Paris Manga 2024 - A voice in the kitchen - itw Lana Parrilla

Villepinte, Parc des Expositions, October 6 2024

At the Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show 2024, held on October 5th and 6th at the Parc des Expositions in Villepinte, a unique event took place as part of the special program Une Voix en Cuisine (A Voice in the Kitchen), hosted by renowned French voice actress Nathalie Homs. Known for lending her voice to countless beloved characters in films, series, and animations, Homs took center stage with a fascinating blend of her two passions—cooking and voice acting. In this unique concept, she prepares recipes live, all while engaging with special guest stars in a theatrical and culinary performance.

For this exclusive edition at Paris Manga, Lana Parrilla, the acclaimed American actress best known for portraying Regina Mills/The Evil Queen in the hit TV series Once Upon a Time, joined Nathalie for an unprecedented collaboration. Together, they created a memorable fusion of culinary art and pop culture, much to the delight of the attendees.

The event became an extraordinary moment, combining the talents of these two powerhouse women. Nathalie Homs, celebrated for her work in dubbing iconic characters, including Lana Parrilla’s Regina Mills in the French version of Once Upon a Time, added a unique touch to this performance. The dynamic between the two was exceptional, creating a moment where two distinct yet complementary worlds—voice acting and cooking—came together harmoniously on stage.

In Une Voix en Cuisine, Nathalie doesn’t just cook; she brings her voice acting skills to life, adding a special flair to the dishes being prepared, while also sharing behind-the-scenes stories from her career. During this session, Lana Parrilla brought her own energy to the mix, sharing her experiences working on Once Upon a Time, the intricacies of playing such a complex and beloved character, and the challenges of bringing her performance to life across different languages.

For attendees, this live session offered much more than cooking tips. It provided an inside look into the world of voice acting, as well as the unique challenges of adapting shows for international audiences. Nathalie Homs shared anecdotes from her extensive career, particularly her time working on the French dubbing for Once Upon a Time. The bond between Homs and Parrilla added an extra layer of depth, as the two reflected on how their respective crafts—acting and dubbing—intersected through the shared character of Regina Mills.

This collaboration created a highly engaging and interactive experience, with a strong emphasis on audience participation. Fans of both culinary arts and pop culture could not only witness the live preparation of mouth-watering dishes but also dive deep into the fascinating world of voice acting. The session had a fun and informal vibe, with plenty of laughs, insights, and surprises along the way.

Une Voix en Cuisine has quickly established itself as a highlight at conventions like Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show. With its innovative format, the show invites personalities from the pop culture world to share their experiences while cooking live with Nathalie Homs. Whether it’s through a cosplay-themed meal or exploring the tastes of Asian cuisine during an anime event, this concept makes the experience immersive and accessible for fans. It brings together the love for food with the passion for fandom, creating something truly memorable.

This special edition with Lana Parrilla added an extra layer of excitement to the already packed Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show 2024. This year’s event drew in over 150,000 visitors, offering a vast range of activities such as cosplay competitions, martial arts demonstrations, and exclusive workshops. International stars like Andy Serkis, famed for his portrayal of Gollum in The Lord of the Rings, and Christopher Judge, known for his roles as Kratos in God of War and Teal’c in Stargate SG-1, also made appearances, giving fans an unforgettable experience.

Meanwhile, the cosplay village, drawing and animation workshops, and a host of exhibitions offered fans of all ages a chance to explore their creative sides. The bustling exhibition halls were filled with vendors and publishers showcasing the latest in geek culture—from rare manga and comics to action figures and exclusive merchandise.

As the Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show wrapped up, it stood as a celebration of the best in pop culture, and Une Voix en Cuisine with Lana Parrilla and Nathalie Homs undoubtedly became one of the standout moments of the event. This fusion of food and fandom brought together two creative worlds in a way that few have seen before, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it. Whether fans were there for the cooking or the stars, it was a unique and unforgettable experience that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show