it from Ban’s voice. This way, they maintain a sense of uniqueness in the dubbed version ofSolo Leveling.
Taito Ban’s Voice Changes Helps Aleks Le
While further explaining the process ofLe’s voice acting inSolo Leveling, Glass pointed out that the English voice actor has done a good job of understanding Ban’s performance till now and adapting it in his own way. She pointed out that he absorbs the cues from Ban’s portrayal and uses them as he sees fit.
Glass commented:
That’s Aleks’ job. We take cues from Taito Ban’s performance, Aleks absorbs them, and we’re listening to where he sounds more naive and where he sounds more confident. There are definite places where the voice changes very specifically, and we play with them.
Glass went on to explain that in the first season, Jinwoo’s growth is reflected in his internal dialogs that he has with himself. Therefore, it makes the task a little more complicated.
“I also faced a lot of ridicule”: Solo Leveling’s Aleks Le Became the Real-Life Sung Jinwoo After Unnecessarily Facing Backlash for Being a Younger Voice Actor
But the analyzation ofBan’s performance as Sung Jinwoogives them a specific guide as to work through these aspects. This is why both versions ofSolo Levelinghave been highly appreciated by fans all over the world.
Solo Levelingis available to watch on Crunchyroll.
Tarun Kohli
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2958
Tarun Kohli is the Senior Anime Writer at FandomWire, with over 2,900 published articles. He currently specializes in critiquing One Piece and other Shonen anime. A passionate fan of the genre, his love for thoughtful analysis reflects his genuine appreciation for the art of anime. His deep understanding of anime culture has earned recognition from industry figures such as Adi Shankar and the creators of Blood of Zeus.
More from Tarun Kohli
How Many Episodes Are Left in One Piece Egghead Arc? Explained
10 ‘One Piece’ Characters With Major Death Flags
Every Awakened Devil Fruit in One Piece, Ranked Weakest to Strongest
Recommended
Honey Don’t! Cast: Is Chris Evans Playing a Villain in Margaret Qualley’s Upcoming August 22 Release
NYT Wordle Hints and Solution for July 12, 2025
‘Blue Beetle’ Turns Two: James Gunn’s DCU Has Forgotten Him But These 4 DC Shows Did Him Proud
Transformers Star Is Absolutely Right on Why He Rejected ‘The Penguin’
The Summer I Turned Pretty Theory Proves Jenny Han’s Name Game Ruins Season 3 Finale
Aleks Lesolo levelingSung Jinwoo
