Sneak Peek: Inside the Exciting Dan Da Dan Panel at Anime Boston
Discover how the English cast of DAN DA DAN captivated fans with an interactive Q&A at Anime Boston, delivering excitement and insider insights.
Excitement at Anime Boston: 'DAN DA DAN' Panel Fills the Room
The Sheraton Republic Ballroom in Boston, part of the Sheraton Hotel near Hynes Convention Center, was buzzing with energy during the Going All Out with the Cast of DAN DA DAN panel at Anime Boston.
- The venue, spanning 4,700 square feet, could easily accommodate hundreds of fans, and it was standing room only. People lined up outside, eager to get in, highlighting just how much fans love DAN DA DAN.
- The panel featured talented voice actors: A.J. Beckles (Okarun), Anairis Quiñones (Muko), and Kari Wahlgren (Seiko).
The Panel Kickoff: Voice Acting and Personal Stories
The event started with introductions and light-hearted questions about voice acting, such as differences between anime, video games, and Western cartoons. Wahlgren joked about aging gracefully, saying, "if this is what aging and getting old is like, I'm here for it."
A key discussion point was the funny moments when voice actors realize the script they are working on—often thinking, "I'm doing what now?" Beckles shared that he was a fan of DAN DA DAN even before the anime was confirmed, reading the manga about a year earlier.
Wahlgren recounted that she initially auditioned for a different role—Turbo Granny—that eventually went to Barbara Goodson. The two ended up playing Granny roles in the show and humorously exchanged messages about the full circle moment.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Anairis Quiñones, engaged to Beckles, mentioned her manga reading helped her prepare for her role in DAN DA DAN. She shared a funny example from another show, Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World, about her character's surprising and bold moments, capturing the essence of anime's weirdness.
Q&A Highlights: Fan Engagement and Industry Talk
- Audience members queued up at the microphone, asking questions about voice acting careers. A notable question was whether the voice actors had participated in fan dubs.
- Quiñones confirmed she had done fan dubs in the past to practice, and Beckles emphasized that many voice actors, especially from the East Coast, have done it.
- Beckles advised aspiring voice actors: "If you're involved in fan dubs and worry about what professionals think, just don't tell them."
Questions About DAN DA DAN
- The voice actors shared their knowledge about yokai, admitting they didn't know much initially but enjoyed learning more.
- If they could choose any supernatural creature to explore in the show, Quiñones picked Wendigo, Beckles went for Bigfoot (not the classic one), and Wahlgren chose Bloody Mary.
- Memorable scenes included Beckles' experience voicing the repetitive "Goodbye" scene, Wahlgren's challenge with a sushi-eating scene, and Quiñones' fun matching energy for Jiji's classroom intro.
Light-hearted Moments: Favorite Food Orders
- Fans also asked about their Dunkin' Donuts orders, considering Boston's obsession with the chain:
- Okarun (Beckles): Bacon, egg, and cheese on a croissant, plus a coolata.
- Muko (Quiñones): A rainbow sprinkle donut and a refresher.
- Seiko (Wahlgren): Black coffee, munchkins, and something with a creamy filling—"not because I'm trying to be gross," she added amid laughs.
The Panel Wraps Up
After an hour of laughter, stories, and fan questions, the room remained packed. It was clear that everyone enjoyed celebrating DAN DA DAN and each other's company.
As the event concluded, attendees left with smiles, perhaps feeling like they had experienced a golden moment—until next time, everyone was reluctant to say goodbye.
Photo by Kennedy