On December 9, 2024, the world premiere of Disneyโs The Lion King: Mufasa illuminated the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. The red carpet was adorned with stars from around the globe, celebrating this highly anticipated prequel to one of Disneyโs most beloved stories.
Among the attendees was our very own Sexy TigerโGenta Matsuda of Travis Japanโproudly representing Japan as the voice of Taka (the younger Scar) in the premium Japanese dub.
For Genta, this role signifies a series of firstsโhis first Disney project and his debut as a voice actor. Speaking earlier at the Disney Content Showcase in Singapore, he described the experience as โtruly magical,โ sharing his heartfelt hope that the film would โdeliver love to many people.โ His dedication and enthusiasm for the project have resonated with fans and industry professionals alike, marking this as a pivotal moment in his career.
Gentaโs journey into the world of Disney has been nothing short of extraordinary. Known for his global debut with Travis Japan on October 28, 2022, he has captivated audiences worldwide, not only as a performer but also as an actor. His diverse roles in dramas such as The Blue Skies at Your Feet (2022), The Date of Marriage (2023), and the 2024 remake of Tokyo Tower have showcased his ability to adapt to a variety of genres.
These experiences have prepared him for his latest challengeโbringing Taka, a character with immense emotional depth, to life. The Lion King: Mufasa explores the younger days of Scar, back when he was still known as Taka, and his bond with Mufasaโa relationship built on loyalty and love but ultimately doomed by betrayal. This role pushes Genta beyond his usual persona, allowing him to explore themes of brotherhood, vulnerability, and transformation.
At the Singapore Disney Content Showcase, Gentaโs presence left a lasting impression. Dressed in a stylish striped suit and addressing a multilingual audience, he confidently engaged with the MC in fluent English, captivating attendees and demonstrating his growth since Travis Japanโs move to Los Angeles in 2022. โIโd be thrilled if this could deliver love to many people,โ he shared during the event, a sentiment echoed in his performance as Taka.
Reflecting on his recent work in Tokyo Tower, where he portrayed the complex Koji Ohara, Genta shared how the experience broadened his perspective as an actor. โIโve discovered how to channel my passion into serious roles and learned the importance of bringing a unique interpretation to my characters,โ he explained. This insight has translated seamlessly into his approach to Taka, a character with layers of innocence, ambition, and eventual heartbreak.
Adding to his accomplishments, Gentaโs efforts in mastering English have further elevated his global presence. At the Singapore event, and this premiere his confidence in conversing fluently during interviews highlighted the growth heโs achieved since Travis Japan began their international journey. This progress has opened doors for him and his group, paving the way for more opportunities on the global stage.
As he stepped onto the red carpet at the world premiere, his journey came full circle. Dressed in a sleek ensemble inspired by the savannaโs earthy tones, Genta brought energy and charm to the event. Despite the overwhelming cheers of Disney fans, he carried himself with poise, warmly interacting with the audience and sharing his excitement. โIโm incredibly thrilled! I canโt wait to bring back all the amazing energy of The Lion King: Mufasa to everyone in Japan,โ he said with a radiant smile.
Through various videos circulating online and clips from various TV shows, Genta can be seen shining on the red carpet, waving to the fans and audience, and engaging in English conversations with fellow celebrities.
Dumpling Box joined the crowd, equally excited to see the Sexy Tiger Lion cub in the wild, and eager fans waited around the red carpet for hours to get a glimpse of Genta as he walked by, equally eager and happy to see all the heartfelt support from fans alike who were there for him at this milestone in his life.
With the diverse cast, many were there for the other cast members from the English version, or simply there to support the movie in general. Even with no prior announcement of Genta’s appearance at the world premiere, dedicated fans still showed up, dressed in their tour goods, uchiwas, and similar in their hands to show their heartfelt support for Genta. Many had suspected he’d be at the world premiere because of his absence from Fuji TV’s โPOKAPOKAโ show where he is a regular.
The screams of his name as he appeared resonated, giving fans some quick attention, waving and smiling as he walked down the carpet. There were probably a few locals who were wondering who this handsome young man was, and fans didn’t miss the chance to talk about Genta if they had the chance!
They took their time to introduce who he and Travis Japan are and why he was in Los Angeles for the world premiere, enthusiastically sharing their knowledge about the group’s journey and accomplishments that led them to this momentous event. Fans also took the time to connect with fellow fans, uniting for their love and support of Genta and Travis Japan, and engaging in spirited conversations about him and the group.
One of the best comments from the fans was: “He smelled like stardust and sex appeal!”
In a statement to the International press, Genta shared, “My favorite Disney movie as a child was the original animated Lion King, so to be a part of the story as an actor is a big full circle moment of my own life. The movie is incredibly heartwarming and bittersweet, especially everything that happens to Taka in light of what we know happens to him later as Scar. I am honored to be able to take part in this whole experience, including to stand here on the red carpet with the American voice cast. Kelvin Harrison Jr. was especially cool, as well as director Barry Jenkins and Lin-Manuel Miranda!“
With The Lion King: Mufasa, Genta Matsuda not only takes on an iconic Disney role but also represents a new era of Japanese talent on the global stage. His voice, both figuratively and literally, is poised to resonate far and wide, ensuring that this is just the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
Make sure to check out Genta’s produced song, “Rush,” from Travis Japan’s latest album “VIIsual!”
More Travis Japan!
Photo assets ยฉ STARTO ENTERTAINMENT.