It’s not every day you get to talk to the voice actors behind a show that’s trying to cast a spell on audiences, but that’s exactly what I did with Cristina Vee and Yussef Benelbar, the English co-stars of Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia. This series is like a breath of fresh air in a sea of generic anime, weaving together a complex tapestry of cultures and beliefs that’s as volatile as a gamer’s temper when their internet connection drops. With its unique blend of history, magic, and adventure, Jaadugar is quickly becoming one of the most unique anime experiences of 2026, and I’m not just saying that because I’ve been playing too much Assassin’s Creed and have a thing for historical dramas.
A Conversation with the Co-Stars
As I sat down with Cristina Vee, the voice of Sitara, and Yussef Benelbar, the voice of Muhammad, I was eager to dive into the world of Jaadugar and explore the process of bringing this complex series to life. With fewer than a dozen episodes out, the English dub is still in its early stages, but it’s already clear that this show is something special. Cristina Vee shared her thoughts on playing Sitara, a young slave girl who’s forced to navigate the treacherous world of 13th-century Persia. “I love that we get to see her internals with the narration, but also her inside thoughts,” she said. “And you’ll even see, like, her inside voice is a lot deeper and more calm. So it’s been really fun to play that kind of duality that’s always seeping there underneath the surface.”
Grounded in Realism
One of the things that sets Jaadugar apart from other anime shows is its grounded approach to storytelling. The series is deeply rooted in historical fact, and the attention to detail is impressive. Yussef Benelbar, who plays Muhammad, noted that this approach changed the way he approached his character. “It’s a historical drama piece, right? Set in 13th-century Persia,” he said. “So, you know, as Cristina said, it’s sometimes hard to find, like, the really zany, very comedic moments in those series.” Despite the challenges, the cast has risen to the occasion, bringing a sense of depth and nuance to their characters that’s all too rare in modern anime.
A Unique Historical Backdrop
Jaadugar’s unique historical backdrop is one of its strongest selling points, offering a fresh perspective on a period of history that’s often overlooked. The show’s blend of magic and realism is captivating, and the characters are multidimensional and complex. Cristina Vee noted that she loved the stylized ways that the show brings the 13th century to life, and Yussef Benelbar appreciated the opportunity to inject his own essence into the character of Muhammad. “I had so much fun injecting my essence into the character,” he said. “Like towards the end of the first episode, Muhammad says, Salaam alaikum, which is like peace be upon you. And that meant the world to me growing up as an Arab person.”
Closing Remarks
As our conversation drew to a close, I asked Cristina Vee and Yussef Benelbar if they had any final thoughts on their time with the Jaadugar dub. Cristina Vee said she was excited to see what happens next, having only recorded up to episode eight, while Yussef Benelbar praised the show’s ability to build connections with its characters. “You really grow to build a connection with Sitara and Shira and all the other characters that are introduced throughout the plot,” he said. “And I think it’s a real treat for the fans, you know, to see how that all kind of culminates.” With its unique blend of history, magic, and adventure, Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia is a show that’s sure to cast a spell on audiences, and I’m excited to see where it goes from here. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go yell at some kids to get off my lawn – or rather, go play some historical dramas and pretend I’m a sophisticated gamer with refined tastes.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte, widely regarded as the “Shakespeare of Sh*tposts,” is a video game expert with a unique knack for turning pixels into punchlines.
Born in the small town of Respawn, Pennsylvania, Pixel grew up mashing buttons on an ancient NES controller, firmly believing that “blowing into the cartridge” was a sacred ritual passed down through generations.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte: proving that life, much like a buggy open-world game, is better with a little lag-induced chaos.
