My Hero Academia Turns 10: The Voices Behind the Heroes Reflect on a Decade of “Plus Ultra”

 

This week, Crunchyroll celebrated a massive milestone: the 10th anniversary of the award-winning anime series My Hero Academia. To mark the occasion, the beloved English voice cast—Christopher Sabat (All Might), Justin Briner (Izuku Midoriya), Clifford Chapin (Katsuki Bakugo), and David Matranga (Shoto Todoroki)—took the stage to reflect on a decade of quirks, character growth, and the unbreakable bond they share with the fandom. Here are the highlights from their heartfelt panel discussion.

 

Kicking off the panel, the cast reflected on the incredible evolution of their characters over the past ten years.

 

David Matranga expressed profound gratitude for Todoroki’s overarching narrative, noting that he “couldn’t have asked for a better growth journey” after spending a decade with a character tied to so many massive story reveals. Justin Briner echoed this sentiment, sharing how thrilled he is about where the characters currently stand.

 

For Christopher Sabat, the most significant shift hasn’t just been on the screen, but in the audience’s perception of All Might.

 

“The biggest change has been in the audience,” Sabat noted. “People used to really admire his strength, but now they admire his vulnerability. It shows that being emotionally available does work.”

 

When asked to pinpoint their most impactful memories from the last ten years, the answers were deeply personal, highlighting the intersection of their real lives and the show’s massive community.

 

Chapin touched on major personal milestones—getting married and welcoming two stepchildren, who ask him to tell them to go to bed in Bakugo’s voice —before highlighting a pivotal professional moment: the English cast attending the premiere of Heroes Rising. Occurring just weeks before the world shut down due to COVID-19, Chapin described it as a “beautiful moment to be with fans,” adding that the energy of that experience carried him through the isolation of the pandemic.

 

Sabat wholeheartedly agreed with Chapin, emphasizing that the sheer power of the audience’s reaction during that time remains unforgettable.

 

Matranga cherished the camaraderie of working with the cast and the magic of live readings. He fondly recalled transitioning to online meet-and-greets during the lockdown and seeing how the show impacted families and then later seeing one of those families at a convention post-pandemic. He also emphasized how deeply moving it is to witness what representation means to the fans.

 

For Briner, the most impactful takeaway is the show’s recurring theme: we are stronger together. He encouraged fans to “find your people and keep them close.”

 

Voicing some of anime’s most iconic heroes has left a lasting mark on the actors themselves. The panel shifted to a more introspective tone as they discussed what the experience taught them about their own lives.

 

Sabat revealed that he had just welcomed children when he first took on the role of All Might. “People mistake confidence for a lack of fear,” he explained. For him, the role became a huge representation of adulthood and parenthood, inspiring him to be the same kind of steadfast, supportive figure to his own kids.

 

Briner shared that playing Midoriya taught him that true strength lies in leading with kindness and compassion. He highlighted the power of being willing to ask for help, knowing yourself, and recognizing the unique strengths that others bring to the table.

 

Chapin described his journey with Bakugo as “very emotional and profound,” expressing immense pride in his character’s hard-earned ability to finally look beyond himself.

 

Matranga, viewing himself as a “shepherd” for Todoroki, spoke on the vital importance of community and friendship. “Having someone you can trust who has your back is everything,” he shared. “You don’t have to be perfect. You can still be good. Trust yourself.”

 

As the panel drew to a close, the cast took a moment to deliver their final messages of gratitude to the people who made the last ten years possible.

 

• David Matranga: “The fans’ impact is such a great gift.”
•  Clifford Chapin: “Thank you to the writers and the fans.”
•  Justin Briner: “From Year 1 to Year 10, I am still floored that I get to be an ambassador for such a great story. But the story belongs to you now.”
•  Christopher Sabat: “Everyone in the show got to be where they are because someone believed in them. Be that person to someone.”