The official interview with the main cast of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, the spin-off anime series set to premiere on April 7, has been released. Shuichiro Umeda (Koichi), Ikumi Hasegawa (Pop Step), and Yasuhiro Mamiya (Knuckleduster) shared their experiences and insights about the series.

The Excitement of Being Cast in Vigilantes

Shuichiro Umeda:
"Even now, I still have this lingering feeling of disbelief—'Is this really happening?' (laughs). I relate to Koichi in many ways, but that doesn’t mean I was guaranteed the role. During auditions, many talented individuals tried to bring out Koichi’s charm, and I questioned if I had expressed something beyond that. When I received the final decision, I was so shocked that it felt unreal."

Yasuhiro Mamiya:
"I previously voiced Gigantomachia in My Hero Academia, so when I got the audition, I thought, 'Wait, is this okay? I was Gigantomachia!' (laughs). My audition took place after Umeda and Hasegawa had already been cast, and when I heard their voices through my headset, they sounded exactly like the Koichi and Pop Step I had imagined while reading the manga. I assume my audition focused on how Knuckleduster’s voice would balance with theirs. When I got the call confirming my role, I literally did a little happy dance!"

Ikumi Hasegawa:
"I was completely shocked when I found out I got the role. During my audition, my interpretation of Pop Step was heavily critiqued, and I spent a long time adjusting. By the time I left, I felt disheartened, thinking, 'My version of Pop Step was totally off...' So when I got the call, I was outside and couldn’t help but exclaim, 'No way!' in a loud voice!"

First Impressions of Vigilantes

Shuichiro Umeda:
"I had read My Hero Academia, but when I got the audition, I read Vigilantes. The core concept of ‘Quirks’ remains, but the story is entirely different. The biggest surprise for me was how different Koichi is from Deku (Izuku Midoriya). Unlike Deku, who fights against fate to become a hero, Koichi has already accepted his place in life. Yet, he still admires heroes and acts selflessly to help others—that’s what makes him compelling."

Yasuhiro Mamiya:
"The way Vigilantes spotlights its characters is different from My Hero Academia. Familiar heroes like All Might and Endeavor make appearances, which is exciting for fans. Personally, I get thrilled when my character interacts with My Hero Academia characters (laughs). The underground setting and focus on vigilantes rather than licensed heroes make Vigilantes distinct and appealing."

Ikumi Hasegawa:
"In My Hero Academia, the story revolves around students training to become heroes. However, in Vigilantes, the three main characters differ in age, background, and motivations, creating a unique dynamic. That contrast is what makes the series so interesting."

What to Look Forward to in Vigilantes

Shuichiro Umeda:
"Many My Hero Academia fans will be watching, and they’ll be excited to see which characters from the main series make appearances. Be sure to check out episode 1—there’s a familiar face right from the start!"

Yasuhiro Mamiya:
"I’ve already seen episode 1, and Pop Step’s animation is incredible! Since the manga is in black and white, seeing the full-color visuals in animation adds an extra layer of appeal. Also, the music is fantastic! There’s a scene where Pop Step performs, and all the male voice actors on set recorded the audience’s chants together—it was about 20 of us middle-aged guys giving it our all! (laughs) Don’t miss that part!"

Ikumi Hasegawa:
"Each character brings their own motivations and struggles, and the story weaves them together beautifully. While Koichi is the main protagonist, Knuckleduster and Pop Step have equally important journeys. I hope viewers will love all three of them."

A Message to Fans

Shuichiro Umeda:
"While My Hero Academia fans will enjoy Vigilantes, I also think it will resonate with those who haven’t seen the original series. The setting and characters feel more grounded in reality, making it easy to connect with. I hope viewers see it not just as a fictional story, but something personal to them."

Yasuhiro Mamiya:
"Even though it’s set in the My Hero Academia world, Vigilantes tells a completely different story, focusing on civilians rather than heroes. It’s a refreshing perspective that both fans and newcomers can appreciate. And personally, I found Knuckleduster’s fight scenes super satisfying! I hope you all enjoy them too!"

Ikumi Hasegawa:
"If you haven’t watched My Hero Academia, don’t worry! Vigilantes offers a different take on heroism, focusing on people like Koichi, who admire heroes but believe they can never become one. This perspective brings fresh storytelling that I hope many viewers will enjoy."

Source : ORICON NEWS