Persona 5 Star Erica Lindbeck Reflects on Persona 5’s Lasting Impact

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Most projects don’t define an artist’s career for an entire decade, but Erica Lindbeck‘s work on Persona 5 continues to be incredibly impactful. In a recent conversation with Naomi Kyle on TopMob’s Character Select podcast, Lindbeck reflected on how playing the character Futaba Sakura significantly altered her career path. She revealed something surprising – despite the game being released almost ten years ago, she didn’t have to audition for the role.

The “Asahi” Connection

Most actors work hard, constantly going to auditions throughout their careers. However, Cassandra Lindbeck joined the cast of Persona 5 differently. She had recently voiced the character Asahi in Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse, and the game’s creators were impressed with her work, leading them to cast her as a Phantom Thief.

Lindbeck explained in the interview that she didn’t have to audition for the role. She’d previously worked on Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse, and someone from that team suggested her for the part of Futaba, saying they could already hear her voice fitting the character.

I remember reading that when Lindbeck first got the role, she really struggled with feeling like she wasn’t good enough! Even though she’s incredibly talented, she was worried she couldn’t quite capture the wild, chaotic energy the character needed – she totally felt like an impostor at first.

When I first started working on Persona 5, I was around 23 or 24 years old and felt completely out of my depth. I honestly didn’t think I deserved to be there. I was shocked when I got the part, and my first thought was, ‘I don’t sound like the type of person who would be a hacker!’

A Decade of Staying Power

Initial doubts disappeared quickly as the game became incredibly popular worldwide. Lindbeck pointed out that the franchise offered unusual job security, and its world continued to grow with spin-off titles and an expanded Royal edition.

Thinking about how far the game has come, Lindbeck went to a Persona concert the night before our interview. It really highlighted just how passionate fans still are about it.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years, it felt like no time at all,” she said, still energized from the event. “Seeing all the fans, especially the Persona fans, was incredible. That game really boosted my confidence and was a huge turning point for my career – it really put me on the map.”

Standing on Shoulders

For Lindbeck, Futaba’s impact goes beyond just popular jokes and products. It’s about the people who supported her early on and believed in her potential, ultimately helping her achieve success. She often said she wouldn’t be where she is today without those early supporters.

Looking back, I realize my success isn’t just about me. It’s because of the people who saw potential in me when I didn’t see it in myself – I really owe everything to them. They lifted me up, and I’m standing where I am today because of their belief.

With the tenth anniversary of Persona 5 coming up in September, it’s obvious that the game’s fans and creators are still very connected. Voice actress Lindbeck especially feels a strong connection, as playing Futaba wasn’t just a job—it was the role that solidified her confidence and sense of belonging.

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2026-01-30 23:36