Meet the Voices Behind Naruto: Shippuden's Most Important Characters (2025)

Naruto: Shippuden has captured the hearts of millions worldwide with its storytelling and profound themes of friendship, perseverance, and redemption. Shippuden's characters are at the heart of this epic saga, each contributing uniquely to the narrative's depth and complexity.

Behind the franchise's most important characters are the unsung voice talents who bring them to life. From the boisterous and determined Naruto Uzumaki to the enigmatic and tormented Sasuke Uchiha and the morally complex Itachi Uchiha, these voice actors' performances have been instrumental in conveying Naruto's greatest characters' emotional weight and growth.

10 Steve Blum Brings Naruto's Most Recognizable Villain to Life

Voices Orochimaru

Steve Blum, renowned for his versatile voice acting, brings a unique depth to Naruto's resident baddie, Orochimaru. His portrayal of Orochimaru captures the character's sinister and enigmatic nature, making him one of the most memorable villains in the series. Blum's voice work effectively conveys Orochimaru's obsession with immortality, his cunning intellect, and his menacing presence. This nuanced performance adds layers to Orochimaru's character, making him both terrifying and fascinating.

Blum's talent extends far beyond Naruto: Shippuden. Known for his distinctively deep voice, he is perhaps best known for his role as Spike Spiegel in Cowboy Bebop, where his smooth, cool demeanor as the bounty hunter contrasts that of Orochimaru but perfectly fits Bebop's tone. Blum also voices Mugen in Samurai Champloo, Guilmon in Digimon, Wolverine in various X-Men animated series and video games, as well as a myriad of other characters. In fact, he holds the Guinness Book of World Records for most prolific video game voice actor with over 200 credits under his belt.

9 Paul St. Peter Is the Beast Lurking Deep Inside of Naruto

Voices Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Jinchuriki

Kurama, more commonly referred to as the Nine-Tailed Fox, is the tailed beast lurking deep inside of Naruto. At first, he harbors a deep resentment toward Naruto, but eventually grows to become a powerful ally. This former foe is brilliantly voiced by Paul St. Peter, whose portrayal of Kurama is crucial to the series and brings depth and gravitas to the character. St. Peter’s ability to convey the fox’s complex emotions, from anger and resentment to eventual respect and camaraderie with Naruto, enhances the character’s development and enriches the storyline.

Beyond Naruto: Shippuden, Paul St. Peter has voiced numerous characters in various anime. Notably, he plays Xemnas in the Kingdom Hearts series, a role that requires a deep, commanding presence similar to Kurama. He also voices the Espada, Yammy Riyalgo in Bleach, and Jigen in Lupin the Third, showcasing his versatility across different genres and character types.

8 Travis Willingham's Versatile Voice Range Helped Him Play Both Black and White Zetsu

Voices Both Black and White Zetsu

Zetsu’s role is significant in the series as he serves as the right-hand man of key antagonists like Madara, Obito, and Kaguya Otsutsuki. His actions directly impact the storyline, from gathering intelligence to playing a vital part in the resurrection of Madara and the eventual appearance of Kaguya. Travis Willingham’s portrayal of Zetsu adds a unique and essential layer to the series. He expertly differentiates between Zetsu's dual black and white personalities.

Willingham has an extensive voice acting career. He is renowned for voicing Roy Mustang in the Fullmetal Alchemist series, Ace in One Piece, Mori in Ouran High School Host Club, Knuckles in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, and Thor in various Marvel animated projects, further showing his range and versatility. Willingham’s ability to bring depth and distinction to his characters makes his portrayal of Zetsu and others particularly compelling.

7 Tony Oliver Is Naruto's Legendary Father

Voices Minato Namikaze

Tony Oliver’s portrayal of Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, is a pivotal contribution to the series. Minato, Naruto’s father, is a legendary figure whose legacy and actions significantly influence the storyline. Minato’s sacrifice to seal the Nine-Tails into the newborn Naruto sets the foundation for the entire series. Oliver’s performance captures Minato’s calm, composed demeanor, as well as his strength and determination, making him a beloved character among fans.

A veteran of voice acting, Tony Oliver most notably voiced Rick Hunter in Robotech and, more recently, Ulquiorra in Bleach. In Lupin the Third, he voices the titular Lupin III, the charming master thief, showcasing his versatility in bringing to life a character with a vastly different personality from Minato. He also helped produce the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, proving that he plays an iconic role in anime and pop culture as a whole.

6 Troy Baker Captures Pain's Complex Philosophy

Voices Pain

Pain, the leader of the Akatsuki, is a complex character whose philosophy and actions challenge Naruto and the entire shinobi world. His attack on Konoha is one of the most dramatic and consequential events in the series, leading to significant character development for Naruto. Troy Baker’s deep, resonant voice perfectly captures Pain’s commanding presence and the gravitas of his beliefs. Through his performance, Baker conveys Pain’s tragic backstory, ideological motivations, and the intense sorrow that drives his quest for peace through destruction. Though Baker eventually stepped away from the franchise, with Matthew Mercer taking over later in the series, Baker's nuanced performance brings a depth to Pain that made him one of Naruto's most memorable antagonists.

Troy Baker has an impressive range of roles in anime and video games. He voices the second Greed in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and Excalibur in Soul Eater, showcasing his ability to portray multifaceted characters. Baker is also well-known for his roles in video games, including Joel in The Last of Us and Booker DeWitt in Bioshock Infinite, where his performances garnered him critical acclaim.

5 Michael Yurchak Unveils Obito's Multifaceted Nature

Voices Obito Uchiha

Michael Yurchak gives a remarkable performance that brings complexity and depth to one of the series’ most significant characters. Obito’s transformation from a hopeful young ninja into the enigmatic Tobi and later the masked leader of the Akatsuki is central to the series. Yurchak effectively captures the character’s evolution, conveying his descent into darkness and the pain that drives his actions. His voice work brings out Obito’s multifaceted nature, highlighting his internal conflict and ultimate redemption.

Yurchak has lent his talent to series such as Godzilla Singular Point, Sailor Moon, and The Legend of Korra, showcasing his ability to portray a variety of characters across different genres. Yurchak’s portrayal of Obito Uchiha stands out as a highlight in Naruto: Shippuden, providing a powerful and nuanced performance that captures the essence of a complex character. At the same time, his roles in other animated series underscore his broad talent and adaptability as a voice actor.

4 Neil Kaplan's Commanding Voice Perfectly Fits Madara

Voices Madara Uchiha

Naruto: Shippuden's most anticipated villain, Madara Uchiha, is portrayed by Neil Kaplan. Madara plays a critical role in the overarching narrative, particularly during the Fourth Great Ninja War. His actions and philosophies shape the series' central conflicts, from his historical battle with Hashirama Senju to his manipulation of Obito and his ultimate goal of casting the Infinite Tsukuyomi. Kaplan’s deep, commanding voice perfectly captures Madara’s arrogance, power, and deep-seated belief in his vision for the world. His portrayal ensures that Madara is not just a powerful adversary but also a deeply compelling character whose presence looms large throughout the series.

Kaplan is also known for his role as Zarkon in Voltron: Legendary Defender, where he brings a similar gravitas and menace to the character. He also plays Genryusai Yamamoto in Bleach and Diabolico in Power Rangers: Lightspeed Rescue, the latter of which further demonstrates his ability to embody powerful, villainous characters.

3 Crispin Freeman Plays Naruto's Most Tragic Character

Voices Itachi Uchiha

Arguably Naruto's most tragic yet beloved character, Itachi Uchiha’s enigmatic nature, moral ambiguity, and backstory are crucial to the narrative, and Crispin Freeman’s performance brings these elements to life with nuance and emotion. Itachi’s importance extends beyond his initial role as an antagonist. Motivated by a desire to protect his younger brother Sasuke and the village, his actions reveal a self-sacrificing heroism that profoundly impacts the story and characters. Freeman’s performance is instrumental in conveying the depth and complexity of Itachi’s character, making his story arc one of the most memorable and emotionally resonant in the series.

Freeman is also known for his roles in other notable anime series. He voices Alucard in Hellsing, where his portrayal of the powerful vampire is both chilling and charismatic. He also plays Shizuo Heiwajima in Durarara!!, delivering a powerful performance that captures the character’s volatile nature. In animation, he is known for portraying Red Arrow and various other characters in Young Justice.

2 Yuri Lowenthal Adds Depth to Sasuke's Complex Character Arc

Voices Sasuke Uchiha

Sasuke Uchiha, as Naruto’s rival and a central figure in the series, drives much of the narrative's emotional and thematic depth. His quest for power and revenge against his brother Itachi, and later against those he believes wronged his clan, provides a major plotline that intersects with Naruto’s quest to bring him back to Konoha. Yuri Lowenthal's voice work brilliantly captures Sasuke's evolution from a vengeful and isolated youth to a conflicted, complex individual seeking redemption. His performance conveys the character’s inner turmoil, intense emotions, and gradual transformation, making Sasuke’s journey compelling and relatable.

Beyond Naruto, Yuri Lowenthal notably voices a plethora of characters across various mediums, including Simon in Gurren Lagann, Shinra Kishitani in Durarara!!, Haru Glory in Rave Master, and Ben Tennyson in Ben 10: Alien Force. He also voices Yosuke Hanamura in Persona 4, bringing a mix of humor and depth to the role. Additionally, Lowenthal is known for his portrayal of Peter Parker/Spider-Man in Marvel’s Spider-Man video games, where his performance was praised for its emotional authenticity and dynamic range. His versatile work in other roles underscores his talent and adaptability as a voice actor.

1 Maile Flanagan Is Versatile On Screen and Behind the Mic

Voices Naruto Uzumaki

Maile Flanagan’s portrayal of Naruto Uzumaki is a cornerstone of the series' success. As the protagonist, Naruto’s journey from an ostracized orphan to the hero of the ninja world is the heart of the story. Flanagan's voice acting captures Naruto’s exuberance, determination, and growth, making the character both relatable and inspiring. Her ability to convey Naruto’s wide range of emotions — from his boundless optimism and fierce resolve to his moments of vulnerability and sorrow — brings depth to the character and makes his journey compelling.

While the Naruto franchise remains Flanagan's only contribution to anime, she has lent her voice to American animated characters such as Piggley Winks in Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks, a role that earned her a Daytime Emmy Award. Additionally, she played Principal Perry in the Disney XD series Lab Rats, showcasing her versatility in both voice and on-screen acting.

Naruto: Shippuden

TV-PG

Action

Adventure

Fantasy

Naruto Uzumaki, is a loud, hyperactive, adolescent ninja who constantly searches for approval and recognition, as well as to become Hokage, who is acknowledged as the leader and strongest of all ninja in the village.

Release Date

February 15, 2007

Creator(s)

Masashi Kishimoto

Cast

Alexandre Crepet , Junko Takeuchi , Maile Flanagan , Kate Higgins , Chie Nakamura , Dave Wittenberg , Kazuhiko Inoue , Noriaki Sugiyama , Yuri Lowenthal , Debi Mae West

Main Genre

Anime

Seasons

21

Creator

Masashi Kishimoto

Main Characters

Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, Kakashi Hatake, Madara Uchiha, Obito Uchiha, Orochimaru, Tsunade Senju

Production Company

Pierrot, TV Tokyo, Aniplex, KSS, Rakuonsha, TV Tokyo Music, Shueisha

Number of Episodes

500

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll , Hulu