Ash Ketchum voice actor Sarah Natochenny has shared a video of her raw and emotional reaction to the final scene of the Pokemon anime featuring the show's beloved protagonist of 25 years.
We've known for a while that the Pokemon anime would be bidding farewell to Ash Ketchum and his pal Pikachu, but with the final episodes of Pokemon: To Be A Pokemon Master now airing on Netflix, people are reflecting on the iconic duo's eventful journey, including Sarah Natochenny, the English voice of Ash.
Months ago, I filmed myself watching the freshly dubbed last scene of Pokémon: To Be a Pokémon Master in the studio. I have no idea if I can watch it all now. I’m told it’s incredible with music and effects. I hope you’re enjoying it (on Netflix US now)! pic.twitter.com/RHRFwFj0Th
— Sarah Natochenny ? (@sarahnatochenny) September 8, 2023
As reported by Nintendo Life, Natochenny, who has voiced the famous trainer for the past 17 years, posted a behind-the-scenes video from the studio, showing her reaction to the "freshly dubbed last seen of Pokémon: To Be a Pokémon Master". In the clip, she gently applauds the ending before breaking down into tears.
"Months ago, I filmed myself watching the freshly dubbed last scene of Pokémon: To Be a Pokémon Master in the studio," Natochenny wrote in the text accompanying the video on X. "I have no idea if I can watch it all now. I'm told it's incredible with music and effects. I hope you're enjoying it (on Netflix US now)!"
In response to the post, Natochenny received messages of love and support from fans, with many reaching out to thank her for her contribution and commitment to the series over the years, while others shared their personal thoughts and reactions to Ash's final episode as Pokemon officially retires the character.
It was such an amazing journey Sarah and wanna say thank you for making my childhood awesome with voicing Ash Ketchum and love watching his journeys from being a beginner to world champion it's awesome and Sarah you and Ash are the very best like no one ever was thank you pic.twitter.com/TiRpZse3w3
— Ricky (@Ricky_Ketchum25) September 8, 2023
Your performance in this scene made me cry ? Ash sounded so tender and caring. The emotion at the end of the episode as well! So good! Thank you for being our Ash! pic.twitter.com/Lfr5HQTmIO
— Jug ?? (@juggiepuss) September 9, 2023
I know I just said this earlier, but it's been an honor having you a part of this worldwide phenomenon! You're a part of anime history now, and fans will always be thankful to you for this crazy and wonderful ride! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/C0vTpyIwfn
— #Barbie ? (@yorocky89) September 8, 2023
Such a big moment to finally see the end of the journey. By the end of it all, you were incredible as Ash.
— Charlie (@CwapTweeter) September 8, 2023
CHEERS TO YOU FOR BEING AN AMAZING VOICE FOR HIM. pic.twitter.com/4pGH4nC8RJ
Was spoiled by the sub and cried, but just watched the dub now and cried again, harder. Thank you so much for all your hard work. You have no idea how much youve impacted me throughout my life. It’s my dream to voice act. Following ash’s footsteps of following your dreams! ❤️
— rubiksguy (@rubiksguy) September 10, 2023
Stay gold pic.twitter.com/4pcRMdz5DM
— Best of Anime Dubs? ?No New Requests? (@BOAnimeDubs) September 8, 2023
Natochenny shared another brief message with Pokemon fans: "The special episodes of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys are now on Netflix. I am so unbelievably fortunate to have voiced Ash Ketchum for the last 17 years. We put so much love into Pokémon: To Be a Pokémon Master. I hope these episodes resonate with you all."
Veronica Taylor, the original English voice of Ash, wrote in her own post: "I loved every minute I spent in the sneakers of this 10 yr old trainer. The best part has been getting to meet all of you trainers around the world. What a truly amazing #pokemon community! Ash Ketchum has brought us all together to strive to be our very best!"
While Ash and Pikachu's journey has drawn to a close, new adventures with Liko and Roy are on the way in Pokemon Horizons, a brand new anime series that will feature never-before-seen Pokemon and a different Pikachu, Captain Pikachu, to be precise, though Netflix has not yet confirmed when the series will set sail on the streamer.
Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. Follow her on Twitter.
