Misato Katsuragi. Mitsuishi found difficulties during recordings because Misato has difficulty talking about her true feelings. Fumihiko Tachiki is Gendo Ikari. Tachiki found it difficult to empathize with or understand the character. During the sessions he received support from the staff, being directed step by step by Anno and the sound director. The sessions for Gendo's dubbing lasted about two days. Yuriko Yamaguchi returns to the role of Ritsuko Akagi. During the feature film, Ritsuko tries to destroy the Nerv headquarters but is shot dead by her former lover Gendo Ikari. Just before shooting her, Ikari says, "Ritsuko Akagi, actually ...". The final part of the line was not dubbed, leaving it up to the viewer's interpretation to complete it. Ritsuko replies; "You're a liar"; the line required special interpretative and acting skills from Yamaguchi. At the time of dubbing the scene, Anno, noticing her emotional state, gave her a hidden clue. Yamaguchi said; "with that one incredible hint, I, and Ritsuko Akagi, were utterly defeated". The phrase in the original storyboards was supposed to be covered by the sound of an explosion. Akira Ishida plays Kaworu Nagisa. Ishida said he found the role "very difficult", and felt "a lot of pressure" during the dubbing of the film version. His emotional tension grew exponentially when he learned that there would be two feature movies, but he was satisfied with his performance. Animation and sound Unlike the television series, which was produced in 16mm format, 35mm film was used for the movie. Kazuchika Kise, a member of Production I.G and art co-director of the television series, and Takeshi Honda, the animator of the opening theme song of Neon Genesis Evangelion, were called as directors of animation and mecha design. Shunji Suzuki, Teishi Hiramatsu, and Anno were chosen as art directors for the twenty-sixth episode. Suzuki and Hiramatsu directed the scenes, while Anno coordinated the fights between the mecha. Tsurumaki was also involved in the animation and was called in at the last minute to help with the coloring process. Masayuki, assistant director of Neon Genesis Evangelion and director of Death, was co-producer of the animation, storyboards, and promotional posters. The staff instructed him to supervise the sequences in which water or waves appear, generally considered the most difficult part of animation. Makoto Kamiya was chosen as special effects director. Hisaki Furukawa and Yoh Yoshinari were appointed assistant animators, Harumi Takaboshi as