Attack on Titan Stars Bryce Papenbrook & Trina Nishimura Reveal Secrets of the Saga's End

Attack on Titan: The Final Battle” – This concluding film is crafted for dedicated fans of the Attack on Titan series, combining Parts 3 and 4 from Season 4 to encapsulate the gripping finale. Over the last decade, this anime has captivated audiences like no other contemporary series, often leading the way in pushing animation into mainstream prominence. Although opinions may vary on the ending’s resolution, this cinematic experience offers a thrilling opportunity for longtime fans to revisit it or for new viewers to witness the climax they missed. The talented voice actors behind Eren Yeager and Mikasa Ackerman generously sat down with ComicBook (courtesy of Crunchyroll) for an engaging interview, sharing their thoughts on the series’ lasting influence.

Bryce Papenbrook lends his voice to the complex and tormented character, Eren Yeager, an Eldian protagonist who was led down a dark, bloody path by his visions using the Attack Titan ability. Trina Nishimura voices Mikasa Ackerman, a talented soldier whose composed nature is contrasted by her unwavering loyalty to Eren despite his actions being inhumane and extreme. During our conversation, the voice actors share their thoughts on concluding one of anime’s most cherished stories, hidden references throughout the series, and an added bonus for viewers who watch until the end credits.

We’ve watched Attack on Titan ever since it gained popularity in the anime community more than ten years ago. Now, as we approach the end of the series, I’m curious about your feelings about being here at this final stage. How does it feel?

Bryce Papenbrook: Incredible indeed, being part of this adventure. The term that sums up our journey as we reach the story’s conclusion is a mix of sweet and bitter feelings. It’s sad because of where the narrative takes us, it’s tough to bid farewell to the franchise, but at the same time, we’re filled with pride for the work accomplished, the memories created, and the dedication poured into narrating the story. This journey has been extraordinary, and there’s no better way to celebrate its end than by watching it unfold on the big screen.

Trina Nishimura: I’m thrilled beyond words! It’s thoughtful of you to call it a “victory lap,” but what I’m really looking forward to is catching Attack on Titan: The Last Attack in cinemas. It promises to be an unforgettable experience. I’ll be catching it right here in Texas on February 10th, although I’m disappointed that it’s only a one-day screening. I know there are many eager fans out there, and I’ve already been receiving messages saying, “It’s already sold out!” But on the bright side, I’ll be joined by Mike McFarland, an incredible voice director for the English dub, along with several other cast members from the English version, engineers, writers, and producers. Unfortunately, Bryce won’t be able to make it, but he has his own plans in the works.

Bryce: Indeed, I have two tickets – one for me and my wife. My wife has been a fan of this particular show right from the start. Usually, she’s not into anime, but she’s utterly captivated by Attack on Titan. We’ve just finished catching up with the last two episodes, and it was so gripping that she declared, “I think I’ll stop here.” I replied, “Hold on, you don’t want to see the ending? I’ve been following this for a decade! Don’t you want to witness the performances?” She responded, “No way, I’m good as is.” I countered, “What if it gets a theatrical release, can you at least agree to watch it on the big screen then?” She agreed, so here we are, eagerly anticipating her response to the story.

It’s a reasonable point you made. Many fans have felt this emotional rollercoaster while following the story, and there’s a factor of them having already seen it that might make them hesitant to re-live it, even though they want to enjoy it in a new way. Or, for your spouse, it’s a unique experience, serving as a complete conclusion to the story, as if watching it for the very first time again. Indeed, it must be intriguing to speculate about such an experience for the fans.

Definitely! Sharing the excitement of watching anime, particularly a series like “Attack on Titan,” with others allows everyone to feed off each other’s emotions and fully immerse themselves in the show, especially since the audio is theater-quality mastered. It promises to be an unforgettable experience.

For a captivating experience like Attack on Titan, nothing beats sitting down without distractions, especially phones. This production offers numerous intriguing elements, including the dramatic final scenes with the tree and an exclusive bonus scene from Attack on Titan School Castes. It’s truly remarkable to breathe life into these characters once more in such an unconventional manner.

Trina: We can’t wait for you to see the bonus scenes after the credits! We strongly recommend sticking around until the end. The storyline of Attack on Titan is intriguingly circular, with its major themes like socio-economic disparities, war, and tribalism mirroring each other. This is portrayed through the growing tree in the ending, which becomes larger as cities are built up and torn down, symbolizing humanity’s recurring cycles.

In this new city, these children are pondering over the unusual circumstances, a contrast to their reactions in the “Attack on Titan” series where they were more focused on survival. This thoughtful reflection, along with the presence of the tree in the backdrop, highlights once again the brilliant storytelling and creativity of Isayama-sensei.

When we revisit the initial scene and reflect upon it now, it’s brimming with potential for analysis. It doesn’t necessarily suggest a follow-up story, rather, it serves as a concluding remark in the series. There’s a contemplative, romantic vibe to it. However, shifting focus to the high school angle of the story, considering the manga previews, how does it feel to incorporate this introspective commentary on the entire series through this finale, using this specific movie as its central theme?

Bryce: I found it incredibly satisfying to bring that last part of the series to a close. I genuinely believed that my involvement had come to an end, finding it quite conclusive… or so I thought, laughing a little. It was truly a unique and memorable experience. Since Crunchyroll, Mike McFarland, and our studio are based in Texas, when we first started the series during Season 1, I traveled to Texas to work alongside Mike for in-person recordings. At that time, remote recording wasn’t as common as it is today.

In summary, my tasks for the series were primarily remote, but for the final session, I traveled back to Texas as I wanted to conclude the series in a manner similar to its beginning. Fortunately, the Crunchyroll marketing team was present to document those moments, both for myself and Trina. I believed that my work on the series had ended there, but then I received a request if I’d like to contribute to Attack on Titan once more. The opportunity to go back and record one more piece was incredible, and I can hardly wait for people to see it.

It’s a unique experience for the fans, given their strong bond with your characters. The post-credit scene, along with the theater lights illuminating and Armin’s doom-scrolling being so relatable, really sets the tone. How does it feel to see these cherished characters on the big screen for fans worldwide, not just in theaters but also available for streaming over a decade? This global exposure adds a whole new dimension to your work.

Trina: To be honest, it’s a bit unreal. We began Attack on Titan more than 10 years ago, and some said it would become a major series. It’s only when it’s out there that you truly understand, and it’s astonishing to see so many people eager to revisit this and engage with it. The fact that this show has impacted so many lives, including my own, is mind-blowing. I never expected that people would still be yearning to be a part of it and relive the experience, whether that’s in a cinema or alone. It’s truly remarkable.

Me: Working on a series as a voice actor is an isolated experience. I’m often tucked away in a soundproof room, pouring every ounce of emotion into the microphone, hoping my work resonates with someone out there. Meeting fans from all corners of the globe and witnessing the impact of our show on their lives has been nothing short of astounding. It’s heartening to know that this series has touched so many hearts, provided solace in difficult times, and inspired people to persevere through life’s challenges. The worldwide response I see online is like a standing ovation, a testament to the power of our work, and it’s simply incredible!

There’s a heartwarming sensation as everyone returns or makes a big deal out of it, and doing so with your spouse truly makes it extraordinary.

Let’s lighten things up a bit by discussing the humorous elements of wrapping up this adventure. The hidden joke about the deceased character, Marco, lurking in the corner, it’s just so mischievously amusing, isn’t it? *chuckles*

Bryce: The entire series of Attack on Titan is filled with hidden references known as Easter eggs, which aligns perfectly with its unique theme. What truly sets this show apart is that rewatching it can be just as captivating, if not more so, because you’re left thinking, “I didn’t realize that was there or predict that twist!” During my initial viewing, I failed to anticipate any of the plot twists, but on subsequent viewings, I began to notice details I hadn’t seen before. With each rewatch, I uncover fresh aspects, and that’s a clear indication of a masterpiece in the making.

Hey Trina, I’d like to know your thoughts on playing both the audience and the star in this production, particularly when the character you’re depicting is an enthusiastic, yet critical, anime fan. How does that make you feel?

Trina: I believe that’s an element of self-reflection. In the original story, the post-scene is considered canonical, as it appears in the manga. It’s fascinating that Isayama-sensei anticipated that viewers might question the ending and criticize it harshly, so this additional scene aligns thematically with the series, portraying what people might say and how they might feel about the conclusion.

The narrative clearly demonstrates the rationale and the necessity for this particular outcome. I didn’t pause to consider public opinion concerning the ending; instead, I was emotionally overwhelmed by it myself. This only serves as further proof of Isayama-sensei’s exceptional foresight, having anticipated the end years before most others. Bryce has admitted as much, but it feels as though he wrote the story in reverse, given its intricate construction.

What do you suppose fans might be thinking when, as Eren, you deliver your final line hinting at a shared viewing of the story with friends and suggesting a sequel – a rather intriguing statement?

Bryce: I’m wondering if what I’m thinking about is possible or not, “Might this happen, could they do this? I’m unsure if I want them to or not. Yes, it would make sense, and if it doesn’t, is it the best decision? Absolutely. It seems fitting for Attack on Titan to introduce something that leaves you questioning, generates anticipation, even if it marks the end.

Trina: Isayama has consistently surprised me throughout his storytelling. Every time I thought I knew what would happen or how things would turn out, or who might survive, I was proven wrong. The way the story is structured and the manner in which the audience is guided is all deliberate.

Did you have a favorite moment, whether it was acting it out or simply observing, that stood out to you in the scene?

Trina: To put it simply, I adore the whole series, but my most cherished moment is from Season 2’s finale, where Eren and Mikasa are in the field amidst all the chaos. Interestingly, I had recorded this scene before Bryce did, and coincidentally, we were both at a gathering in Las Vegas around that time. Since neither of us was spoiled about the show’s progression, occasionally one of us would catch a glimpse of what was coming up next and tell the other, “Next week’s episode is going to be tough.

You’ll feel an immense emotion after watching this, and all you can do is wish them good luck. Upon viewing the completed piece, and observing Bryce’s portrayal, and experiencing his acting, it was incredibly touching – not just because he’s a cherished friend, but because his performance was exceptionally skillful and stunning. Among all the anime I’ve watched, that scene is undeniably my favorite where he voiced the character.

Bryce: Thanks so much, Trina! Just like Eren is saved by Mikasa, you helped pull me out of a difficult state after leaving the studio. My co-stars, Mike McFarland, and my director were instrumental in letting me explore deep emotional depths while recording for The Last Attack. This authenticity will be evident in Eren’s final moments. Choosing favorites is tough because each part of the Attack on Titan series represents a different phase of my life, and they all vie for top spot. I can hardly wait to watch it unfold on screen, experience the story fully, and share this special moment with my wife – that’s going to be incredible!

Over the course of collaborating on this project, I’ve noticed a remarkable sense of unity and friendship among the team members. What’s the secret behind forging such a bond, and does it only apply to this production? How does this connection develop, and is it distinct from others in the world of theater or filmmaking?

Bryce: At the start of this show, it’s hard to predict who you’ll collaborate with and if there will be a connection. Luckily for me and Trina, we were matched up and developed a strong bond. When I first joined the series, I didn’t have any children, but now we share three, making Trina my kids’ Auntie Trina.

Trina: It’s the best!

Bryce: It’s been truly fortunate for us to journey around the globe, have incredible experiences with our fans, and spread those memories worldwide. Plus, it’s been wonderful to be travel companions. This isn’t a guaranteed aspect of projects like ours, but I believe it highlights McFarland’s talent in choosing the right actors for the show. It speaks volumes about his directorial skills in casting, expressing his views, and grasping the story.

Trina: This guy is incredibly gifted, and since the series is so well-liked, it’s simply fantastic that we get to journey together, not just as travel companions, but with other outstanding cast members like Jessie James Grelle. Spending time with them has been a blast! Each cast member contributes something unique to our friend group, and I could share countless stories about the various activities we’ve engaged in throughout the years. I believe one of the best aspects of the show is that we’ve formed lasting friendships, and everyone is genuinely cool because Mike selected some really cool people.

Are there any exciting projects for either of you on the horizon?

Hey there! I’m super excited to share that I can hardly wait for “Attack on Titan: The Final Attack” hitting theaters on February 10th! *chuckles* Can’t contain my excitement!

Funny you should say, we’ve got the following showtimes listed worldwide:

February 6th: Australia, New Zealand
February 10th and 13th: United States, Canada
February 12th: Finland
February 13th: Spain
February 20th: Denmark, The Netherlands
February 21st: Norway, Sweden
February 25th: Germany
February 26th: United Kingdom, Ireland
February 27th: Mexico, Chile, Peru, Brazil
March 1st: France
March 3rd: Italy

Bryce: Discussing future tasks is usually challenging. Let me put it this way: Keep an eye out for some updates arriving shortly. I’m involved in some truly remarkable projects, and I can hardly contain my excitement to reveal more details.

And I’m @brycepapenbrook – here’s a stern image of me to start, but don’t worry, I’ll keep smiling throughout!

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. You can contact J.R. directly on X.

2025-02-11 03:41

Attack on Titan Stars Bryce Papenbrook & Trina Nishimura Reveal Secrets of the Saga’s End

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