Veteran voice actor Showtaro Morikubo, who was inNaruto, has recently stepped down from multiple high-profile roles, sparking speculation about a potential retirement from the industry. Best known for voicingNaruto’sShikamaru Nara, Morikubo’s sudden departures from bothGenshin ImpactandArknightshave raised questions among fans and industry insiders alike. While official statements cite only “various circumstances,” the lack of clarity has led to growing speculation about his future in voice acting.
Morikubo’s departure comes as a surprise, according toanimenewsnetwork.com, especially considering his long-standing presence in anime and gaming. His contributions to some of the most popular franchises in recent years have made him a beloved figure among fans. As the gaming studios work to recast his roles, many are left wondering whether this marks the beginning of a larger shift in his career or even a potential retirement from voice acting altogether.
Exits From Major Gaming Franchises
Showtaro Morikubo Has Left Several Big Roles Suddenly
Earlier this week,Genshin Impactdevelopers announced that Morikubo would no longer voice the character Ifa, a role he was originally slated to perform. The sudden decision, without a specific reason provided, left fans shocked.The studio apologized for any inconvenience but remained vague about the circumstances behind his departure.Since Ifa has yet to make a full in-game appearance, the recasting will likely be smoother, but the situation has raised concerns about Morikubo’s ongoing projects.
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Shortly after,Arknightsfollowed with a similar announcement,stating that Morikubo would be stepping down as Elysium’s voice actor.The studio’s statement mirroredGenshin Impact’sin citing “various circumstances” without elaboration. Given the short timeline between these announcements, many speculate that the decisions are connected, possibly hinting at a larger career move for Morikubo rather than isolated incidents.
What This Means for Morikubo’s Career
Is Showtaro Morikubo Really About to Retire?
With no official statement from Morikubo or his management, speculation about his future continues to grow. Some fans believe he may be stepping away from voice acting altogether, either due to personal reasons or shifting career interests. Others wonder if health concerns or contractual issues might be playing a role. Regardless of the cause, his sudden exits from major franchises suggest a big change is on the horizon.
Morikubo has been a staple in the anime and gaming industries for decades,lending his voice to iconic characters like Shikamaru Nara inNaruto. His departure from these recent roles leaves uncertainty about whether he will continue voicing long-term characters or begin withdrawing from the industry entirely. Until an official statement is released, fans can only speculate on whether this marks the end of an era for one of anime’s most recognizable voices.
Source:animenewsnetwork.com
Naruto
Naruto is a franchise spawned from the manga series penned by Masashi Kishimoto that began in 1999. Generating several tv series, games, movies, and more, Naruto follows the exploits of a young outcast ninja harboring the spirit of a demon fox who seeks to become the Hokage, the leader of his ninja village, to break the stigma against him. Upon the conclusion of the initial series, Naruto expanded into Boruto, following many series protagonists' children and returning faces.
