What happens when Masako Nozawa passes away in the future?

[Kamiccolo9]

Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny have both been replaced without any huge outcry. I imagine Goku would be the same.

As far as I've seen, though, Nozawa is perfectly healthy and active. I don't see her going anywhere any time soon.

[B]

No actor is going to stop Dragon Ball from being made. The only scenario where I see the franchise is sleeping is, well, something that is received so negatively sales tank hard. The closest that got was GT, and really, overseas interest is what bolstered that mid-2000s boom. We bitch and moan about an off-model scene in Super, but that's not going to kill a franchise.

Yes, people will be sad, but the original poster speaks as if the majority of fans would rather no DB than a Nozawa-less one, and I really don't think that's the case. Also, it's not like in that sad situation she's being unceremoniously replaced.

(I also agree with the consensus that there's little to discuss or dissect here; look at how the passing of literally any other cast member went down)

[DuckBoy]

There will be a new actor auditioned as quickly as possible.

This is not a complex or necessary discussion to have

I wouldn't think replacing Goku's iconic voice after 30 years would ever be that easy, especially for Japanese fans.

Did you notice Mickey's voice change? (Not for the shorts, but for everything else) Or did you know they have been training new people to take on the role of Big Bird after his muppeteer retires? Or, how about replacing the Simpsons if the voice actors really quit after their demand for higher pay checks? Companies are indeed prepared for this.

I dunno if it's like this in Japan, but they just might have already began a search.

[FortuneSSJ]

Nozawa passing away will be the second biggest blow that this franchise will ever receive.
Akira Toriyama, the Man himself, passing away will obviously be the saddest day. I fear both events, but that's how life is.

No one can replace Toriyama.
Nozawa with all the respect can be replaced, just like Mickey Mouse was. I love her, but they can find other voice actor.
Of course, it won't be a simple task to replace the women that represents Son Goku for 30 years.

But there's no point in talking about this now. Negativity never helped anyone.

[kei17]

Though I want her to play Goku as far as she's physically fine, I'm strongly concerned about a rushed recast due to her sudden health problems during an on-going series, which is very unlikely to result in the choice that the majority fully accept, like what happened with Kaio and the narrator in DBS recently. With Joji Yanami's age and his recent flat performance, they could have easily guessed there would be a trouble, but they didn't prepare anything in advance and hastily replaced him with Naoki Tatsuta as a result, which can be hardly considered as the best solution in my opinion. I'm afraid that the same thing will happen with Nozawa.

Toei should give a secret audition and choose the next Goku beforehand, or reboot the series with the whole new cast while the original actors are still alive. Personally, I prefer the latter option.

[eledoremassis02]

Are there any Japanese impersonation videos? I can't seem to find any for Goku (I'm finding mostly cell and buu lol). it would be interesting to hear if anyone can come close. Nozawa has such a distinct voice.

Edit: Found this (just going to post all the ones I find for sake of conversation) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWGwkoKFcFU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE_P5-f2p8Q
and this - https://youtu.be/ielNvBm0kKw?t=1m42s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wagS1iMKyuU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLERNtb-_nA

[shinmaru]

Obviously we get a new voice actor and maybe a tribute episode for Nozawa, but it doesn't feel right discussing what will happen if she dies while she is still alive and kicking

[Draconic]

The thing I wonder is if she gets replaced, will the new actor do the voices for the Gohan and Goten too, or are they going to get all new actors as well?

[Lord Beerus]

The thing I wonder is if she gets replaced, will the new actor do the voices for the Gohan and Goten too, or are they going to get all new actors as well?

They'll probably get new voice actors for Gohan and Goten as well.

[Gyt Kaliba]

Pretty much as has been said already, they will most likely simply recast her roles, but hopefully in a less hurried state than what happened with Tatsuta filling in for Yanami. To replace the main character, as well as various other major supporting ones, is going to be a lot more of an ordeal that a lot more fans, both domestic (in Japan) and otherwise, are going to be paying more attention to, so they will hopefully make sure to make a good decision...but a re-casting is inevitable. Here's hoping it won't happen for a long while yet though.

And in so far as people noticing/not noticing, and comparisons to when iconic US animated characters like Mickey Mouse or Bugs Bunny are replaced - it's true that a lot of more casual fans won't notice, at least not immediately, but major followers of the brands or voice over in general will definitely take notice. Just recently Joe Alaskey (best known for various Looney Tunes roles over the years, including Bugs and Daffy, as well as Plucky on Tiny Toons and the grandpa on Rugrats) passed away, and the voice over fan community has definitely been feeling that loss. A similar mourning was held when Wayne Allwine (the voice of Mickey Mouse for most of my generation) passed away too. It won't be noticed on a grand scale, but it will definitely be noticed.

Toei should give a secret audition and choose the next Goku beforehand, or reboot the series with the whole new cast while the original actors are still alive. Personally, I prefer the latter option.

I'm honestly conflicted on the idea of a total recast while the actors are still around. If they're able to still perform, then that would sadden me to no end, but as time goes on and we lose more of the most notable performances either to death or just not being able to perform anymore...man, it's a rough decision. At a certain point, I definitely prefer a re-casting happen over having to hear a beloved actor try and just not be able to anymore. Hearing Goro Naya in his last few turns as Zenigata for the Lupin III franchise was just heartbreaking. I was beginning to have similar feelings towards Yanami's Kaio before Tatsuta stepped in. At the same time though, I wouldn't want anyone who is still fully capable of turning in a great performance - like, say, Ryusei Nakao just for example - tossed aside just to have an entirely new cast that's younger step in. I live in fear that that's what they're going to do with Kiyoshi Kobayashi (Daisuke Jigen) someday.

[Bullza]

They could just replace her I suppose.

[ShaneisMC]

Am I alone in feeling that I'd rather the series just end before that becomes an issue? Obviously as long as Toriyama is at the helm and is capable of putting out quality content then of course I will love enjoying seeing Super continue and whatnot. But I'd much rather them just stop while they're ahead at some point in the future before they risk potentially running things into the ground and the series having to go out on a low note.

[Doctor.]

I'm honestly conflicted on the idea of a total recast while the actors are still around. If they're able to still perform, then that would sadden me to no end, but as time goes on and we lose more of the most notable performances either to death or just not being able to perform anymore...man, it's a rough decision. At a certain point, I definitely prefer a re-casting happen over having to hear a beloved actor try and just not be able to anymore. Hearing Goro Naya in his last few turns as Zenigata for the Lupin III franchise was just heartbreaking. I was beginning to have similar feelings towards Yanami's Kaio before Tatsuta stepped in. At the same time though, I wouldn't want anyone who is still fully capable of turning in a great performance - like, say, Ryusei Nakao just for example - tossed aside just to have an entirely new cast that's younger step in. I live in fear that that's what they're going to do with Kiyoshi Kobayashi (Daisuke Jigen) someday.

I don't think they'll replace any of the voice actors unless they die or have severe health issues. In my opinion, every actor has gotten significantly worse from their Z days in Super, besides Nakao maybe, who's just as good as ever. Obviously they didn't get to Yanami's condition, but Nozawa's age, for instance, is really starting to show. And if they're not being replaced now when their performances are dropping, it's obvious they won't be replaced ever unless for the reasons I stated.

[jjgp1112]

This is...like the 1234567th post about Nozawa dying...

She's nearly 80 years old. What do you think?

As I said in my first post, even if she lives to 100 years old, she may still have health issues that prevent her from voicing acting giving her an early retirement. If Super goes on another 5 years its a very real possibility.

It's just not very necessary. It will happen when it happens, but for now it's not a subject that anyone particularly wants to think about.

[Kamiccolo9]

Am I alone in feeling that I'd rather the series just end before that becomes an issue? Obviously as long as Toriyama is at the helm and is capable of putting out quality content then of course I will love enjoying seeing Super continue and whatnot. But I'd much rather them just stop while they're ahead at some point in the future before they risk potentially running things into the ground and the series having to go out on a low note.

Nah, I agree. I don't see Super going on that long. This brief resurgence we've had has been nice and all, but I don't think the new material has much longevity to it.

[JulieYBM]

I see no point to the discussion. A new actor for new projects will obviously happen. We are old enough to follow the line of logic.

[dario03]

One guy was the original (and main/only VA for 30-52 years) voice of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety Bird, Sylvester the Cat, Yosemite Sam, Foghorn Leghorn, Marvin the Martian, Pepé Le Pew, Speedy Gonzales, Wile E. Coyote, the Tasmanian Devil, and Barney Rubble. And you still see all of those characters. And more directly related to DB they have already replaced plenty of VA's for DB, and some of those happened years ago. Like they always say "The show must go on". Even if DB goes off the air for years again they might bring it back 20 years later and by then most of the cast would probably be replaced.

It will be sad for me because she has a distinctive voice for a female Japanese voice actress as opposed to the rest...

Too bad same wont be said for Sean Schemale, once he kicks the bucket.

Why would Sean have a distinctive female Japanese voice?
But I'm sure there will be plenty of people upset if he got replaced. But the show will go on.

[Kuririn Fan]

Am I alone in feeling that I'd rather the series just end before that becomes an issue? Obviously as long as Toriyama is at the helm and is capable of putting out quality content then of course I will love enjoying seeing Super continue and whatnot. But I'd much rather them just stop while they're ahead at some point in the future before they risk potentially running things into the ground and the series having to go out on a low note.

Nah, I agree. I don't see Super going on that long. This brief resurgence we've had has been nice and all, but I don't think the bew material has much longevity to it.

I agree as well. Just have all 12 universes involved in some never before seen threat and call it a day.

[ShaneisMC]

Does Toriyama hold enough ownership to veto continuation of the series if he were to say everything is over halt production? Or if not do you believe Toei respects him enough to treat the series as he wishes?

[precita]

I'd rather the entire Dragonball franchise crash and burn then see it go on without Masak Nozawa.

Hopefully Super ends within 5 years time at the most so it won't be an issue. She'll be 85 by then so I think that's a good time to end the series.