Witch Hat Atelier’s Joshua A. Waters and Madeleine Morris gush over the stunning animation, episode one’s hook, and more in this interview.
Crunchyroll’s Witch Hat Atelier has quickly become one of the most enchanting anime of the year. Based on the acclaimed manga by Kamome Shirahama, the fantasy series follows Coco, a young girl who dreams of becoming a witch despite living in a world where magic is believed to be reserved for a select few. When a chance encounter changes everything, Coco is thrust into a magical journey filled with wonder, mystery, and danger.
Mama’s Geeky recently had the opportunity to speak with Joshua A. Waters, the English voice of Qifrey, and Madeleine Morris, who voices Agott. During the conversation, the pair discussed seeing the anime fully animated for the first time, what makes the series so special, and the qualities they admire most about their characters.
Witch Hat Atelier English Dub Cast Interview
Mama’s Geeky: What was your reaction when you first saw the world of Witch Hat Atelier fully animated?
Joshua A. Waters: This adaptation has been incredible. I have during sessions asked for them to just roll things back because I’m like, ‘This is beautiful, I need to see it again.’
Madeleine Morris: It is one of the most stunning pieces of animation that I have ever had the privilege to lay eyes on, let alone get to be part of in some small way.
Morris went on to explain that the passion behind the production is evident in every frame, noting that everyone involved clearly loves the source material and wants to do it justice.
The pair also shared how they would introduce the series to someone who has never watched an episode before. Unsurprisingly, both pointed to the powerful opening chapter that immediately immerses viewers in Coco’s world.
Mama’s Geeky: If you could show someone one scene to convince them to watch Witch Hat Atelier, what would it be?
Joshua A. Waters: I’d show them episode one, the very beginning where Coco draws the forbidden spell and it slowly takes over her house. Episode one is truly one of the best hooks I’ve ever seen in any show.
Madeleine Morris: By the end of the first episode, we are fully seated within the world. It sets up your world while also introducing a lot of really interesting questions.
For longtime fans of the manga, one of the greatest joys of the adaptation has been seeing these beloved characters brought to life. Waters and Morris each highlighted the complexity of the roles they play.
Mama’s Geeky: What do you love most about your character?
Joshua A. Waters: I really appreciate the multi-facetedness of Qifrey. On one hand, he’s this caring, parental figure, but there’s an entirely separate part of him that he intentionally keeps locked away.
Madeleine Morris: Agott has something to prove. I admire that she has internalized that and executed it as discipline in her craft.
For even more from Joshua A. Waters and Madeleine Morris, be sure to watch Mama’s Geeky’s full interview video. It also includes conversations with the casts of Daemons of the Shadow Realm and Dr. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE, offering anime fans even more behind-the-scenes insight into some of Crunchyroll’s biggest series.
