Netflix’s groundbreaking anime series Moonrise transports viewers to a celestial fantasy world where warring lunar clans battle for control of ancient moon magic. This visually stunning production from WIT Studio (Attack on Titan, Spy x Family) blends traditional Japanese folklore with innovative sci-fi elements, creating a unique mythology about the cosmic forces that bind humanity to the moon’s cycles. Directed by rising star Akiyo Yamamoto (The Dragon Prince), the series promises breathtaking animation, emotionally complex characters, and action sequences that redefine the possibilities of lunar gravity combat.
The all-Japanese voice cast brings depth to this interstellar epic, led by Chiaki Kobayashi (Chainsaw Man) as the conflicted protagonist Jacob Shadow. Each actor underwent extensive physical training to authentically portray their characters’ weightless movements, while linguists helped develop the show’s unique lunar dialect blending archaic Japanese with original terminology. Early screenings have praised Moonrise for its rich world-building and philosophical themes about destiny versus free will.
Moonrise: Cast Details
– Chiaki Kobayashi as Jacob Shadow
Fresh off his breakout role in Chainsaw Man, Kobayashi delivers a career-best performance as Jacob, the half-human lunar exile torn between two worlds. His vocal range effortlessly shifts between Jacob’s earthbound vulnerability and lunar warrior intensity, particularly during the character’s transformative “moon awakening” sequence.
Kobayashi reportedly meditated while hanging upside down to achieve Jacob’s distinctive breathy vocal quality during low-gravity scenes. His emotional breakdown in Episode 5, where Jacob confronts his human father, required 27 takes to perfect.
– Yûto Uemura as Phil Ash
Fire Force star Uemura brings electric energy to Phil, Jacob’s hot-headed lunar rival turned reluctant ally. Uemura’s aggressive line deliveries and explosive battle cries make Phil’s combat scenes particularly visceral, while subtle vocal cracks reveal the character’s hidden insecurities.
The actor developed Phil’s signature laugh – a mix of arrogance and desperation – by studying recordings of exhausted samurai. His improvised insults during training sequences became legendary among the cast.
– Kosuke Takaguchi as Osma
Veteran seiyuu Takaguchi (Demon Slayer) lends his deep, resonant voice to Osma, the mysterious moon priest guarding ancient secrets. Takaguchi’s measured speech patterns and deliberate pauses create an aura of wisdom that makes Osma’s rare emotional outbursts devastating.
The actor drew inspiration from Noh theater traditions for Osma’s ceremonial speeches, with linguists noting his perfect pronunciation of the show’s fictional lunar language. His 3-minute uninterrupted monologue about the “First Eclipse” was filmed in one astonishing take.
– Satoshi Yamaguchi as Duan
Stage actor Yamaguchi makes his anime debut as Duan, the pragmatic earth scientist caught in lunar politics. Yamaguchi’s naturalistic delivery grounds the fantastical elements, particularly in scenes where Duan attempts to rationalize moon magic with physics.
The actor conducted original research with JAXA scientists to understand real lunar geology, informing his character’s obsessive data collection. His heartbreaking final scene with Kobayashi reportedly left the recording crew in tears.
Supporting Cast Highlights
Aoi Koga (Kaguya-sama: Love is War) as Lina, the mischievous moon spirit
Toshiyuki Toyonaga (Tokyo Revengers) as General Vulcan, the warmongering lunar commander
Rie Kugimiya (Fullmetal Alchemist) as Grandmother Tide, the ancient sea oracle
Hiro Shimono (Demon Slayer) as Professor Hale, Duan’s eccentric mentor
