Solo Leveling Sparks Controversy As a Celebrity Fumbles the Anime, Making the "Worst Dub Ever"
Anime dubs are often a point of contention, but Solo Leveling’s latest episode has ignited a particularly heated debate thanks to an unexpected celebrity voice-over performance. A Latin music star lent their voice to the recent episode of the hit anime, only to be met with widespread backlash from fans and critics alike. Their delivery, described by some as “flat” and “emotionless,” has led to accusations that the production prioritized star power over voice-acting expertise. This misstep has fueled discussions about the effectiveness of celebrity stunt casting in anime.
Solo Leveling, the smash-hit anime based on a South Korean web novel written by Chugong, continues to thrill audiences as it nears the end of its second season. While it’s not unusual for mainstream animated films to feature A-list actors, anime dubs have historically relied on trained voice actors who understand the medium’s nuances. Colombian singer J. Balvin’s performance, however, has many questioning whether the practice belongs in anime when the results can be this distracting.
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The Colombian Singer Voices the Boss of an A-rank Dungeon
J. Balvin’s role in Solo Leveling was meant to be an exciting crossover between anime and global music, but it seems to have backfired spectacularly. In season 2, episode #18, “Don’t Look Down on My Guys,” the Colombian Reggaeton superstar voices the boss of an A-rank dungeon. The high orc shaman Kargalgan is a menacing foe that should exude intimidation and authority. Instead, many fans feel that Balvin’s delivery lacks the emotional weight needed to make the character a credible threat.
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The controversy surrounding J. Balvin’s Solo Leveling role highlights the challenges of celebrity stunt casting in anime. While big names can generate hype, they don’t always deliver the performance that fans expect from a well-crafted dub. With anime’s growing mainstream appeal, studios may continue to experiment with high-profile casting choices, but as this backlash shows, audiences will always prioritize quality over name recognition. Unlike traditional acting, anime dubbing requires precise timing, emotional intensity, and a deep understanding of the character’s motivations—all of which can be difficult for newcomers to the medium.
The Performance Was Poorly Received and Torched Online
Some Think J. Balvin Should Stick to Singing and Leave Voice-over Work to the Pros
As soon as the episode aired, social media exploded with reactions from disappointed fans. Clips of Balvin’s performance quickly spread across X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, with many calling it the “worst dub ever.” Some viewers point to this performance as an example of why they don’t watch dubbed anime in the first place, while others light-heartedly argue that his delivery felt more like a bad Arnold Schwarzenegger impression.
The backlash isn’t just from casual fans either; many of the original web novel’s audience members express disappointment in Solo Leveling’s creative decisions. Some claim that Balvin’s performance disrupts the immersive experience, making it difficult to take the scene seriously. Others have criticized the decision to cast a pop star in a role that could have gone to a professional voice actor, especially given how many talented performers specialize in anime dubbing. Another opinion noted that if anime studios want to include celebrity voices, at the very least, consider keeping them behind the microphone for a theme song rather than a speaking role.
Celebrity Voice-over Work in Anime Is Nothing New
J. Balvin's Talents Would Better Serve a Theme Song
J. Balvin isn’t the first celebrity to take on an anime role, and he won’t be the last. From Samuel L. Jackson in Afro Samurai to Simu Liu’s work in Bright: Samurai Soul, celebrities have been lending their voices to anime projects for years. Even major anime films like Weathering with You and Belle have featured Hollywood actors in their English dubs.
- Samuel L. Jackson in Afro Samurai
- Josh Hutcherson in Ultraman (2019)
- Haley Joel Osment, Michelle Rodriguez, Lance Henriksen, and Mark Hamill in IGPX
- Lana Condor in Rilakkuma & Kaoru
- David Tennant, Rosario Dawson, Neil Patrick Harris, and Ruby Rose Turner in Eden
- Simu Liu in Bright: Samurai Soul
- Giancarlo Esposito in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
- Lakeith Stansfeld, Ming-Na Wen, and Darren Criss in Yasuke
- Lee Pace and Alison Brie in Weathering with You
- Kylie McNeill, Manny Jacinto, Chace Crawford, and Hunter Schafer in Belle
- John Cho and Rebecca Hall in Mirai
- Milo Ventimiglia in Marvel Anime: Wolverine
However, the difference between a successful celebrity dub and a disastrous one often comes down to preparation and experience. Many of the actors who have successfully transitioned into anime voice-over—such as David Tennant in Eden or Giancarlo Esposito in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners—are trained professionals with a deep understanding of performance. Others, like Simu Liu or John Cho, have taken on anime roles that play to their personal interest in the genre.
In J. Balvin’s case, perhaps his talents would have been better suited to contributing a theme song rather than a spoken role. Many anime series have tapped musicians for original tracks that enhance the viewing experience without the risk of awkward voice acting. Given his global influence and musical prowess, Balvin could have been an excellent choice for a Solo Leveling theme song—one that fans might have embraced instead of ridiculed.
Source: X (Formerly Twitter)
