Jujutsu Kaisen has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity throughout 2024, captivating audiences and even prompting reactions from its voice actors. Adam McArthur, who lends his voice to the series’ main character, Yuji Itadori, recently shared his thoughts on the remarkable impact this shonen anime has had on popular culture and highlighted his exciting collaboration with a prominent musical artist.
In an exclusive interview with ScreenRant, McArthur expressed his amazement at the series’ phenomenal success, four years after the first episode of the adaptation premiered. He noted the increased visibility of anime merchandise, the widespread popularity of Jujutsu Kaisen on social media platforms like TikTok, and perhaps most astonishingly, a mention of Yuji Itadori in Megan Thee Stallion’s music.
Yuji’s Voice Actor Surprised by His Character’s Feature in a Megan Thee Stallion Song
Unexpected Surprise: Adam McArthur’s Voice Featured in “Otaku Hot Girl”
McArthur conveyed his astonishment at the consistent love for Jujutsu Kaisen that floods his social media, particularly through various TikTok trends leveraging sound clips from the show. One striking moment occurred when his voice was inadvertently included in Megan Thee Stallion’s track, “Otaku Hot Girl,”from her 2024 album, Megan. The song hilariously begins with Yuji discussing his type in women, a surprise for McArthur, who was unaware of the artist’s intention to sample his Clip from a years-old TikTok.
“It’s weird. But the thing is that this kind of stuff has been happening the whole time with JJK. I’ll just be scrolling through my TikTok and it’ll be like car video, a family prank video, and then the next video is my voice from JJK.
It’s always funny to me too like when stuff goes viral on TikTok because a lot of times it’s not what you would expect or it takes a while to ramp up. But yeah, hearing the audio from Otaku Hot Girl was definitely – I think it’s just funny because no one expected it. The reaction was amazing. Oh my gosh.”- Adam McArthur, voice of Yuji Itadori
In a clip shared by @crunchyroll on TikTok, McArthur elaborated on the unexpected crossover with one of hip-hop’s leading artists. Although he did not foresee Megan using his content in her song, this event underscores the significant cultural influence Jujutsu Kaisen holds among fans, a community that includes Megan Thee Stallion herself. Known for her enthusiasm for anime, the star has even showcased her cosplay as characters like Shoto Todoroki from My Hero Academia and Gojo Satoru from Jujutsu Kaisen.
Megan Thee Stallion: A Passionate Anime Fan Enhancing the Collaboration’s Appeal
Lyrical Homage: “Otaku Hot Girl”Rich with Jujutsu Kaisen References
The track “Otaku Hot Girl”serves as a tribute not only to anime but also specifically to Jujutsu Kaisen. With clever lyrics such as “can’t touch me like Gojo, look good in all my photos,” and “He don’t run from me ’cause he wanna get caught in my domain expansion,” Megan’s lyrical prowess showcases her fondness for the series. While she nods to her admiration for other anime, it is evident that Jujutsu Kaisen occupies a special place in her heart.
Furthermore, McArthur has received an enthusiastic response from fans regarding Jujutsu Kaisen’s surge in merchandise availability. The transition from niche online sales to having an extensive range of products in mainstream retailers like Walmart and Target has left him feeling “wild.”The newfound presence of anime merchandise has made gift shopping for his mother much simpler.
Greater Availability of Jujutsu Kaisen Merchandise Now Than Ever
High-Profile Brand Collaborations with Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen has made waves across various industries, collaborating with numerous brands including Sanrio, McDonald’s, UNIQLO, and even high-fashion labels like Dolce & Gabbana. The partnership with Sanrio, for instance, produced charming merchandise featuring beloved characters depicted as Sanrio icons. Additionally, a special Jujutsu Kaisen meal was unveiled at McDonald’s in summer 2024, which featured a unique dipping sauce called Special Grade Garlic Sauce. Such collaborations have cemented the anime’s presence in retail environments everywhere.
“It is a testament to how far anime has come. It’s like, you know, anime has always been around and anime has always had a loyal following. But now there’s a difference. It is mainstream.
You’re walking around in Target, Walmart, the mall – all these stores and you’re seeing merch for Jujutsu Kaisen. It makes buying gifts for my mother incredibly easy. So for that, I’m very grateful. It’s just wild.”- Adam McArthur, voice of Yuji Itadori
McArthur emphasized that the growing merchandise availability is a clear indicator of anime’s remarkable journey into the mainstream, highlighting Jujutsu Kaisen’s vital role in this transformation. The expectation for more collaborations and exciting crossovers is high as the series continues to enjoy unparalleled popularity. Despite the manga concluding in September 2024, fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming third season of Jujutsu Kaisen, signaling that the series’ momentum is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
Sources: @crunchyroll on TikTok
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