Malaysian actor Zul Ariffin is stepping into a different kind of spotlight, one that relies not on physical presence but on the power of voice.

Known for his commanding on-screen roles, Zul is now exploring voice acting as the character Archie in the upcoming movie Goat, a craft he has long admired but never fully pursued until now.

For Zul, the fascination with voice work began early. Like many, he grew up watching animated classics, but what stayed with him was not just the visuals, but the voices behind the characters. One film in particular that left a lasting impression is The Lion King.

“I grew up loving The Lion King because I was so drawn to the voice acting. My favourite character is Scar,” he shared during the premiere screening.

That early admiration eventually translated into ambition, as Zul revealed that he had always wanted to try voice acting, making it an easy decision when the opportunity finally came knocking. However, the experience was not what he initially expected.

“People have always told me that I have the voice for acting. However, when I accepted the offer, I initially thought it was a Malay movie,” he said.

Instead, Zul found himself stepping into an English dubbing scene, a challenge that pushed him well beyond his comfort zone. While he is no stranger to acting, working in a language that is not his first added a layer of complexity to the process.

“I was so nervous. I didn’t think I could do it. It is a completely new ballpark for me,” he said.

Voice acting, he quickly discovered, requires a different set of skills compared to traditional acting. Without facial expressions or body language to rely on, every emotion must be conveyed purely through tone, pacing and delivery. For Zul, this meant recalibrating how he approached performance altogether.

Despite the initial nerves, the recording process turned out to be smoother than expected, thanks in large part to the support of the production team.

“The team was incredible and told me to take it slowly. We managed to complete the voice recording in about two hours,” he said.

However, one of the biggest challenges came from having to match his performance to that of David Harbour, whose original portrayal set the tone for the character. Synchronising voice, timing and emotional beats required precision and careful attention.

“I had to tune my pronunciations and tone of voice a lot to match Harbour’s in the movie, otherwise it would look out of place,” he said.

This process, often referred to as dubbing, goes beyond simply reading lines. It involves syncing dialogue to lip movements, mirroring the rhythm of the original performance and ensuring that the voice feels natural within the scene. For a first-time voice actor, it can be an intense learning curve.

Still, Zul embraced the challenge, viewing it as an opportunity to grow and expand his craft. His willingness to step into unfamiliar territory reflects a broader shift among Malaysian actors who are increasingly exploring diverse roles across different formats and platforms.

When asked whether he hopes more local talents will be given similar opportunities, Zul did not hesitate.

“I really hope so,” he said simply.

The experience has also sparked his interest in taking on more voice roles in the future, both in local and international films, particularly ones that allow him to explore different character types. While he is often cast in strong, heroic roles on screen, voice acting offers the freedom to experiment.

“I would like to voice a villainous character, if I was given the opportunity. I think it would be a fun change,” he said.

It is a fitting aspiration, especially considering his admiration for Scar, one of animation’s most iconic villains. The complexity and charisma of such characters present a unique challenge for any actor, one that Zul seems eager to take on.

As Goat prepares for its release, Zul’s foray into voice acting marks an exciting new chapter in his career. It is a reminder that even established actors can find fresh creative avenues and that sometimes, all it takes is a voice to tell a compelling story.

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 The Sun Malaysia