Convention - Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show 2026: Disney, Super-Héros & Animation, Voices Behind Legends Take Center Stage

By Mulder, Parc des expositions de Paris Nord Villepinte (Hall 7), 15 march 2026

On the morning of March 15, 2026, inside Hall 7 of the Parc des Expositions de Paris Nord Villepinte, the “Disney, Super-Héros & Animation” panel at Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show offered something far more intimate than the usual spectacle of pop culture conventions: a rare dive into the invisible craft of voice acting, guided by three of the most recognizable yet often unseen talents of French dubbing Yoann Sover, Arnaud Laurent, and Damien Witecka. While the convention floor buzzed with cosplay and merchandise, this particular panel created a quieter, almost reverent atmosphere, where fans gathered not for costumes or collectibles, but for the voices that have shaped their emotional connection to global entertainment for decades.

What quickly became clear as the discussion unfolded is that Yoann Sover embodies a rare versatility in the French entertainment landscape, seamlessly navigating between on-screen acting, television hosting, and dubbing. Known as the regular French voice of Zac Efron, Dave Franco, and Chad Michael Murray, his career reflects a deep-rooted passion that began early, with rigorous training in music and performance through institutions like the Maîtrise de Radio France and the Conservatoire in Paris. During the panel, he shared anecdotes about the peculiar duality of dubbing how one must both disappear behind an actor’s performance while simultaneously reinterpreting it for a different cultural audience. His experience as a presenter on shows like KD2A and Nickelodeon Vibes also gave him a unique perspective on how younger audiences engage with animation and global franchises today, emphasizing how dubbing has evolved alongside streaming platforms and social media, where immediacy and authenticity are more important than ever.

If Yoann Sover represents adaptability, Arnaud Laurent stands as a pillar of consistency within the anime and animation world, instantly recognizable to fans as the French voice of Natsu Dragnir in Fairy Tail and Toge Inumaki in Jujutsu Kaisen. His presence at the panel drew a particularly passionate subset of the audience, many of whom grew up with these characters and associate his voice with their emotional arcs. What made his intervention particularly insightful was his breakdown of the technical precision required in dubbing Japanese animation, where timing constraints are often stricter than in live-action films. He explained how matching lip movements, emotional tone, and cultural nuances becomes a delicate balancing act, one that requires both discipline and instinct. His anecdotes about recording sessions highlighted the collaborative nature of dubbing studios, where directors, translators, and actors must work in harmony to preserve the original intent while making it resonate with French audiences.

Then came Damien Witecka, whose voice alone carries decades of cinematic memory, particularly through his long-standing association with Leonardo DiCaprio. The panel took a more emotional turn as he recounted the extraordinary moment when Daisy Nichols, supervising the mix of Shutter Island in New York alongside Martin Scorsese, personally reached out to praise his performance despite not understanding French, the American team had been struck by the emotional fidelity of his work. This anecdote, confirmed through industry accounts, underscores the often-underestimated artistry of dubbing, where performance transcends language barriers. Damien Witecka also shared insights into the unusual process behind The Wolf of Wall Street, where Martin Scorsese himself requested voice tests before selecting him to continue dubbing Leonardo DiCaprio, highlighting how seriously some filmmakers regard international voice casting. Beyond his iconic association with DiCaprio, his work as the French voice of Tobey Maguire—notably in the original Spider-Man trilogy and later in No Way Home—further cements his place in the collective imagination of superhero fans.

What made this panel particularly compelling was not just the prestige of its guests, but the way it illuminated the hidden infrastructure of global entertainment. In an era dominated by blockbuster franchises and streaming platforms, dubbing remains a crucial yet often overlooked bridge between cultures, allowing audiences to experience stories in a deeply personal way. The exchanges between Yoann Sover, Arnaud Laurent, and Damien Witecka revealed a shared commitment to authenticity, whether they are voicing Hollywood stars, anime heroes, or animated characters. Their stories collectively painted a portrait of a profession that demands not only technical skill but also emotional intelligence and adaptability.

As the session came to a close, one thing lingered in the air: the realization that behind every familiar face on screen lies another performer whose work is just as vital, even if rarely seen. Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show 2026 didn’t just celebrate Disney, superheroes, or animation—it celebrated the voices that give them life in France, reminding everyone in attendance that sometimes, the most powerful performances are the ones you never actually see.

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Photos and video 4K: Boris Colletier / Mulderville