The deep, resonating roar that signals Broly’s arrival in the Dragon Ball universe belongs to a specific voice, and understanding the history behind this iconic performance requires looking at the primary actor responsible for bringing the Legendary Super Saiyan to life. For the vast majority of appearances in the Dragon Ball Super anime, movies, and related media, the character of Broly is voiced by the immensely talented Japanese voice actor, Bin Shimada.
The Primary Voice: Bin Shimada
Bin Shimada is a veteran seiyuu with a career spanning decades, and his portrayal of Broly is arguably one of his most recognized roles. He first took on the role for the 2018 anime film "Dragon Ball Super: Broly," a retelling that redefined the character's origin, and has continued to voice the Saiyan brute in subsequent appearances, including the "Dragon Ball Super" manga and various video games. Shimada’s performance is characterized by a guttural, primal quality that perfectly encapsulates Broly’s raw power and barely contained rage, often utilizing a lower register that shakes the very foundations of the Dragon Ball world.
The 2018 Film and Modern Portrayal
When discussing "who voices broly," the 2018 film directed by Tatsuya Nagamine is the definitive modern source. In this version, Broly is depicted as a tragic figure, a warrior exiled for his overwhelming potential, and Shimada’s vocal delivery masterfully shifts between moments of feral aggression and glimpses of a gentle giant struggling against his own destiny. His ability to modulate the character’s volume—from a low, terrifying growl to a deafening, universe-shattering scream—has set the standard for how the character is perceived in contemporary storytelling.
Historical Context and Previous Actors
While Bin Shimada dominates the current era, the history of the voice behind Broly dates back to the character’s creation in the 1990s. For the original Dragon Ball Z movies featuring the character, specifically "Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan" (1993) and "Broly – Second Coming" (1994), the role was performed by the late Japanese voice actor, Bin Tomokiyoshi. Consequently, when fans ask who voices Broly, the answer is often rooted in distinguishing between the classic interpretation and the modern reboot established in 2018.
Tomokiyoshi’s Legacy
Bin Tomokiyoshi’s performance defined the character for a generation of fans. His voice was deeper and more chaotic, capturing the violent rage of a warrior who had never known companionship. Although the character was largely absent from the main timeline after the 1990s films, the memory of Tomokiyoshi’s distinct vocal performance remained the benchmark for the character's intensity, making the transition to Shimada’s more controlled fury a significant creative decision for the Dragon Ball franchise.
Global Reach and Localization
For English-speaking audiences, the voice of Broly is provided by different actors depending on the specific dub. In the Funimation English dub, which covers the majority of the Dragon Ball Super content and the 2018 film, the character is voiced by voice actor, Chris Rager. Rager is known for his deep, booming performances in various anime roles, and he captures the ferocity of Broly in a way that resonates with Western fans. Similarly, in the Bang Zoom! Entertainment dub for Dragon Ball Kai, the character was voiced by Kyle Hebert, who is famous for voicing Gohan in the same series, bringing a different tonal quality to the legendary brute.
