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The Shocking Truth Behind ‘Don Cangrejo’: Why Mr. Krabs’ Spanish Voice Suddenly Changed In 2023

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For millions of fans across Latin America and the world, the voice of the greedy, lovable crab Eugene H. Krabs was instantly recognizable, not as Clancy Brown’s original English, but as the iconic, gravelly, and money-obsessed tones of "Don Cangrejo." This voice, a cornerstone of the *SpongeBob SquarePants* experience for over two decades, underwent a profound and emotional change in late 2023, marking the end of a legendary era in Spanish voice acting. This article, updated for late 2025, delves into the legacy of the man who defined Don Cangrejo, the new actor taking on the massive responsibility, and the cultural impact of this major transition in the beloved animated series.

The character’s Spanish name, Don Cangrejo (literally "Mister Crab"), is as famous as his English counterpart, and the recent change in the voice cast is the freshest and most crucial piece of information for any fan searching for the latest updates on the character. The transition was necessitated by a tragic event, leading to a new voice actor stepping into the role for Season 14 and beyond, a shift that has sparked significant discussion among the *Bob Esponja* fanbase.

The Legacy of Luis Pérez Pons: The Voice of Don Cangrejo

The iconic, original Latin American Spanish voice of Mr. Krabs was provided by the celebrated Venezuelan voice actor, Luis Pérez Pons. His passing on October 24, 2023, at the age of 72, left a massive void in the dubbing industry and in the hearts of fans who grew up hearing his distinct voice deliver the famous, money-grubbing lines of the owner of the Crustáceo Cascarudo (The Krusty Krab).

Luis Pérez Pons: Biography and Key Voice Roles

Luis Pérez Pons was a giant in the world of Latin American voice acting, primarily working out of Venezuela. His career spanned decades, lending his voice to a huge number of characters, but it was his portrayal of Mr. Krabs that cemented his international fame.

  • Full Name: Luis Pérez Pons
  • Born: October 17, 1951, in Caracas, Venezuela
  • Died: October 24, 2023 (Age 72)
  • Iconic Role: Eugene H. Cangrejo ("Don Cangrejo") in *Bob Esponja* (*SpongeBob SquarePants*)
  • Other Major Roles (Voice Acting):
    • Stan Lee: The legendary comic book creator in various cameo appearances.
    • Tadeo Plotz: The second Latin American Spanish voice for the character in *Animaniacs*.
    • Mark: A character in the Latin American dub of *The Price Is Right*.
    • Numerous characters in documentaries and programs for History Channel.

Pons’ voice for Don Cangrejo was crucial to the character's success in the Spanish-speaking world. He perfectly captured the character's essence: a penny-pinching, gruff, but ultimately endearing father figure to Pearl Krabs and boss to Bob Esponja (SpongeBob) and Calamardo Tentáculos (Squidward Tentacles). His signature, exaggerated laugh and the way he delivered lines about money, like the famous "¡Dólares! ¡Dólares!," are now legendary memes. The Latin American dubbing, produced in Venezuela and later Mexico, is known for its Neutral Spanish dialect, which made Pons’ voice familiar and accessible across Mexico, Central America, and South America.

The New Voice Era: Olin Garcés Takes Over Don Cangrejo

Following the passing of Luis Pérez Pons, the producers of the Latin American dub were faced with the difficult task of finding a new voice that could honor the legacy while continuing the series. The chosen successor, a talented Mexican actor and director, is Olin Garcés.

Olin Garcés officially took over the role of Don Cangrejo starting in Season 14 of *SpongeBob SquarePants*. This change was a significant moment for the fanbase, and as with any major recast, it generated a mix of reactions, with fans quickly comparing his interpretation to the decades-long performance of Pérez Pons.

Olin Garcés: The New Voice of Don Cangrejo

Garcés is a rising star in the Mexican dubbing scene, bringing a fresh perspective and a strong resume to the role. His assumption of the part of the owner of the Crustáceo Cascarudo is one of the most high-profile recasts in recent memory for the region.

  • Full Name: Olin Garcés
  • Born: August 23, 1991 (Mexican)
  • New Iconic Role: Eugene H. Cangrejo ("Don Cangrejo") in *Bob Esponja* (Season 14–Present)
  • Other Notable Roles (Voice Acting):
    • Destructor: A character in the popular video game franchise *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare*.
    • Various roles as an actor and dubbing director in the Mexican industry.

The transition highlights a key aspect of international media: the immense pressure on voice actors to maintain consistency and respect the emotional connection fans have with a character's sound. Garcés now carries the torch for the character, whose constant rivalry with Plankton and obsession with the Krabby Patty secret formula continues to drive the plot of the animated series.

The Two Worlds of Spanish Dubbing: Latin America vs. Spain

The world of Mr. Krabs in Spanish is not a single entity; it is divided into two major language tracks: the Latin American Spanish dub and the Castilian Spanish dub (used primarily in Spain). The differences in these dubs are a constant source of discussion and a key element of the show's global reach, adding multiple layers of topical authority to the character's name.

The Latin American Standard: Neutral Spanish

The Latin American dub, which features the voices of Luis Pérez Pons and now Olin Garcés, is recorded using a Neutral Spanish accent. This style is specifically developed to be understood and accepted across the diverse Spanish-speaking nations of the Americas, from Mexico to Argentina. This is why the name Don Cangrejo is universally recognized in this region. The core voice of Mr. Krabs in the original English, Clancy Brown, established the character's gruff, nautical tone, which Pons then masterfully translated into the Latin American context.

The Castilian Spanish Dub

The Spanish dub for Spain uses a distinct Castilian accent, which features different pronunciations and local colloquialisms. While the Latin American dub has a consistent, well-known voice cast, the Castilian dub often features different voice actors and sometimes different translations for names, though Don Cangrejo is a common name used in both regions for the character, whose full name is Eugenio H. Cangrejo (Eugene H. Krabs). The primary focus of the most recent and significant news, however, remains centered on the major voice change in the widely syndicated Latin American version, which is consumed by the largest Spanish-speaking audience outside of Spain.

In conclusion, the story of Mr. Krabs in Spanish, or Don Cangrejo, is a powerful reminder of the cultural significance of voice acting. The passing of Luis Pérez Pons and the arrival of Olin Garcés mark a pivotal, recent chapter in the history of *Bob Esponja*. Fans continue to celebrate the legacy of the original voice while embracing the new era, ensuring that the Krusty Krab's owner, in all his greedy glory, remains a beloved figure for generations to come.

The Shocking Truth Behind ‘Don Cangrejo’: Why Mr. Krabs’ Spanish Voice Suddenly Changed in 2023
mr krabs in spanish
mr krabs in spanish

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