In 2003, the anime world was introduced to a series that would go on to become a beloved classic: Fullmetal Alchemist. Based on the manga by Hiromu Arakawa, the anime adaptation was produced by Bones and directed by Seiji Mizushima. The series follows the journey of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, as they search for the Philosopher's Stone to restore their bodies after a failed attempt to bring their mother back to life through alchemy. The series' success was not limited to its Japanese audience, as it quickly gained a global following, including in the English-speaking world, thanks in part to its talented English voice cast.
Envy is a monster in every timeline, but the 2003 version has a specific teenage petulance. Aaron Roberts plays Envy with a high-pitched, whining cruelty—like a spoiled child who burns ants with a magnifying glass. His shrieking "You think you’re BETTER than me?!" lines are terrifying because they sound so immature and yet so deadly. It is a vastly different take than the deep-voiced Envy of Brotherhood , but it perfectly fits the 2003 narrative that Envy is Edward’s jealous half-brother. fullmetal alchemist 2003 english cast
The "Strong Arm Alchemist" is a walking paradox: a hulking muscle man who cries at the drop of a hat and sparkles. Chris Sabat (known for Vegeta and Zoro) played this completely straight. He didn't parody Armstrong; he embodied the man’s sincere love for art and family. Sabat’s booming "This technique has been passed down the Armstrong line for GENERATIONS!" is a line reading so perfect it transcended the show and became anime meme royalty. In the darker 2003 narrative, Sabat provided much needed warmth. In 2003, the anime world was introduced to
Before she became the go-to for Erza Scarlet (Fairy Tail) or Luffy (One Piece), Colleen Clinkenbeard defined the "no-nonsense soldier" trope as Riza Hawkeye. In the 2003 version, Riza is slightly more maternal and worried than her Brotherhood counterpart. Clinkenbeard’s performance balances a razor-sharp military bark with a quiet, devastating care for Roy Mustang. Her monotone delivery of "Sir, you are a fool" is legendary. The series' success was not limited to its
While Scar appears in Brotherhood , his arc in 2003 is drastically different and arguably more tragic. Dameon Clarke (Cell from DBZ) utilized a low, guttural growl that sounded like gravel and grief mixed together. He made Scar terrifying—a serial killer of State Alchemists—but also heartbreakingly pious. The 2003 dub keeps Scar’s Ishbalan accent subtle, but Clarke’s cadence makes you feel the weight of a dead culture on his shoulders.
| Character | English Voice Actor | Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Vic Mignogna | The fiery, prodigious alchemist. Mignogna’s performance captures Ed’s temper, intelligence, and deep-seated vulnerability. This role became his career-defining performance. | | Alphonse Elric | Aaron Dismuke | The gentle soul trapped in a suit of armor. Dismuke was only 12 years old during recording, giving Al an authentic adolescent tone. He later voiced young Hohenheim in Brotherhood . |
Here is the trivia gem: Aaron Dismuke was only 12 years old when he recorded the voice for the giant suit of armor, Alphonse. Because Al is a disembodied soul trapped in metal, Dismuke had to convey innocence without a face. His soft, gentle tenor provided the emotional anchor for Ed’s chaos. The tragedy of the 2003 series—specifically Al’s growing doubt about whether he is real or a construct—was sold entirely by Dismuke’s trembling vulnerability. In a masterstroke of casting, when Al’s body is finally seen in the mirror? The voice matches the innocence of the child trapped inside.