Yuko Miyamura Reveals Surprising Evangelion Audition Story: She Originally Auditioned for Rei Ayanami, Not Asuka

Neon Genesis Evangelion voice actress Yuko Miyamura, best known for portraying Asuka Langley Soryu, has revealed a surprising story from her early career on her official YouTube channel. According to Miyamura, she originally auditioned for a completely different character in the iconic anime series.

Miyamura Was Initially Recommended for Rei Ayanami

Miyamura explained that the audition for Neon Genesis Evangelion took place around the fall of 1994. At the time, her agency described her as a “traditional heroine” type and submitted her for the role of Rei Ayanami rather than Asuka.

She faithfully performed the assigned lines in a calm and reserved manner. However, during the audition process, the director unexpectedly asked her if she would like to try another role. That role was Asuka Langley Soryu.

According to Miyamura, she was told, “Just do it energetically the way you are now!” Although she recalled feeling confused because she did not think she was acting particularly energetic, she followed the instruction and ultimately won the role.

A Role Change That Helped Create an Anime Icon

Miyamura also revealed that, at the time, Evangelion had not yet been approved as a television series. The project was initially being developed as a 26 episode OVA production.

That unexpected switch from auditioning for Rei to being cast as Asuka ultimately led to the creation of one of the most beloved and recognizable characters in anime history.

Evangelion's Lasting Legacy

Neon Genesis Evangelion first aired as a television anime in 1995 and became one of the most influential anime franchises ever created.

Beginning in 2007, creator and chief director Hideaki Anno rebuilt the story through the four film entries of the Rebuild of Evangelion series. The films included Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (2007), Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (2009), Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo (2012), and the finale Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (2021).

The final film became the highest grossing installment in the franchise's history, earning 10.28 billion yen (approximately US$64.7 million at an exchange rate of ¥159.0 per US$1) and attracting 6.73 million moviegoers in Japan.

Source : ORICON NEWS