POKÉMON fans were both shocked and overjoyed this year to hear that long-time series protagonist Ash Ketchum was finally retiring.
After 25 years of tough battles, Ash Ketchum became the very best Pokémon Trainer and decided to quit while he was at the top.
While Ash’s 2023 retirement left fans elated that he finally finished his journey, this wasn’t the hopeless hopeful quit.
Back in 2006, Ash’s original voice actor Veronica Taylor, and the rest of the voice cast were left without jobs following the eight season.
The ninth season returned with a whole new cast of voice actors, and many were left wondering about all of the voices they knew and loved.
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We were lucky enough to sit down with Veronica Taylor for a cosy chat about all things Pokémon, and what happened to the iconic cast.
Taylor told us: “Pokémon USA took the show, and they didn't renew the contract with 4Kids and they said ‘We don't need any of you anymore. We’ve found replacements.’
“We had a few episodes left in the eighth season and they just let us all go. Everybody. It was horrible.
“I remember we were starting to prep for the 10th-anniversary special and that the materials had come in. We were told we'll be doing that soon, and then we were told we weren't needed anymore.”
It was expected that something like this had happened, but we never knew the reason that this decision was made, and it seems Taylor didn’t either.
She says: “With Pokémon USA, whatever their business thing is they didn't want us.
“I don't know what, I really don't know. It was their decision. And no explanation was given to us.
“But it's really sad because so many people were watching the show and then suddenly all the voices were different.”
Despite the negative experience, this has not deterred Taylor from the series, which is so close to her heart.
Taylor says: “I would never have left if they hadn't replaced us. I would have stayed till the end of time.I would definitely return if they'd have me.”
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Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.