In a tweet from the original voice actress of Rei Ayanami, Amanda Winn Lee we found out that Netflix is planning on re-dubbing the classic series. We learned earlier this week through a press release that they would be streaming it worldwide next year. It seems that with the acquisition of Evangelion, Netflix was only able to attain the distribution rights, leaving them to dub it over for a second time.
https://twitter.com/amandawinnlee/status/1068612988892925953
Her feeling on the re-dub is heartfelt. She is coming from a place of love and she poured her heart into the role. She feels she will be erased from everything she has cared about as she stated in this tweet here.
First #BattleAngel, now #Evangelion. It’s like I’m being erased from anything I ever cared about and poured my heart into. #originalcast #netflix
— Amanda Winn Lee (@amandawinnlee) November 30, 2018
Fans of the dub are understandably upset about the news for the new English dub. One twitter user said this
@netflix are you going to keep the original dub of #Evangelion? Because if not, I guess I named my 1st born son Shinji for no reason… Future generations must know the true VA prowess of @spikespencer @amandawinnlee and all the original cast.
— Faye Ayanami She/Her 🏳️⚧️ (@FayeAyanami) November 30, 2018
Despite all the upset feelings and confusion, Netflix does have a reason for doing it this way. ADV Films was the original dubbing company of the series and after they shut down the distribution and the licensing rights were lost. It reminds me of what happened with Sailor Moon so long because that show too was lost in limbo after Dic disappeared. Much like Sailor Moon, Evangelion was nearly impossible to watch anywhere for a number of years. It is definitely a mixed blessing to have a classic show available but with changes that won’t match memories that many people hold. I personally have never had a chance to watch Evangelion before (I know, I know) so my first exposure to the show will be this new dub. Hopefully, the voice acting for the new version will be able to live up to what people seem so passionate about.
What do you think of this news? Are you attached to the original dub? Tell us in the comments and get the conversation started!
