‘Neo Yokio’ Voice Cast: A Visual Guide to Who Played Whom in New Netflix Animated Series
[Editor’s note: This post contains very minor spoilers for Season 1 of “Neo Yokio.”]
Netflix has a fascinating track record with animation, taking big chances especially with adult-aimed series like “BoJack Horseman” and “F Is for Family” over the last few years. Its latest venture, “Neo Yokio,” looks nothing like either of those series — instead, it draws its visual inspiration from decades of anime as it brings us into the futuristic world created by Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig.
What does give “Neo Yokio” something in common with its Netflix sisters is its A-list voice cast, which features an eclectic but overall critically acclaimed group of actors, including Jaden Smith as young demon hunter Kaz, who just wants to be the most eligible bachelor in town, despite the growing sense that things might not be what they seem in this society.
Who are the other famous faces behind the scenes? Below is an illustrated guide to all of Neo Yokio’s VIPs.
Kaz Kaan, played by Jaden Smith
The hero of the show begins heartbroken but still ready to take on both demons and Neo Yokio society.
Charles, played by Jude Law
Jude Law steals the show as Kaz’s snarky butler — proving that maybe, just maybe, Law’s finest work has come in robot (or pope) form.
Helena, played by Tavi Gevinson
Kaz’s ostensible love interest is actually a more political figure than one might think, and it’s intriguing that the role of a former fashion blogger is being played by… a former fashion blogger.
Arcangelo, played by Jason Schwartzman
Schwartzman is perfect casting for the voice of a member of Neo Yokio high society. After all, he saved Latin — what did you ever do?
Aunt Agatha, played by Susan Sarandon
This grand dame is always a treat to hear.
Lexy, played by The Kid Mero; and Gottlieb, played by Desus Nice
Kaz’s best friends become slightly less interchangeable later in the season after an encounter with a cursed swimming pool, but they remain a united duo (much like Mero and Desus themselves, who host a really fun talk show on Viceland).
Salesclerk/Various, played by Richard Ayoade
Playing a variety of roles, the “IT Crowd” star/”Submarine” director is always a delight.
Old Man in the Graveyard, played by Ray Wise
A small role, but the “Twin Peaks” and “Fresh Off the Boat” star does a lot with this Episode 1 appearance.
The “Helenists,” played by Kiernan Shipka, Willow Smith, and Amandla Stenberg
Helena’s loyal devotees play a larger role than expected in the course of the season, which is great news given the trio of young women who offer up their voices.
Sailor Pellegrino, played by Katy Mixon
No one better to play the Neo Yokio newcomer than Katy Mixon, who always works so well as an outsider voice.
Headmaster, played by Stephen Fry
Why wouldn’t you ask Stephen Fry to play the man in charge of a prep school?
Professor Muhly, played by Nico Muhly
Playing a relatively prominent role in Episode 3, Nico Muhly might be unknown to those outside the contemporary classical music world, but within it he’s well-known enough to have made an appearance on “Mozart in the Jungle.”
Kathy, played by Alexa Chung
Kaz’s ex-girlfriend is a sore point for the jilted young man, but Kathy shows more personality than you might expect from this sort of role (and really, no explanation needed for her slight British accent).
Kaz’s Cousin, played by Ike Barinholtz
Turns out living in the Hamptons doesn’t imbue you with automatic class, as Kaz’s rough-edged cousin proves.
Mila Malevich, played by Annet Mahendru
Hey, it’s Nina from “The Americans”! And this time, as the voice of a hard-drinking Russian race car driver, she seems to be having a lot more fun.
The Remembrancer, played by Steve Buscemi
This might be the fanciest Steve Buscemi’s ever looked, and maybe one of his more intimidating roles in recent memory, given the authority he seems to exert single-handed over the city.
“Neo Yokio” is streaming now on Netflix.
