It may come as a surprise to find out who the voice actors are in the famous Studio Ghibli animated movie, Howl’s Moving Castle.
Originally a Japanese animation created by Hayao Miyazaki in 2003 and loosely based on the novel by British author Diana Wynne Jones, this movie has now become a favorite from all around the world.
The most popular version is the English dubbed release which features an array of popular voice actors.
Wizard Howl (Christian Bale)
From American Psycho to The Dark Knight popular actor Christian Bale has starred in many international hits and Hollywood movie successes. He is well known for his talented acting in many intense roles. As it turns out, Bale is the mystery voice behind the wizard Howl. He was very impressed by Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away and vowed to play any role as a voice actor in the movie. Though he didn’t get the chance, he did fortunately land one of the lead roles in Howl’s Moving Castle and could not be happier.
Old Sophie (Jean Simmons)
In the animation, Sophie goes through a transformation after being cursed by the witch of the waste. She becomes an old woman and for most of the movie remains that way. Jean Simmons was the lucky actress to play old Sophie.
Simmons, born in 1929 was a famous actress playing roles in Hollywood from the 1950s onward and WW2 films in British cinema before that. In all, she starred in an estimated 80 plus movies. Her memorable and iconic voice landed her the role of Sophie.
Calcifer (Billy Crystal)
Actor Billy Crystal gave life to the fiery demon, Calcifer, in Howl’s Moving Castle. He was the best actor for the role as his voice carries a variety of ranges from whit, anger, and attitude to compassion and endearment. Billy Crystal is famously known for movies such as When Harry Met Sally and voiced other roles in animations such as Cars, and Monster’s Inc. The cute Ghibli creature Calcifer is such a dynamic and moody character in the loved animation that it would take an expert to depict him perfectly and Billy Crystal was the perfect match.
Witch Of The Waste (Lauren Bacall)
The character The Witch of the Waste is one that goes from being loathed to being pitied to being loved by fans. Her character goes through multiple changes and demands a skillful and impacting voice to go with her. Actress Lauren Bacall answered the call by accepting the role and giving the witch her elegant yet intimidating voice that eventually transformed into a sweet and caring voice. The American Film Institute named Bacall the 20th greatest female star of classic Hollywood cinema and she was the perfect choice to voice the Witch of the Waste.
Lettie (Jena Malone)
Movie fans might recognize her from popular movies such as The Hunger Games series, Donnie Darko, and Cheaters. Jena Malone began her career as a child actor and has ventured into other careers such as music and photography.
She is the voice actress for Lettie, Sophie’s seventeen-year-old sister who is considered the most beautiful of the sisters. Her character is excited and social yet very considerate and caring of others. Jena Malone is able to convey these attributes through gentle variation in her voice giving Lettie a memorable presence in the film.
Young Sophie (Emily Mortimer)
The beginning scenes of the animation are some of the most impactful in personalizing the audience with the main characters, Sophie and Howl. Young Sophie is being teased and harassed by two soldiers when Howl comes to her rescue. Viewers get a chance to see the true nature of Howl and how Sophie feels about him and her insecurities about herself. Emily Mortimer is the lucky voice actress who gives Sophie life and personality. Mortimer is known for her many roles in movies including Spectral, Relic, Shutter Island, and Mary Poppins Returns.
Madame Suliman (Blythe Danner)
Known for one of her famous comedy-dramas Meet The Parents, Blythe Danner is the perfect voice actress for Madame Suliman. Madame Suliman demands respect and obedience but is also very understanding and clever. Her voice instills authority but also a sense of familial warmness and Danner is a perfect match for this portrayal. Blythe Danner has greatly contributed her talents to the movie industry and is the mother of the also famous actress, Gwyneth Paltrow.
Markl (Josh Hutcherson)
Actor Josh Hutcherson plays Markl in Howl’s Moving Castle. Markl is a Howl’s young wizard apprentice and a cute little boy who takes care of Howl’s affairs while he is away. He is not fond of Sophie when she first arrives but eventually grows to like her and they both live comfortably together.
Hutcherson is best known for his major role in The Hunger Games series as Peeta Mellark along with co-stars Jennifer Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth. He played as the voice actor for Markl when he was a child actor and was also featured in other popular children’s movies including Journey to the Center of the Earth, and Bridge to Terabithia.
Honey (Mari Devon)
Honey’s real name is Fanny Hatter and she is the mother of both Lettie and Sophie Hatter. She is an elegant character with a vibrant and social personality who over-worries about Sophie and her tendency to be a loner. Although Honey is not Sophie’s biological mother, she cares for her deeply and encourages her to make good choices and experience life. Voice actress Mari Devon plays Honey as well as many more anime characters. She is known to have voiced over seventy characters in animation, anime, movies, and video games.
Prince Justin / Turnip Head (Crispin Freeman)
Fans of Howl’s Moving Castle remember that Turnip head is actually the lost prince Justin who was cursed and turned into a scarecrow. After Sophie finds him and saves him from being stuck in a bush forever, Turnip head appears many times throughout the film and eventually sacrifices himself to save Sophie and Howl. His true self is later revealed after a kiss from Sophie. Crispin Freeman has very few lines in the film but delivers a great speech at the end of the film that truly ties it all up after he vows to return to his kingdom and end the war. Freeman is known for voicing roles in Naruto, Grave of Fireflies, and Hellsing.
