voices Shokichi. At the time of the dub’s production, Thomas was a household name, starring in Home Improvement and voicing young Simba in The Lion King . His casting was strategic; his familiar, youthful voice provided a welcoming entry point for American audiences. Thomas brings a sincerity to Shokichi, capturing the character's initial innocence and his eventual hardening as the war against the humans progresses. He effectively balances the humor of a shape-shifting raccoon with the genuine fear of losing his home.
In the sprawling, imaginative catalogue of Studio Ghibli, films often fall into distinct emotional categories. There are the soaring adventures like Castle in the Sky , the whimsical childhood fantasies like My Neighbor Totoro , and the profound dramas like Grave of the Fireflies . Sitting uniquely between fantasy and ecological fable is Isao Takahata’s 1994 masterpiece, Pom Poko . pom poko english dub cast
Opposite him is the legendary as Okiyo. MacNeille is a veteran of The Simpsons (voicing characters like Agnes Skinner and Mrs. Muntz) and Futurama . Her vocal range is legendary. As Okiyo, she provides a spirited, sometimes cheeky counterpoint to Shokichi. MacNeille has a knack for making animated characters feel grounded and human—ironic, given she is playing a mythical creature. Her chemistry with Thomas helps sell the romantic subplot, which serves as the emotional heart of the film’s middle act. The Character Actor Powerhouse: Kevin Michael Richardson No discussion of the Pom Poko English dub cast would be complete without highlighting Kevin Michael Richardson . voices Shokichi
Richardson’s performance as Gonta is a masterclass in voice acting. He imbues the character with a rough, blustering energy that is simultaneously intimidating and comical. Gonta is a character who oscillates between being a fierce warrior and a comedic foil, and Richardson navigates this tightrope perfectly. His booming voice gives weight to the tanuki’s anger, making their crusade against the developers feel justified and desperate. Thomas brings a sincerity to Shokichi, capturing the
voices Shokichi. At the time of the dub’s production, Thomas was a household name, starring in Home Improvement and voicing young Simba in The Lion King . His casting was strategic; his familiar, youthful voice provided a welcoming entry point for American audiences. Thomas brings a sincerity to Shokichi, capturing the character's initial innocence and his eventual hardening as the war against the humans progresses. He effectively balances the humor of a shape-shifting raccoon with the genuine fear of losing his home.
In the sprawling, imaginative catalogue of Studio Ghibli, films often fall into distinct emotional categories. There are the soaring adventures like Castle in the Sky , the whimsical childhood fantasies like My Neighbor Totoro , and the profound dramas like Grave of the Fireflies . Sitting uniquely between fantasy and ecological fable is Isao Takahata’s 1994 masterpiece, Pom Poko .
Opposite him is the legendary as Okiyo. MacNeille is a veteran of The Simpsons (voicing characters like Agnes Skinner and Mrs. Muntz) and Futurama . Her vocal range is legendary. As Okiyo, she provides a spirited, sometimes cheeky counterpoint to Shokichi. MacNeille has a knack for making animated characters feel grounded and human—ironic, given she is playing a mythical creature. Her chemistry with Thomas helps sell the romantic subplot, which serves as the emotional heart of the film’s middle act. The Character Actor Powerhouse: Kevin Michael Richardson No discussion of the Pom Poko English dub cast would be complete without highlighting Kevin Michael Richardson .
Richardson’s performance as Gonta is a masterclass in voice acting. He imbues the character with a rough, blustering energy that is simultaneously intimidating and comical. Gonta is a character who oscillates between being a fierce warrior and a comedic foil, and Richardson navigates this tightrope perfectly. His booming voice gives weight to the tanuki’s anger, making their crusade against the developers feel justified and desperate.