Excitement stirs among One Piece fans as the long-running anime series introduces a new voice actor for the enigmatic character Dragon, leader of the Revolutionary Army and father to protagonist Luffy. Reports had previously hinted at the anime’s search for fresh talent to portray the elusive figure, and now, the role has been filled. Stepping into the shoes of Dragon is none other than Kazuhiro Inoue, renowned for his iconic portrayal of Kakashi in Naruto.
At 69 years old, Inoue brings his seasoned expertise to the role, taking over from Hidekatsu Shibata, who turns 87 later this month. Shibata, known for his memorable performances as Hiruzen Sarutobi in Naruto and Igneel in Fairy Tail, has gradually scaled back his involvement in recent years, paving the way for Inoue to assume the mantle of Dragon in One Piece.
Inoue’s illustrious career spans a multitude of acclaimed anime series, including JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the industry. With his addition to the cast of One Piece, Inoue adds yet another iconic role to his repertoire, showcasing his versatility and talent as a voice actor.
Fans of the series will be pleased to hear that Dragon’s portrayal by Inoue remains as formidable and commanding as ever, as the character reemerges in One Piece’s Egghead Island arc through a compelling flashback. Delving into unexpected connections between Dragon and Dr. Vegapunk, the arc promises to unravel intriguing facets of their shared history, enticing viewers to delve deeper into the lore of the One Piece universe.
For those eager to embark on the adventure of One Piece or revisit its captivating world, the anime is readily accessible on streaming platforms such as Hulu, Crunchyroll, and Netflix. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the series, the allure of uncovering the legendary treasure known as the “One Piece” continues to captivate audiences worldwide, making it a timeless journey worth embarking on.