Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show 38 : The Stars of French Dubbing Share Their Voices and Stories
Villepinte, Exhibition Hall, October 4 2025
Photos : Boris Colletier / Mulderville
At the 38th edition of Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show, held on October 4 and 5, 2025 at the Villepinte Exhibition Center, one of the weekend’s most anticipated highlights was without a doubt the voice acting panel that brought together four of the most recognizable figures in French dubbing: Adeline Chetail, Benoît Du Pac, Maïk Darah, and Anaïs Delva. For fans of anime, video games, animation, and live-action films, these names – or more precisely, their voices – have been constant companions for years. Seeing them gathered on the same stage created an electric atmosphere, with the packed audience eager to hear stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes moments that rarely come to light outside of such events.
The panel began with Adeline Chetail, who has been working in dubbing since childhood and whose voice has embodied characters across multiple generations. Whether it is Ellie in The Last of Us, Zelda in Breath of the Wild, Amalia in Wakfu, or even Vanessa Hudgens in High School Musical, her versatility is nothing short of remarkable. She spoke about the emotional responsibility that comes with giving life to characters already beloved worldwide, noting that a voice actor must immerse themselves completely in the role while remaining invisible, allowing the character to shine above all else. Her anecdotes about finding the right tone, capturing fragile breaths, or matching perfectly with an actor’s performance resonated with the audience, giving fans a greater appreciation of the discipline and artistry that dubbing requires.
Next, Benoît Du Pac took the microphone, bringing with him the energy and humor that fans expected. Best known for voicing Eikichi Onizuka in Great Teacher Onizuka – a role that continues to define him for many fans – he also reminded the audience of the incredible range of characters he has portrayed. From Luigi in Super Mario Bros. to Steven Yeun in The Walking Dead and Invincible, as well as Shadow in the Sonic franchise, his career spans an impressive variety of genres and formats. He reflected on how demanding dubbing sessions can be, especially when juggling multiple characters in a single day, and even shared how sometimes the most memorable moments happen when fatigue or laughter threatens to derail a session. The audience was reminded that beyond the iconic voices lies a craftsman who balances passion, technique, and artistic direction, both as a performer and as a dubbing director.
The tone shifted slightly when Maïk Darah addressed the audience, bringing the gravitas and warmth of a career that has made her one of the most respected voices in France. Known above all for being the official French voice of Whoopi Goldberg, she has also dubbed Angela Bassett, Viola Davis, Queen Latifah, and countless others across both film and television. Her range is no less impressive in animation, where her roles include Shenzi in The Lion King and characters in Death Note and Friends. She shared her perspective on what it means to inhabit so many different personalities, describing dubbing as a form of “faithful betrayal” – staying true to the essence of the character while adding her own vocal identity. Her reflections on the growing challenges of the profession, from the fast-paced demands of modern studios to the looming presence of artificial intelligence in voice replication, gave the panel an important and timely dimension, reminding everyone that the human element of voice work is irreplaceable.
Anaïs Delva was greeted with enthusiastic applause, unsurprisingly linked to her unforgettable performance as Elsa in Frozen. She spoke candidly about the balance between her career as a musical theater singer in shows such as Romeo and Juliet, Dracula, and Robin Hood, and her work as a voice actress in projects such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Hazbin Hotel. She highlighted the differences between the two professions, with singing requiring good projection and a powerful voice, while voice acting often requires precision, restraint, and emotional nuance. For fans, hearing her talk about the recording process for Frozen, with its iconic songs and complex characters, was a rare glimpse into the dedication required to make these performances feel natural. Her openness about the responsibility she feels when her work becomes part of people's childhood memories was even more endearing, a sentiment that many in the audience clearly shared.
What made this panel especially engaging was the way the four artists interacted not just with each other but also with the public. Audience questions ranged from favorite roles and challenges in their careers to the preparation and techniques they use to sustain their voices during long dubbing sessions. Each of the panelists answered with humor, sincerity, and passion, and their exchanges revealed both the camaraderie and the distinct perspectives they bring from their different career paths. By the end, fans had not only enjoyed an entertaining discussion but also gained a deeper respect for the subtle, often invisible artistry that voice actors contribute to every project.
This conference at Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show 38 also served as a reminder of the growing recognition voice actors are receiving at conventions in France and beyond. Long considered a hidden craft, dubbing is now celebrated by fans who understand its vital role in shaping how international works are received. Panels like this not only give fans the chance to meet the people behind the voices but also provide a platform for voice actors to share their challenges, celebrate their achievements, and reaffirm the value of their profession. As conventions continue to evolve, the inclusion of dubbing professionals underscores a broader shift: audiences are no longer content to just see the on-screen stars, they also want to honor the voices that have carried them through countless stories.
The cultural importance of dubbing in France gives this type of panel an even greater weight. Unlike in countries where subtitles dominate, France has a deep-rooted tradition of dubbing foreign films and series, and many generations have grown up identifying with the French voices of their favorite characters rather than the original actors. This has created a unique bond between voice actors and the public, one that elevates their role from being hidden technicians to cultural figures in their own right. In many ways, French dubbing is not just an adaptation but a reinvention, making international works feel local and familiar without losing their essence. Panels like the one at Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show 2025 celebrate this tradition while also pointing toward the future, where the artistry of dubbing will need to navigate new challenges while continuing to enchant audiences.
