Amazon Prime Video recently pulled back its controversial experiment with generative AI dubbing for popular anime titles following widespread criticism from fans and voice actors. The service had introduced AI-generated English and Spanish dubs labeled as “AI beta” for series like Banana Fish and the film No Game No Life: Zero, but the emotionless, robotic deliveries sparked immediate outrage. This move came after Amazon’s March announcement to test AI-aided dubbing on content without prior human dubs, aiming to broaden accessibility.
Launch of the AI Dubbing Beta
In early 2025, Prime Video rolled out its AI dubbing pilot, initially targeting 12 licensed titles in English and Latin American Spanish to reach global audiences more efficiently. The technology promised to combine machine learning with human oversight for quality, focusing on shows that might otherwise remain undubbed. By late November, anime enthusiasts discovered these “AI beta” options appearing on beloved titles, including Banana Fish, Pet, Journal of the Mysterious Creatures, and Vinland Saga.
The dubs were meant to fill gaps for viewers preferring spoken audio over subtitles, especially for older anime without official English versions. However, the execution fell short, with voices lacking natural inflection, timing, and emotional depth essential to anime storytelling. Clips quickly spread across social media, highlighting scenes where intense dramatic moments sounded flatly mechanical.
Viewer Reactions and Viral Clips
Fans shared videos exposing the dubs’ flaws, such as a pivotal Banana Fish scene where protagonist Ash Lynx pleads with a wounded child in a monotone devoid of desperation, followed by confrontations delivered without rage or tension. These examples went viral, amassing thousands of views and comments decrying the result as “hilariously bad” and “disrespectful.” Spanish AI dubs faced similar scrutiny, though some remained available longer.
The backlash extended beyond quality issues to ethical concerns. Viewers argued that AI bypassed skilled voice actors capable of delivering nuanced performances, especially for emotionally charged narratives like Banana Fish, which explores trauma and complex relationships. Social platforms buzzed with demands for human dubs, emphasizing authenticity in anime adaptation.
Voice Actors Speak Out
Prominent anime voice actors amplified the criticism, voicing fears over job displacement. Daman Mills, known for roles like Frieza in Dragon Ball Super and Kaworu in Prime Video’s Evangelion rebuild films, called the practice “insulting.” He highlighted personally voicing queer-coded characters for Amazon previously, making the shift to AI particularly galling for an established title like Banana Fish.
Other performers echoed this, stressing AI’s threat to an art form reliant on human expressiveness. Fans rallied with sentiments like “so many talented voice actors, and you can’t even bother to hire a couple,” underscoring the perceived laziness. Industry figures noted that while No Game No Life: Zero had a 2017 human dub from Sentai Filmworks, Amazon opted for AI anyway, contradicting its “undubbed content only” claim.
Dubs Removed Amid Ongoing Controversy
By early December 2025, Amazon quietly removed the English AI dubs for Banana Fish, No Game No Life: Zero, Pet, and others, leaving some titles without any English audio option. Spanish versions persisted on a few, like Vinland Saga, but distributors such as Kadokawa and Aniplex distanced themselves, unaware of the AI implementation. HIDIVE confirmed investigating with Amazon, signaling broader accountability pushes.
Amazon provided no official statement on the removals or future plans, despite earlier promises of human quality control. This incident mirrors wider industry tensions, including Prime Video’s AI-generated summaries and posters, plus Crunchyroll’s subtitle mishaps blamed on vendors. It highlights challenges in balancing cost-saving tech with creative integrity.
Implications for AI in Entertainment
The swift rollback sets a precedent: audience and talent backlash can halt premature AI deployments. For anime, where voice work is integral to character appeal, human dubs remain preferred despite production hurdles. This could encourage studios to invest in official dubs for undubbed gems, boosting accessibility without compromising quality.
Moving forward, Prime Video might refine its approach with better AI models or hybrid methods, but trust erosion demands transparency. Fans hope this pressures platforms to prioritize performers, preserving anime’s emotional core. The episode underscores generative AI’s potential pitfalls when rushed into high-stakes creative fields.
