Adam McArthur is no stranger to the spotlight, but it’s his voice that’s stealing the show in the world of anime. From his breakout role as Marco Diaz in Disney’s Star vs. The Forces of Evil to his current reign as Yuji Itadori in the record-breaking Jujutsu Kaisen, McArthur has become a cornerstone of modern anime. In an exclusive interview with AMFM Magazine, he shares insights into his career, the global impact of his projects, and the mindset that keeps him at the top of his game.
A Star in Anime’s Golden Age
McArthur’s journey began with Star vs. The Forces of Evil, where he voiced the lovable Marco Diaz for four seasons. The role showcased his knack for bringing heart and humor to characters, paving the way for his leap into anime. “I’ve always loved anime,” McArthur says. “Getting to voice characters in this space feels like a dream come true.”
His role as Yuji Itadori in Jujutsu Kaisen has catapulted him to new heights. Based on Gege Akutami’s bestselling manga, the series has shattered records, with Season 2 earning the title of the world’s most in-demand TV show from The Guinness Book of World Records. “Yuji is complex,” McArthur explains. “He’s strong but carries a heavy sense of responsibility. Voicing him has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.”
The show’s cultural impact is undeniable. McArthur’s iconic line as Yuji was sampled in Megan Thee Stallion’s hit Otaku Hot Girl, a moment that sparked buzz across Forbes, Screen Rant, and Polygon. “When I heard Megan Thee Stallion used my line, I was blown away,” he laughs. “It’s surreal to see anime cross into mainstream music.” The franchise’s reach extends further with Bandai’s Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash video game, available now on all gaming platforms.
A Versatile Voice in a Dynamic Industry
McArthur’s talents shine across a diverse slate of projects. He stars as Reno Ichikawa in Kaiju No. 8, a series lauded by IndieWire’s Top 10 List and named one of Esquire’s 10 Most Anticipated Anime of 2025. “Reno’s an underdog with determination,” McArthur says. “The humor in Kaiju No. 8 caught me off guard—it’s such a fun balance of cool and funny.” Season 2 is set to premiere in July 2025, following a compilation movie release.
He also voices Kuroshio in Hulu’s The Fable and Chifuyu Matsuno in Tokyo Revengers, with all episodes of Seasons 2 and 3 now streaming on Hulu and Disney+ internationally. McArthur reprised his fan-favorite role as Jouno Saigiku in Season 5 of Bungo Stray Dogs and made his anime film debut as Sota in First Slam Dunk, based on the iconic basketball manga. Adding to his packed schedule, McArthur plays “Trash Cam” in the upcoming video game Date Everything, a quirky dating sim set to release in mid-June 2025, where players can romance household objects. “It’s wholesome and hilarious,” he assures.
A Career Built on Risk and Resilience
McArthur’s path to success wasn’t without bold moves. Reflecting on his “Hail Mary” moment, he recalls a pivotal decision in 2010. Struggling with the instability of acting gigs, he canceled his unemployment benefits, rejecting the $400 weekly cap. “I had faith I could generate more income myself,” he says. He launched a photobooth rental company, a risky venture that paid off. By 2011, the business was thriving, and a year later, he landed Star vs. The Forces of Evil. “That Hail Mary set me on a trajectory of success,” he shares. The company, still operational, once supported 250 events annually pre-COVID, giving him financial freedom to pursue acting without pressure.
Advice for Aspiring Voice Actors
For those dreaming of following in his footsteps, McArthur’s advice is clear: “Take acting classes, make sure you love it, and don’t give up.” He emphasizes the power of networking through genuine connections. “It’s about helping others, not just what they can do for you,” he says. Social media, like TikTok, has also been a game-changer for building his brand and connecting with fans. “If there’s a job to get, someone’s going to get it—it might as well be you.”
The Mindset of a Pro
McArthur’s success stems from a simple philosophy: have fun. “I do my best work when I’m enjoying it,” he says. “If it feels hard or forced, it’s not right.” This mindset keeps him grounded as he navigates high-stakes roles and a demanding industry. With Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 on the horizon, a Jujutsu Kaisen compilation movie slated for July 2025, and a growing list of projects, McArthur shows no signs of slowing down.
A Voice for the Fans
For McArthur, anime is about connection. “It brings people together,” he says, noting how fans, from everyday viewers to celebrities like Chris Hemsworth, embrace the genre. “Everyone’s a fan, and we’re all in it together.” As he continues to voice some of anime’s most iconic characters, McArthur remains grateful for the journey. “Every day is a fun, new experience,” he says, and fans can’t wait to hear what he does next.
Catch Adam McArthur in Jujutsu Kaisen, Kaiju No. 8, Tokyo Revengers, The Fable, and more, streaming now on Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Disney+.