# **Celebrating the Talents Behind *Attack on Titan*: A Retrospective with Bryce Papenbrook and Trina Nishimura**

Regardless of whether you’re a hardcore otaku or simply an occasional anime viewer, the strength of a remarkable anime series is significantly influenced by the actors lending their voices to its characters. Series such as *Naruto*, *One Piece*, and *My Hero Academia* owe a great deal of their popularity to their exceptional voice talent. With the arrival of the compilation film *Attack on Titan: The Last Attack*, it’s an excellent moment to pay tribute to the voices that *Attack on Titan* enthusiasts have cherished over the last ten years.

Bryce Papenbrook and Trina Nishimura serve as the English dub voices that bring to life some of the most prominent characters in anime lore. Papenbrook lends his voice to Eren Jaeger, while Nishimura portrays Mikasa Ackerman, both of whom are central figures in *Attack on Titan*. This film presents the last two episodes (*The Final Chapters*) of the widely acclaimed anime series, uniting them for an exceptional theatrical presentation that fulfills Director Yuichiro Hayashi’s vision.

CGMagazine had the privilege of chatting with Papenbrook and Nishimura, reflecting on their experiences with *Attack on Titan*. They revealed their dedication to their roles, their teamwork with director Mike McFarland at Funimation, and how the series has influenced them, both personally and professionally. As the conclusion approaches, fans are looking forward to witnessing this monumental finale on the big screen from February 10-13.

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## **The Origin of the *Attack on Titan* Adventure**
The *Attack on Titan* anime features an incredible cast, with the narrative revolving around the legendary trio of Eren, Mikasa, and Armin. But what led Papenbrook and Nishimura to secure their roles?

### **Bryce Papenbrook: A Dream Role Realized**
Before auditioning, Papenbrook was already an admirer of the show. He believed he had the best potential to voice Armin due to his experience with higher-pitched characters but was equally excited to try out for Eren and Levi.

“*Attack on Titan* was actually my first audition for what was then Funimation, now Crunchyroll,” Papenbrook recollected. “I was thankful that Mike McFarland, the director, extended opportunities to many diverse individuals in various markets across the nation.”

His commitment to capturing the essence of the characters yielded impressive results. “*I was almost unable to speak afterward,*” he noted, stressing the amount of dedication he poured into his audition. Ultimately, McFarland recognized something extraordinary in his performance, leading to what we now know today.

### **Trina Nishimura: A Transformative Role**
For Nishimura, the audition experience unfolded a bit differently. At that time, auditions were done face-to-face, and she had previously collaborated with McFarland on other projects.

“*I had caught a glimpse of the first episode, and I thought, ‘No more, I need to give it some time. I don’t want to spoil anything, as I’m unsure of what lies ahead,’*” she disclosed.

Initially, she auditioned for Armin and Sasha before McFarland invited her to read for Mikasa. “*I was extraordinarily lucky to be cast as her. The narrative, the cast, and the decade I’ve lived through have profoundly altered my life.*”

Interestingly, Nishimura and Papenbrook didn’t actually meet until after season one recording concluded. “*We didn’t actually know one another while recording all of season one; in fact, we were continents apart before becoming friends at an event,*” she shared. Over the years, their camaraderie blossomed alongside the development of their characters.

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## **Character Development and Growth**
Both actors have engaged with their characters for over ten years, observing their evolution throughout the series.

### **Bryce Papenbrook: The Depth of Eren Jaeger**
Papenbrook characterized *Attack on Titan* as a unique endeavor that enabled him to elevate his voice acting to unprecedented levels. “*I managed to infuse Eren with an intensity that’s quite rare for voice actors,*” he shared.

To authentically portray Eren’s tumultuous emotions, he even mirrored his character’s physical actions. “*When Eren bites his hand, I reciprocated and bit my hand so fiercely that I left bruises,*” he acknowledged. “*In season two, Eren’s behavior becomes increasingly unhinged, prompting me to literally unhinge my jaw in the booth in an effort to convey the pain.*”

Playing Eren has been a transformative journey over the years. “*I’ve had the opportunity to portray him in distinctly different stages—from young Eren to brooding teenage Eren to a significantly older Eren in season four. It’s the most exhilarating experience as an actor to take this journey with him.*”

### **Trina Nishimura: The