Who Voices 2B? Inside the Casting of NieR’s Iconic Heroine
Why the 2B Anime Voice Actor Matters
When you first hear 2B’s cool, almost‑detached tone, you might think it’s just a clever use of effects. In reality, the 2B anime voice actor (or rather, the pair of actors who bring her to life across languages) is a huge part of why the character feels both distant and deeply human. The Japanese performance, led by Miyuki Sawashiro, and the English rendition by Kira Buckland, each add layers that shape fans’ emotional connection. Understanding who these voice actors are—and how they landed the role—offers a fresh appreciation for NieR:Automata’s storytelling.
Miyuki Sawashiro: The Japanese Voice Behind 2B
Miyuki Sawashiro is a veteran in the anime world, known for her versatility and a voice that can glide from sultry to fierce in an instant. Born in 1985 in Saitama, Japan, she entered the industry after winning a regional voice‑acting contest while still in high school. Her early gigs included minor parts in series like Gundam SEED Destiny, but her breakout came with Rozen Maiden in 2005.
By the time Square Enix began casting for NieR:Automata, Sawashiro had already built a résumé that combined strong, stoic characters (think Fate/Zero's Irisviel) with more whimsical roles (such as Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions's Rikka). This mix made her an ideal fit for 2B—a combat‑ready android whose emotional core is deliberately hidden.
During the audition process, Sawashiro was asked to deliver lines that juxtaposed calm instruction with barely restrained sadness. The casting directors noted that her delivery “kept a perfect balance between mechanical precision and a whisper of vulnerability.” That nuance is what fans hear when 2B says, “I’m sorry,” as if she’s apologizing for a program she cannot change.
Other Notable Roles
- Yukino Yukinoshita – My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU
- Rin Tōma – Fate/Zero
- Shiki Ryougi – Kara no Kyōkai
Kira Buckland: Giving 2B an English Voice
Across the Pacific, Kira Buckland has become a go‑to talent for strong female leads. An American voice actress born in 1987, she grew up in Texas, immersing herself in anime dubbing clubs before moving to Los Angeles to pursue a professional career. Her early work on series like Genshin Impact and My Hero Academia showcased a crisp, confident tone that resonated with English‑speaking audiences.
The producers of NieR:Automata’s English dub were specifically looking for someone who could convey 2B’s “cold efficiency” while hinting at the character’s hidden emotional layers. Buckland’s audition involved reading a combat scene and an intimate, introspective monologue back‑to‑back. Listeners later praised how she “kept the same measured cadence, but let a breath linger just enough to feel real.”
Beyond the game, Buckland has lent her voice to characters like Asuna in Sword Art Online: Alicization and Gwen in Final Fantasy VII Remake, proving her adaptability across genres.
Selected Credits
- Asuna – Sword Art Online: Alicization
- Gwen – Final Fantasy VII Remake
- Raven – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012)
How Casting Decisions Were Made
The decision to split the role between two actors was not unusual; most Japanese games receive separate Japanese and English casts. However, the process for 2B was unusually collaborative. Square Enix invited both Sawashiro and Buckland to listen to each other’s audition recordings. “It felt like a dialogue across continents,” Buckland later recalled in an interview, noting that hearing Sawashiro’s subtle intonations helped her shape a complementary English performance.
Both actors also worked closely with the game's director, Yoko Taro, who emphasized that 2B’s voice should never fully betray her android nature. He asked each actor to “hold back just a fraction” when expressing emotion, ensuring that the character’s humanity remained an undercurrent rather than an overt statement.
Performance Highlights That Define 2B
Fans often point to three signature moments to illustrate the voice work’s impact:
- The opening line, “YoRHa No.2 Type B,” delivered with a crisp, almost metallic enunciation that instantly signals her role as a combat unit.
- The “I’m sorry” scene in the final battle, where both actors let a barely perceptible tremor slip in, hinting at the AI’s lingering regrets.
- Quiet moments of contemplation, such as when 2B watches the ruins of a city, where the voice becomes a soft whisper, almost like a memory.
These scenes are frequently quoted on fan forums, and many attribute the emotional weight of the entire narrative to the actors’ restraint and subtlety.
Why Their Work Resonates With Fans
Voice acting can sometimes feel like an afterthought in video games, but with 2B it became a centerpiece. Both Sawashiro and Buckland bring an authenticity that mirrors the game’s themes of identity, free will, and the blurred line between machine and soul. Their performances invite players to project their own feelings onto a character who, by design, can’t fully express them.
Moreover, the actors have engaged with the community through panels, livestreams, and Q&A sessions. Fans love hearing anecdotes—like Sawashiro describing how she practiced breathing techniques to keep her voice steady during long combat lines, or Buckland sharing her favorite line: “I’m not a machine. I’m a machine that can feel.” These personal touches deepen the bond between audience and voice talent.
Looking Ahead: Future Appearances
While NieR:Automata’s story is largely self‑contained, both actors have hinted at upcoming projects that could feature 2B or similar android roles. Sawashiro is slated for a new sci‑fi series in early 2027, and Buckland has expressed interest in reprising 2B for potential animated adaptations or crossover events. Their ongoing involvement ensures that the character’s voice will stay consistent, preserving the emotional continuity fans cherish.
FAQ
Who voices 2B in the English version of NieR:Automata?
Kira Buckland provides the English voice, delivering a calm yet subtly emotive performance.
Who is the Japanese voice actress for 2B?
Miyuki Sawashiro is the talent behind the original Japanese lines, known for her precise and layered delivery.
How were the voice actors selected?
Both actors auditioned separately, then listened to each other’s recordings. The final choice emphasized restrained emotion to match the character’s android nature.
Can I hear 2B’s voice outside the game?
Yes—both actors have performed 2B in various promotional videos, soundtrack narrations, and a limited‑run anime short released in 2024.
