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Even My Hero Academia’s VA was terrified of the character she had to audition for

Even My Hero Academia’s VA was terrified of the character she had to audition for

With the addition of season 7, My Hero Academia has completely taken over the internet and has earned several 9+ ratings, highlighting its enormous online impact. MHA Season 7 marks the end of Deku’s journey and All for One’s final attempt to thwart humanity’s future and rule over everyone.

Twice and Toga
Twice and Toga in My Hero Academia | Credit: Studio Bones

Season 7 has masterfully highlighted each character, with the final episode focusing on Deku’s romantic interest, Ochaco Uraraka, and her intense battle with Toga, leaving many fans in awe. Interestingly, Toga’s voice actor shared the initial shock of getting the role, admitting that they envisioned Toga as far too dark a character to portray.

A My Hero Academia The character is so intense that even their voice actor is intimidated

Ochaco’s attempts to reach Toga and help her through the twisted thoughts and loneliness that led her down a dark path remind fans of Midoriya’s selfless nature, creating a parallel between the two lovebirds. Kohei Horikoshi introduced viewers to a young boy named Izuku Midoriya, who wanted to become the number 1 hero.

Himiko ambushes Uraraka in My Hero Academia.
Himiko ambushes Uraraka in My Hero Academia. (Credit: Studio Bones)

Currently, Himiko Toga is the most consistent villain of My Hero Academia‘s 7th season with her explosive use of Twice Double Quirkas the professional heroes fail to control Toga. It’s up to Ochaco Uraraka, also known as Uravity, to reach Himiko’s heart and convince the lovelorn girl to back away.

Throughout the series, Toga stands out as one of the most complex characters, constantly undermined, ultimately driving her down a path of darkness and violence.

Himiko Toga is probably the most hated villain in the Shonen series
Himiko Gown. of My Hero Academia | Credit: Studio Bones

In one interviewLeah Clark, Toga’s English voice actor, revealed that they did not initially audition for Toga’s character and were completely shocked by the director’s final choice. She said:

I had auditioned for Mineta and Tsuyu, but I didn’t get them, so I assumed I wasn’t in the show. One day Colleen came to me and said my character was about to appear, and she knew I was Toga when she saw her.

Through Toga’s character, Horikoshi wanted to show how neglect and betrayal can affect an individual’s actions. Like fans, Clark did not initially have the best impression of Toga, but gradually developed an understanding and appreciation for her character. She added:

To me, at first she was a creepy, scary girl, or an out-of-control cheerleader. But as I started interacting with her and listening to what she said about the people she loves – good, pure people like Ochaco and Deku – somewhere in there, she wants them to be accepted.

At the end of season 7, fans notice Uraraka’s attempts to convince Toga and save her from all the trauma and dark past. Uraraka’s attempts to comfort Toga emphasize the parallel between her and Izuku Midoriya.

Deku and Uraraka in My Hero Academia
Deku and Uraraka in My Hero Academia | Credit: Studio Bones

In Season 2, Midoriya was determined to help Shoto recognize his worth and embrace his true self. Likewise, Uraraka understands that Toga’s evil actions hide an innocent smile, and she is determined to save that part of her.

Kōhei Horikoshi’s hidden story behind the criticized MHA Epilogue

Despite being a global sensation for over a decade, My Hero Academia‘s epilogue is gets tons of criticism from the fandom. Fans who followed Deku’s journey from the beginning felt betrayed by Horikoshi’s story, expressing their frustration online by accusing the mangaka of a hasty ending.

However, Horikoshi wanted to emphasize the potential of true heroism through Deku’s journey and My Hero Academia‘s epilogue serves as a notable example.

Deku's new form in My Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi.
Deku’s new form in My Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi. (Credit: Studio Bones)

While Deku fails to achieve his ambition to become the #1 hero and ends up as a UA teacher, Horikoshi illustrates that not everyone main character gets a perfect ending. The mangaka wanted to show the hard truth about reality, namely that not all dreams come true.

My Hero Academia can be viewed on Crunchyroll.