Pokemon Anime Ash Voice Actor Speaks Out On His Exit
Our childhoods would have been vastly different without Ash Ketchum. The Pokemon-hunting anime star was the focus of endless hours in front of the TV as he pooled together Pikachu and the rabble of cutesy monsters to attempt to win a World Championship and become a master.
For the better part of 25 years, Ketchum's desire to be the greatest Pokemon trainer in the world had always been in vain, failing to win a World Championship despite his growing reputation and growing collection of top-tier Pokemon.
After a quarter century in the making and touring the various regions of the Pokemon world, Ash Ketchum is a World Champion. In a tragic twist, he's bowing out of the series after fulfilling his dreams.
Original Ash Ketchum Voice Actor Reflects On 'Spectacular Journey'
The Pokemon Company International announced that the upcoming series called Journeys in the West would be Ash's last. After finally completing his arc, and as of April 2023, the childhood superhero would pass the torch onto two new protagonists.
Following the news, Ash's original voice actress, Veronica Taylor, took to social media to reflect on the "spectacular journey".
Taylor was the voice behind Ash since his arrival on the UK screens in 1998, where she took him through the first eight seasons, bringing him together with the likes of Charmander, Aerodactyl, and Pikachu.
"This announcement has really surprised me. I am filled with so much emotion…I guess I'd never considered Ash's journey ending. I need a minute to process," she added on Twitter.
Ash Voice Actress Vows To Keep Ash Alive After He Leaves Pokemon
Taking over from Taylor in 2005, Sarah Natochenny, picked up Ash' legacy in Battle Frontiers, before voicing him in iconic series such as Diamond and Pearl, Sun and Moon, and the most recent Ultimate Journeys.
After seeing Ash become a World Champion, Natochenny has vowed to keep his spirit alive after he bows out of the TV series. Posting on Twitter, the actress said, "It’s been an extraordinary privilege to have been the English voice of Ash Ketchum for what will be 17 years.
"No matter what lies beyond his final chapter, he’ll live forever in the hearts of many generations to come." She added, "I'll keep him present for all of us in every way I can."
Ash's final journey will pave the way for new protagonists to come to the series, including Liko, who many have theorised could be a family member of Ash.
