Collider’s Laura Adams recently conducted an insightful interview with voice actors Emi Lo and Dawn M. Bennett, delving into their experiences bringing the characters of Teoritta and Patausche Kivia to life in Crunchyroll's breakout anime series, "Sentenced to Be a Hero." The year 2026 is already proving exceptional for anime enthusiasts, with the return of beloved series like "Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2," "Hell’s Paradise," and "Jujutsu Kaisen’s" “Culling Game” arc. Amidst these established giants, "Sentenced to Be a Hero" has swiftly captured audience attention, climbing streaming charts thanks to its dynamic animation, compelling characters, and awe-inspiring world-building.

Emi Lo, who voices the goddess Teoritta, and Dawn M. Bennett, playing Patausche Kivia, captain of the Thirteenth Order of the Holy Knights, shared the intricate process of developing their characters' distinct voices. Bennett explained that Kivia’s vocal approach is highly dependent on her interlocutor, shifting from respectful authority with her troops to a different dynamic when speaking with her uncle, whom she has known since childhood. Her interactions with Xylo also evolve, initially harsh due to his status as a "disgusting hero" and "lowest of the low prisoner," gradually softening to a more casual, real tone as their relationship changes. The challenge, Bennett notes, was finding a balance between firmness and a touch of warmth, reflecting Kivia's multifaceted personality.

Both actors emphasized the critical role of emotional connection in their performances. Lo stated that to portray characters authentically, they must "experience what they are going through," putting themselves in their characters' positions. This deep connection is vital because, as Lo elaborated, if the actors themselves don’t believe the situation, then the audience cannot be expected to. Bennett concurred, explaining that entering the recording booth necessitates leaving one's personal self outside and fully embracing the character's feelings and beliefs to make the portrayal feel real and believable.

Drawing on past experiences proved beneficial for their current roles. Emi Lo found that playing a "princess-type character" previously, with its inherent haughtiness and dignified nature, helped her to refine Teoritta’s "goddess facade." Similarly, Dawn M. Bennett's experience as a "general-type character," who was louder and more drill sergeant-esque but also had moments of performing "cute" or "feminine things," informed her portrayal of Kivia’s varied emotional range.

The voice actors also recounted some of their most challenging recording moments. Dawn M. Bennett highlighted a scene in the first episode where she had to match the intense yelling energy of David Matranga, who voices Xylo, during a heated argument. Kivia’s declaration of "that's honor!" against Xylo’s "you're going to die!" demanded a high level of vocal power and emotional output. Emi Lo, on the other hand, faced the opposite challenge. Her scenes with Xylo often required Teoritta, an "innocent child" full of spunky energy, to temper her usual big, projecting voice to match Xylo's calm demeanor. Lo had to "go against instinct" to keep her voice down without making Teoritta sound "on Xanax," finding a delicate balance to convey seriousness while retaining her character's inherent spirit.

Beyond the challenges, the interview revealed some lighthearted, funny behind-the-scenes incidents. Emi Lo fondly recalled Teoritta’s "crashout session," where the goddess ranted about another goddess receiving "seven head pats." Director Sean Gann's instruction to "just keep talking until you run out of breath" during this scene led to a memorable and amusing moment. Dawn M. Bennett shared laughter about a scene where Kivia had to pretend to be Xylo’s lover. Kivia's attempt at improvisation was "not very believable," resulting in a hilariously awkward performance that added a touch of comedy to the recording process.