The voice actor of the titular character Mob from the popular anime series Mob Psycho 100 revealed he left the series due to a disagreement with Crunchyroll.
In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, voice actor Kyle McCarley shared that it's unlikely he will reprise his role as Mob due to Crunchyroll's unwillingness to discuss using a union SAG-AFTRA contract. McCarley said that the dispute doesn't boil down to money; Crunchyroll simply doesn't want to use a union contract. He explained that he doesn't typically accept non-union work, "With 99.9% of the work that I do, that would be the end of the conversation for me. I would say, 'Thank you very much for the opportunity, but I don't work non-union.'"
McCarley kept an open mind regarding contract negotiations with the help of his castmates. He said, "But with the help of my castmates, who I've been in close contact with throughout these negotiations, I was able to see an opportunity here. Crunchyroll has historically been very, very hesitant to take anything that they produce onto a SAG-AFTRA contract, and, just because of the role that I have in this particular show and this particular show's popularity with you guys, it seemed like maybe there was an opportunity to change that." He went back to Crunchyroll to discuss working on the show -- non-union -- with the caveat that they agreed to meet with SAG-AFTRA representatives to discuss using a SAG-AFTRA contract on future productions. McCarley states that his only hope was a good faith agreement to discuss the matter on Crunchyroll's terms -- he wasn't expecting Crunchyroll to guarantee using SAG-AFTRA contracts in the future. Unfortunately, for now, Crunchyroll seems unwilling to meet McCarley halfway, leading to the bombshell that he likely won't return to voice Mob in the upcoming season. "As far as where things stand right now, Crunchyroll's a big corporation. There's a lot of people that need to weigh in on a decision like this, most of whom I have not spoken to. But, all I needed them to do was agree to a sit down and have a conversation, and it seems like that's not something that they want to do."
Mob Psycho Season 3 May Lose Other Voice Talent
McCarley hints at the potential of other voice talent leaving the series over the dispute, saying, "I just wanted to let you guys know that unless things change, you're probably going to be hearing at least one unfamiliar voice on Mob Psycho 100 Season 3 -- maybe more." However, he clarifies that he doesn't want to speak on behalf of anyone in particular or "cast judgment or blame against any actor who takes whatever work opportunities they're given," acknowledging that "they have to make the decisions that are best for them."
McCarley wrapped up his video by thanking viewers and fans. " Thank you, guys, so very much for your support. I love you all, and I hope that the next time I talk to you, I will have some happier news to share."
Mob Psycho 100 Season 3 will pick up where Season 2 left off, with Mob accidentally growing a giant broccoli in the middle of the city. The anime's third season will release in Japan on Oct. 5, 2022, with plans from Crunchyroll to stream it in North America. As for how many familiar voices fans will hear when the English version is released, only time will tell.
Source: YouTube