Convention - Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show 2025: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Anime Dubbing with Julien Chatelet and Bastien Bourlé

By Mulder, Villepinte, Parc des Expositions, 16 march 2025

The Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show, held on the weekend of March 15-16, 2025, was a paradise for pop culture enthusiasts. Among the many highlights of the event, one of the most anticipated moments was the special conference featuring two prominent figures in the French dubbing industry: Julien Chatelet and Bastien Bourlé. Fans had the rare opportunity to meet these talented voice actors, best known for bringing some of the most iconic anime characters to life in the French-speaking world. During this exclusive panel, both actors shared insights into their careers, revealing the behind-the-scenes aspects of voice acting, the unique challenges of dubbing anime, and their deep passion for storytelling. The conference was not just an engaging discussion but also an interactive experience, as attendees were able to ask questions and hear firsthand accounts of what it takes to be a professional voice actor in today's entertainment industry.

Julien Chatelet is widely recognized for his outstanding work as the French voice of All Might in My Hero Academia and Elfman Strauss in Fairy Tail. Throughout the conference, he spoke about the intense energy and emotion required to portray such powerful and charismatic characters. He detailed how embodying All Might’s deep, booming voice and inspiring personality was both a thrilling and demanding task. Julien Chatelet also reflected on the challenges of matching the lip movements of the original Japanese animation while staying true to the character’s essence. He explained that dubbing is not just about translation—it’s about adaptation, ensuring that the performance remains authentic while making it resonate with a French-speaking audience.

Bastien Bourlé, another key figure in the French dubbing industry, captivated fans with stories from his career. He is best known for voicing Izuku "Deku" Midoriya in My Hero Academia and Eren Jäger in Attack on Titan, two of the most beloved protagonists in modern anime. Bastien Bourlé discussed the emotional intensity required to voice characters like Eren Jäger, whose journey evolves from an innocent and hopeful youth to a deeply complex and tormented individual. He shared how his voice acting had to adapt over the seasons to reflect Eren’s transformation. Similarly, he spoke about the lighter yet equally challenging role of Deku, whose voice had to convey vulnerability, determination, and a growing sense of confidence. The audience was particularly interested in hearing about the preparation that goes into these performances. Bourlé revealed that he often studies the original Japanese performances and works closely with directors to ensure that his portrayal remains faithful to the source material while bringing a unique French interpretation to the character.

Beyond their individual experiences, both actors delved into how the dubbing industry has evolved over the years. They noted the increasing importance of high-quality localizations as anime continues to grow in popularity worldwide. With streaming platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Disney+ offering an ever-expanding library of anime titles, the demand for skilled voice actors has never been higher. However, they also addressed the challenges that come with the rapid changes in the industry. The shift towards faster production schedules, the rise of AI-generated voices, and the growing need for voice actors to adapt to new technologies are all factors that impact their work. Both Chatelet and Bourlé emphasized that despite these changes, the heart of dubbing remains in the human touch—the ability to convey real emotions and connect with audiences.

The conference was more than just an informative session—it was a celebration of the art of dubbing and its crucial role in storytelling. Fans had the chance to interact directly with Chatelet and Bourlé, sharing their admiration and even requesting short live dubbing demonstrations. The enthusiasm in the room was undeniable, as attendees cheered upon hearing their favorite characters’ voices performed right in front of them. This event at the Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show once again highlighted the power of voice acting in bringing beloved characters to life. It reinforced the connection between fans and the artists behind the voices they know so well. As anime continues to expand its global reach, the work of talented voice actors like Julien Chatelet and Bastien Bourlé will remain an essential part of the experience. The Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show continues to be a hub for celebrating pop culture, fostering a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind anime, and giving fans unforgettable moments with the industry’s top talents.

Dates and times:
Saturday, March 15, 2025: from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 16, 2025: from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Prices: 1-day ticket: €20, 2-day ticket: €35
2-day VIP ticket: €100 (including benefits such as reserved seats at the conference, changing rooms, early entry and skip-the-line access for autograph sessions)
Premium VIP ticket: €150 (including the benefits of the standard VIP ticket, plus a gift bag and additional queue jump privileges)
Admission is free for children under 6 years of age.

Discover our selection of photos on our Flickr page

Photos and video: Boris Colletier / Mulderville