When Darling in the Franxx first hit screens, it sparked massive debates across the anime community, driven as much by its bold mecha action as by its unforgettable characters. Behind every pilot, commander, and antagonist stands a talented voice artist. Both the original Japanese seiyuu and the English dub cast brought depth to Squad 13, making emotional moments hit harder and action sequences soar.
The primary search intent for this topic is straightforward: fans want a complete, easy-to-read reference guide listing both the Japanese voice actors and English dub voice actors for the main characters of Darling in the Franxx. Instead of hunting across multiple databases, you'll find the complete breakdown of Squad 13, the elite Nines, and key supporting figures right here.
Main Squad 13 Voice Actors
Squad 13 is the heart of the series. The chemistry between the partners inside the Franxx units anchors the story's emotional core.
Zero Two and Hiro
- Zero Two: Voiced in Japanese by Haruka Tomatsu and in English by Tia Ballard. Tomatsu captures Zero Two's wild, predatory edge alongside her deep vulnerability, while Ballard delivers a playful yet fiercely protective English performance.
- Hiro: Voiced in Japanese by Yūto Uemura and in English by Matt Shipman. Uemura portrays Hiro's journey from a disillusioned, failing parasite to a resolute partner with quiet intensity.
Ichigo and Goro
- Ichigo: Voiced in Japanese by Kana Ichinose and in English by Brittany Lauda. Ichinose highlights Ichigo's strict sense of duty and hidden anxieties, matching Lauda's sharp delivery of the squad leader's protective instincts.
- Goro: Voiced in Japanese by Yūichirō Umehara (episodes 1-22) and Daiki Hamano (episodes 23-24), with Austin Tindle handling the English dub. Umehara's calm baritone anchors Goro's steady, reliable personality.
Zorome and Miku
- Zorome: Voiced in Japanese by Mutsumi Tamura and in English by Ryan Reynolds (not the Hollywood actor, but the voice professional of the same name). Tamura leans into Zorome's loud, brash bravado.
- Miku: Voiced in Japanese by Nanami Yamashita and in English by Bryn Apprill. Yamashita brings a sharp, energetic tone that defines Miku's constant bickering and underlying loyalty.
Mitsuru and Kokoro
- Mitsuru: Voiced in Japanese by Aoi Ichikawa and in English by Bryson Baugus. Ichikawa captures Mitsuru's bitter, guarded shell as it slowly cracks.
- Kokoro: Voiced in Japanese by Saori Hayami and in English by Jeannie Tirado. Hayami gives Kokoro a gentle, nurturing warmth that drives one of the series' most crucial plotlines.
Futoshi and Ikuno
- Futoshi: Voiced in Japanese by Hiroki Gotō and in English by Blake Shepard. Gotō injects a booming, emotional enthusiasm into the gentle giant of the squad.
- Ikuno: Voiced in Japanese by Shizuka Ishigami and in English by Leah Clark. Ishigami portrays Ikuno's reserved, intellectual demeanor with quiet precision.
The Nines and Supporting Cast
Beyond Squad 13, the overarching world of APE and the elite parasite unit feature distinct vocal performances.
- 9'α (Nine Alpha): Voiced by Sōma Saitō in Japanese and Justin Briner in English. Saitō lends an aloof, superior cadence fitting for Dr. Franxx's elite squad.
- Dr. Franxx: Voiced by Kenyū Horiuchi (Japanese) and Kent Williams (English). Both actors capture the eccentric, detached genius of the creator.
- Nana: Voiced by Marina Inoue (Japanese) and Michelle Rojas (English). Inoue balances the strict obedience required of a parasite manager with genuine maternal care.
- Code:001: Voiced by Rie Kugimiya (Japanese) and Luci Christian (English), bringing an ancient, chilling presence to the leader of the klaxosaurs.
Behind the Production: Studio Insights
Darling in the Franxx was a unique collaborative project co-produced by Studio Trigger and CloverWorks. Because of this joint effort, casting sessions prioritized actors who could handle both high-octane mecha action sequences and heavy, character-driven dramatic dialogue.
In the Japanese recording booths, directors encouraged the younger voice actors to lean into raw emotional outbursts, particularly during the middle-act trials of Squad 13. Similarly, Funimation's English adaptation team worked closely to match the distinct cadence of the Japanese tracks while maintaining natural localization for Western audiences. You can explore more production details on the official Studio Trigger website.
Common Misconceptions About the Cast
Fans often search for specific trivia regarding the voice recording process. Here are a few clarifications:
- Zorome's English Voice Actor: The English dub features a voice actor named Ryan Reynolds, which frequently leads to humorous confusion online, though he is entirely distinct from the Hollywood film star.
- Mid-Series Cast Changes: Goro's Japanese voice actor changed briefly in the final two episodes due to medical leave, with Daiki Hamano stepping in smoothly to finish the role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who voices Zero Two in Darling in the Franxx?
Zero Two is voiced by Haruka Tomatsu in the Japanese audio track and by Tia Ballard in the English dub.
How many episodes are in Darling in the Franxx?
The series ran for 24 episodes, broadcast from January to July 2018 across Japanese networks.
Where can I watch Darling in the Franxx with the English dub?
The series is available to stream on platforms like Crunchyroll, depending on your regional licensing availability.
Did any voice actors change during the show's run?
Yes, Goro's Japanese voice actor changed from Yūichirō Umehara to Daiki Hamano for episodes 23 and 24 because Umehara took a temporary leave of absence for health reasons.
