"Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution" actors prepare for intense Yuji vs. Yuta showdown and season 3's Culling Game Arc: 'Pure excitement'

Adam McArthur, the English voice of Yuji Itadori, and Kayleigh McKee, who voices Yuta Okkotsu, shared insights on their characters' upcoming clash in Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution as it hits theaters. "This battle is pure excitement," McArthur remarked. The actors also hinted at the Culling Game battle royale from season 3, which will premiere on Crunchyroll in January.

As the compilation film and first glimpse of season 3 opened internationally, Japanese social media accounts reminded audiences of strict anti-recording regulations in cinemas. One post on Twitter/X noted: "Penalties may include up to 10 years imprisonment, or a fine of up to 10 million yen, or both."

Addressing potential fan recordings, McKee advised, "The series will be available on Crunchyroll shortly after. If you want to share clips, the quality will be better there." McArthur jokingly added, "So, dont do something illegal now, but do it later?" McKee clarified, "Short clips under 30 seconds are legal on Crunchyroll, not in theaters." Both emphasized respecting the effort behind the production.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution starts with a recap of season 2's Shibuya Incident, where civilians were trapped amidst curses and curse users. Key character deaths occurred, and Satoru Gojo was sealed in the Prison Realm. The film then previews the first two episodes of season 3's Culling Game Arc, set directly after these events, beginning with an assassination attempt on Yuji. Yuta, a Special Grade sorcerer introduced in Jujutsu Kaisen 0, is sent to confront him, setting up an intense Yuji-vs.-Yuta showdown.

"Theres nothing cooler than putting a character in a seemingly impossible situation," McArthur said. "Even though Yuji is exceptional, Yuta appears unbeatable. This fight becomes a defining moment for both characters."

McKee described the clash as, "Two determined fighters, shaped by Gojo, following different paths, colliding in a desperate showdown. Youll have to see it to understand fully."

The character dynamics are also influenced by the fact that Yuta was initially considered as the main protagonist of Gege Akutami's manga, before Yuji took the role. McKee had originally auditioned for Yuji, adding depth to her understanding of the confrontation. She explained that Yutas core motivation remains protecting friends from harm, a principle seen in the prequel.

In season 3, Yuta appears more lethal and mature. "Hes acting differently than in the prequel. Hes grown, and I had to figure out how to portray this evolution," McKee explained. Meanwhile, McArthur described Yuji as "weathered" and "scarred" from the events of the Shibuya Incident, carrying guilt over lost friends.

The upcoming Culling Game sets the stage for a high-stakes battle royale. Jujutsu sorcerers from ten colonies will face off in one-on-one combat orchestrated by the villain Kenjaku to force human and jujutsu evolution. "I just want to enjoy the ride," McKee said. McArthur added that season 3 promises even more excitement, introducing new characters and expanding the stakes for jujutsu sorcerers.

With Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution in theaters now and season 3 coming to Crunchyroll on January 8, fans have plenty to anticipate.

Author: Sophia Brooks