The Superman-Sephiroth voice acting overlap we never knew existed

Estuans interiusIra vehementi. Estuans interiusIra vehementi. Sephiroth!

Oh, hi. Today, we're diving into a curious little trend where the mighty Superman and the sinister but ever-so-handsome man with silky hair that never tangles, Sephiroth, share... a vocal booth.

I was Today Years Old when I learned about this quirky fact while browsing mindlessly on X (formerly Twitter) and walking back from putting my kiddos on the school bus. The gasp that escaped my lips was loud and true enough that I decided it needed to be shared with the world so that other Sephi-lovers and Superman Stans could get together and celebrate two huge and powerhouse-level characters who happen to have been consistently played/voiced by the same actors. Mind. Blown.

This was the tweet that changed my day (and actually got me considering liking Superman).

You see, in both the world of English and Japanese entertainment, a few talented folks have swapped their capes and spandex for long, beautiful, Worth-It silver hair and a ridiculously oversized sword. It’s almost like a secret club where only those who’ve flown around Metropolis or saved the world a couple of times get the membership - mommy issues included and all.

Let's start with the English-speaking side of the pond. Here we have the ever-charismatic George Newbern. This guy’s known for his square-jawed portrayal of Superman in various animated DC series and movies, like Justice League and Justice League Unlimited. But guess what? He also voices Sephiroth in the Final Fantasy VII video game adaptations, from the intense Advent Children movie to the Kingdom Hearts games. Talk about range - from the epitome of virtue to the pinnacle of villainy.

And for those of us who have been obsessively playing Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth after spending hours on its predecessor, Final Fantasy VII: Remake - it might shock you to learn that the English voice for our silver-haired misunderstood beauty is provided by none other than Tyler Hoechlin, the man who has been playing Superman in the Arrowverse show Superman and Lois for the last three years. Fine, Michael, I suppose I can try and watch the show now... Maybe.

Moving on to Japan, where things get even more interesting. There’s a voice actor named Toshiyuki Morikawa, who’s like the voice-acting equivalent of a rock star. Morikawa has lent his voice to Superman in projects like the Japanese dub version of The Lego Movie, and he also happens to be the voice behind Sephiroth in almost every Japanese version of Final Fantasy VII. This guy must have a thing for characters with dramatic entrances and world-shaking power because he nails it every time.

Now, why this trend, you ask? Well, it’s not just about having a great voice. Both Superman and Sephiroth are iconic characters who demand a lot of vocal presence. They need to fill the room (or your headphones) with just a few words. Both roles require a certain level of gravitas and a capability to convey deep, complex emotions - whether it’s the unwavering morality of Superman or the chilling malevolence of Sephiroth. So it should be no surprise when casting directors are on the hunt for a voice that can bring these larger-than-life characters to life and go for someone who’s already proven they can handle the pressure. It’s like if you can convincingly play the hero everyone looks up to or the villain everyone fears (and secretly wants to brush his hair), you’ve got a versatility ticket that opens doors to both sides of the moral spectrum.

It’s fascinating, isn’t it?

Next time you see Superman saving the day or Sephiroth unleashing Meteor, take a moment to appreciate the talented voices behind them. These actors don’t just play characters - they become icons. And whether they’re wearing a cape or wielding a Masamune, they sure know how to leave a mark on their audience.