Kimura Takahiro (character designer) interview, Shalio’s VA interview, etc
Kimura Takahiro interview
- The new characters among main cast (Zilkhstan) are designed by Kimura based on CLAMP’s proposal. Bitul’s cat-like body posture is the result of discussion with Taniguchi, so that the character can leave an impression within short duration. For that reason each character has a characteristic that’s easy to associate/identify.
- Because Shalio chooses to have a disabled body on his own, so Kimura is mindful not to make him appear pitiful.
- C.C.’s pilot suit is designed so her and Lelouch lining up together would look like a picture. Additionally her old white pilot suit was also designed to match Zero’s. The piloting scenes aren’t that many, so Kimura wants the suit to at least show as much skin to the heart content.
- Kallen and Suzaku’s new pilot suits are a set.
- The party scene at the beginning is a chance to make the characters wear things they aren’t used to wear. Kallen is wearing idol clothing.
- Designing all characters took about half a year. Important point for old characters are they should be easy to recognize by long time viewers.
Murase Ayumu (Shalio VA) interview
I’ll just translate the part where he talks about characters.
How did you perceive Shalio?
Murase: Shalio goes as far as remodeling his own body to harmonize with KMF, he’s someone with a strong conviction. For that reason he can give up almost anything, it can be said that his state of mind is precarious. It’s because the country is in that bad of a state that he has that much sense of calling. His enthusiasm, to say whether it’s good or bad, the scale is not very refined. I think he’s an absurdly prideful person.
How about his relationship with the older sister, Shamna?
Murase: Shalio loves Shamna very dearly. He respects her, for him she’s his everything. But Shalio is not a child anymore, he also has obligation to carry the country on his shoulder. The expression of those feelings, combine with the euphoria during battle, can be quite scary.
Shalio shows an obsession towards Suzaku to a scary level.
Murase: You wouldn’t know how strong you are unless you cross with someone else. For Shalio, Suzaku is the epitome of strength, a living legend. I think Shalio is obsessed with Suzaku because he wants to know how strong Suzaku is and how far he can fight with him. Shalio can only ‘reveal’ himself in a battle, so his heart rate rises as he fights against Suzaku. He enjoys taunting Suzaku and watching his responses. I’ve plenty of chances to play villain roles in the last few years, so I can really understand Shalio’s feelings (laugh). In that sense it feels like Shalio said his lines with all his heart.
Motif of human relationships
C.C. (Destiny and Lingering Attachment)
Lelouch who died in Zero Requiem. His body was able to be restored, but his core was left behind. Someone who C.C. signed a contract with and gave Geass to... but to her he’s not just that. Haughty, confident, won’t give up in any situation. C.C.’s journey to regain such Lelouch was a lonely one.
Kururugi Suzaku (Responsibility and Succession)
Together with Lelouch, they planned and executed Zero Requiem. He wielded his sword and killed his best friend since childhood days with his own hands. That fact has been piercing his heart in every second. He erased his name and existence, determined to fulfill his responsibility by becoming Zero. Now that Lelouch has revived, he once again entrust the role of Zero to Lelouch.
Nunnally (Wish and Hope)
Far from not noticing her big brother’s true intention, she hated him, and only realized the truth after he died. Learning that what he wanted to achieve was a future for his younger sister—her—deepens her despair. At the very least, to bring the world to a better direction... Her humanitarian activities are also an act of atonement that contains prayer.
Cornelia (Blood Relation and Tenacity)
Hateful Lelouch who killed and disgraced her beloved sister Euphemia. If she could confront him again, she was sure to kill him. However, if she’s asked for help to rescue Nunnally, she will give her cooperation without hesitation. She hates him because he killed her younger sister, she lends him a hand because she wants to save her stepsister. Consistently, the happiness of the people who are important to her is her top priority.
Black Knights (Starting Point and Regret)
Shinjuku incident, Battle of Narita, Todo’s rescue operation... Zero never failed to create miracles. However, Zero’s true identity and actions caused their doubt towards him to gradually increase, and finally they parted ways. The regret of not believing in him, became a thorn in their heart even till this day. Seeing the resurrected Lelouch with their own eyes, they decided that this time for sure they will believe and follow Zero.
Ashford Academy (Peace and Memories)
Each of Ashford Academy student council members walks on their own path. Milly works as an announcer for news press, Rivalz is doing news coverage alongside her, and Shirley spends her days as Britannia college student. For Lelouch, school days were rowdy, comfortable, precious and peaceful.
