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| Fans Split as Tle Matimun Steps Into Role Originally Voiced by Ryusei Yokohama. (Credits: CONAN TH) |
Thailand’s release of Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway is shaping up to be more than just another anime screening, with confirmation that rising actor Tle Matimun Sreeboonrueang will lend his voice to a major character in the Thai dub, adding a fresh layer of intrigue ahead of its 30 April 2026 cinema debut.
The latest instalment in the long-running Detective Conan film series arrives with strong anticipation across Southeast Asia, and this casting decision has only sharpened interest.
Tle Matimun Sreeboonrueang, best known for his growing popularity in Thai television, takes on the role of Kazuki Omae, a key figure originally voiced in the Japanese version by established actor Ryusei Yokohama.
The contrast between Yokohama’s seasoned delivery and Matimun’s newer, more contemporary tone is already being framed as one of the film’s most compelling cross-market talking points.
For Thai audiences, the decision signals a continued effort to localise major anime releases with recognisable voices, bridging the gap between Japanese source material and regional viewership.
It also reflects the increasing crossover between mainstream acting talent and voice performance, particularly among younger stars looking to expand their portfolio beyond on-screen roles.
Ahead of the official release, the film is set to roll out early preview screenings between 17 and 20 April, offering dedicated fans a first look at the latest case featuring the iconic young detective.
These previews are expected to draw strong attendance, especially among long-time followers of the franchise who have tracked its cinematic evolution over nearly three decades.
Beyond the screen, the promotional campaign extends into a full fan experience with the launch of a Conan Pop-Up Café at CentralWorld.
Running from 10 April to 19 July 2026, the themed café invites visitors into an immersive setting inspired by the series, blending character-driven design with interactive elements aimed at both casual viewers and long-standing fans.
The free-entry concept is likely to widen its appeal, turning it into a social hub for the anime community in Bangkok during the film’s release window.
Online reactions to the casting of Tle Matimun Sreeboonrueang have been notably mixed.
Some fans have welcomed the move, praising the decision to bring in a fresh voice that could reinterpret Kazuki Omae for a new audience, while others remain cautious, questioning whether a rising actor can match the nuance delivered by Ryusei Yokohama in the original version.
The debate reflects a broader tension often seen in dubbed releases, where authenticity and localisation frequently pull in different directions.
What remains clear is that the conversation itself has amplified attention around the film, turning a standard regional release into a moment of wider interest across fan communities.
With early screenings imminent and the full theatrical run approaching, all eyes are now on how this casting choice will land once audiences hear the performance in full.
As anticipation builds, the question shifts from speculation to reception. Will Tle Matimun Sreeboonrueang redefine Kazuki Omae for Thai viewers, or will comparisons to Ryusei Yokohama dominate post-release discussions?
Either way, this is one Conan entry that has already sparked a conversation worth following. What’s your take on the casting and are you planning to catch the preview screenings or wait for the full release?