Exclusive Interview with Kayleigh McKee: Behind the Characters of Jujutsu Kaisen and Beastars

Yuta Okkotsu made his debut in the movie Jujutsu Kaisen 0 and the manga of the same name. He experienced a tragic event when his childhood friend, Rika Orimoto, passed away. This led to Yuta's trauma and guilt, causing Rika to become a cursed spirit. Upon meeting Satoru Gojo, Yuta decided to train as a jujutsu sorcerer at Tokyo Jujutsu High, also known as Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical College. We see a more mature Yuta towards the end of the second season of Jujutsu Kaisen, and he is set to play a significant role in the upcoming third season, which will focus on The Culling Game. This deadly event is orchestrated by the powerful sorcerer and antagonist Kenjaku, who has taken over the body of Suguru Geto.

GameRant recently had the chance to speak with Kayleigh McKee, the English dub voice actor for Yuta Okkotsu in Jujutsu Kaisen and Pina in Beastars. McKee is also known for voicing other beloved characters such as Kiku in One Piece, Rongshi and Chai Yi in Genshin Impact, Scarab in Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake, and Kusunoki in Lycoris Recoil.

The following interview has been edited for brevity.

Varden Dawngrasp - GR: How did you first get into voice acting?

Kayleigh McKee: I've always been passionate about voice acting. Growing up, I was deeply involved in theater, choir, and had a love for cartoons. My dad's tabletop role-playing games also played a big role in sparking my interest. I was fascinated by how the players embodied characters without being seen, relying on imagination. Watching his sessions, I was exposed to comic artist friends who inspired me to pursue art. This led me to practice voice acting with small indie projects while living in the Midwest. Eventually, I made the move to California where I started working on commercials and other projects. With time, I secured an agent and landed my first video game role in Hearthstone just a few months later.

I wouldn't say that I have a favorite character, but there are two characters that I feel a strong connection with. The first is Varden Dawngrasp from Hearthstone, where I play a Non-binary Blood Elf. Growing up, I was a big fan of World of Warcraft and immediately created a blood elf when the Burning Crusade expansion was released. When I auditioned for the role, I knew exactly how this character should sound, and I was thrilled to be chosen for the part.

The second character is Yuta from Jujutsu Kaisen. Like me, Yuta has experienced the loss of loved ones at a young age. I also struggled to make friends for a long time, but everything changed when I moved to a new school and started connecting with others. Yuta's journey at Tokyo Jujutsu High, where he learns to embrace his unique qualities and value himself, resonates with my own experiences of finding acceptance and friendship in a new environment.

Yuta and Rika - GR: How do you feel like Yuta from the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 movie is different from the one we meet at the end of Season 2?

GR: How do you feel like Yuta from the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 movie is different from the one we meet at the end of Season 2?

McKee shared that he has been preparing for the latest version of Yuta, who is now a year older and more mature. The biggest change for him is that Yuta now loves himself, which has made him more confident and caring towards others. Despite always being a loving person, Yuta's newfound self-love allows him to truly show his affection for others. Additionally, he has realized his own strength. McKee expressed his satisfaction with the voice he has developed for this version of Yuta, feeling that the character has truly come into his own.

GR: Exciting things are in store for Season 3 - The Culling Game Arc.

McKee: No need to worry, Season three won't be too scary. Remember, you don't have to rush to social media when things get intense.

Maki - Q: Do you have a favorite character in JJK?

Q: Do you have a favorite character in JJK?

McKee: I have a lot of love for Yuta. However, I don't want to show favoritism by calling him my favorite. I would say my second favorite is Maki.

GR: Is there any character that you strongly dislike? Maybe they are a well-written character, but you just can't stand them?

McKee: Mai.

Scarab - GR: Do you have any other favorite characters from any other roles?

Scarab is definitely one of my favorite characters from any other roles. I absolutely love playing Scarab; being a part of the Adventure Time universe has truly been a dream come true for me. It's hard to put into words just how much it means to me.

I really enjoyed playing Charles Augustus Milverton in Moriarty The Patriot because I got to showcase my British accent. It was a new experience for me, and it has opened up more opportunities for me in the future. Portraying that role boosted my confidence.

Yuta - GR: A lot of stuff is under wraps, but do you have any roles or anything coming up that you can let us know about?

McKee: Yes, I have some exciting projects coming up. I am involved in two new anime series and there are three games that I am eagerly waiting for release. Unfortunately, I can't reveal the details yet, but I can tell you that I am thrilled to be a part of franchises that I have always admired. Stay tuned for more updates!

Jujutsu Kaisen is available to stream on Prime Video.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides an insightful interview with Kayleigh McKee, the English voice actor for Yuta Okkotsu in "Jujutsu Kaisen." McKee's passion for voice acting and her personal connection to Yuta's character shine through in her responses. Her understanding of the character's emotional journey and her ability to convey his transformation from a traumatized teenager to a confident and self-assured young man is evident.

McKee's enthusiasm for her role and her excitement for the upcoming third season are contagious. Her dedication to her craft and her desire to portray Yuta's growth accurately is commendable. The article also reveals her fondness for other characters, such as Maki and Scarab, providing a glimpse into her personal preferences and the range of her abilities as a voice actor. Overall, the interview offers a fascinating look into the world of voice acting and the behind-the-scenes process of bringing beloved anime characters to life.