The winter anime season is drawing to a close, ushering in new spring releases. Alongside this, the second seasons of popular Crunchyroll shows like “Jujutsu Kaisen” and “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” are also concluding. In “Frieren” Season 2, the main characters continue their journey North after defeating the Demon King, confronting new dangers and strengthening their bonds.
We had the opportunity to speak with the English voice cast: Mallorie Rodak (Frieren), Jill Harris (Fern), and Jordan Dash Cruz (Stark). During our conversation, we discussed how their characters have evolved between the first and second seasons, what they’ve learned, and, of course, who their favorite characters are in “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” Season 2.
Could we start off with you each telling me a bit about your characters in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and what we have seen from them in season 2?
Jordan Dash Cruz: Jordan Dash Cruz, the voice of Stark, expressed his excitement for Season 2. He enjoyed seeing more of the everyday adventures, the dynamic between Stark and Fern, and witnessing Frieren learn to understand human emotions, noting her increased smiles.
Jill Harris: Jill Harris, the voice of Fern, discussed the development of Fern and Stark’s relationship, including their first date. She highlighted Fern’s growing self-confidence and magical competence, especially after becoming a first-class mage. Overall, the team becomes more cohesive, and the trust among the characters deepens.
Mallorie Rodak: Mallorie Rodak, the voice of Frieren, observed that her character continues to grow and become more human-like in her understanding of emotions. Frieren smiles more often, and these smiles are now connected not just to trinkets, but to people, relationships, and events. The actors also anticipate how the group will face the dangers awaiting them in the North.
You mentioned the crew and that Frieren is smiling more. And is there anything aside from that that all of your characters have learned in season one that we’re going to see come into play in season two of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End season 2?
Jill Harris: Fern has gained more self-confidence and trust in her comrades, which is evident in the enhanced teamwork seen in Season 2.
Jordan Dash Cruz: Stark has also grown more confident. In Season 1, he struggled with self-esteem, but now he has found his place in the group as a warrior and protector. He wants to prove his reliability and safeguard those dear to him, despite a past where his clan considered him useless.
Anything on your end, Mallorie?
Mallorie Rodak: Mallorie Rodak noted that she learned more about Frieren through other characters, particularly a new elf introduced in Season 2. This elf, having lived for a long time, utilizes her extended lifespan differently from Frieren, offering the actress new insights into the main character’s journey and development.
Great! Now, you can’t say your own. I’m curious about who your favourite character is in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End season 2, whether it’s a main character or a side character.
Mallorie Rodak: Mallorie immediately named Fass, a new character in Season 2, as her favorite. She described him as a tiny individual with a large bushy beard and expressed a desire for a Fass plushie.
Jill Harris: Jill supported Mallorie’s choice, praising Justin Cook’s excellent voice work for Fass.
Jordan Dash Cruz: Jordan highlighted Denken — a wise and knowledgeable character who can hold his own even without magic. He commended Ben Phillips for his outstanding portrayal of Denken.