US actor Esai Morales, best known for his roles in Ozark and Mission: Impossible, captivated audiences at Comic Con Astana 2025 not only with his star power but also with his cinematic vision.
Speaking at the event, Morales described Kazakhstan’s capital as a visually striking and culturally rich city-an ideal setting, he said, for a romantic spy thriller that blends intrigue, discovery, and cross-cultural connection, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kazakh media.
Comic Con Astana 2025 drew more than 29,000 visitors during the event’s opening. The five-day pop culture convention offers a vibrant mix of Q&A sessions with international celebrities, interactive workshops, and a highly anticipated cosplay competition.
“You can’t say that you know a city like Astana completely, or that it is known to the world. Here you find colors and shapes that we don’t see in the West; there is still much to explore here,” Morales said.
He continued, imagining the city as the perfect backdrop for a genre-blending narrative: “If I were to shoot a film here, it could be about a traveler, a stranger in a place that is foreign and strange to him. This person establishes connections with people. Perhaps it would be a spy movie, in which you still have to figure out who is who and who is related to whom. Many cultures, ideas, and people from Europe and Asia come together here. While shooting a film, it would be interesting to discover and explore this city. So, if I were to shoot here, it would be a romantic spy comedy.”
Also making a big impression on fans was Scott Adkins, best known for his portrayal of Yuri Boyka in the Undisputed series, as well as roles in John Wick 4, Doctor Strange, and Ip Man 4. Adkins greeted fans during a press conference and autograph signing, receiving an enthusiastic welcome.
Calling Astana “a beautiful city with warm people,” he added: “By the way, the food here is very tasty. And I also really liked how people welcomed me here.”
When asked about his most significant role, Adkins named Yuri Boyka, saying the character helped launch his career. “The hero who opened the door to the world of cinema” is how he described Boyka.
“I had just flown into Astana, and at the airport there was this machine where people could practice punching, and it showed the force of the punch. Around this machine were photos of Yuri Boyka. I saw it and thought, ‘My God, that’s me!’ Seriously, Boyka is not just a villain, he is also a man of honor. And I tried not just to show him as a strong fighter, but to reveal his character more fully and vividly,” he said.
Focus on Language and Culture
The convention also hosted a Kazakh-language anime dubbing masterclass, organized by the Anidybys studio in collaboration with popular blogger DickThor.
Led by Anidybys founder Dias Balabi, the session explored the distinctions between voice-over and synchronous dubbing, emphasizing the cultural importance of localizing anime for Kazakh-speaking audiences.
“We don’t just ‘dub’ anime-we create a Kazakh-language media product that is familiar and understandable to the local audience. It is important that the Kazakh language sounds modern and relevant, and anime is one such opportunity. I am glad to see so many engaged and talented young people,” Balabi said.
Organizers noted the strong turnout as evidence of rising interest in Kazakh-language content, especially among younger generations. Attendees were also given hands-on opportunities to practice voice acting and receive professional feedback.
Coming Up
Later today, the spotlight turns to Andy Serkis, the internationally renowned actor known for The Lord of the Rings, Planet of the Apes, and Andor. Serkis is expected to participate in a fan Q&A session. The day’s program also includes a screening of “The Truce,” a historical drama set in the Karlag labor camp in Kazakhstan, shedding light on a significant period in the country’s past.
