While heartfelt reactions have been plentiful, the Attack on Titan anime finale was perhaps even more emotional for its voice actors than for its adoring fan base.
Japanese state broadcaster NHK conducted a behind-the-scenes series, documenting the Attack on Titan voice actors as they carried out their roles for the final time. In a video from Nov. 7, 2023, Mikasa's voice actor Yui Ishikawa delivers her parting words to Eren's character as she kills him, fulfilling Ymir's wish and saving the world. Moments after she delivered the line -- "Itterasshai, Eren," translating to "See you again, Eren" -- Ishikawa breaks down in tears. Eren's voice actor Yuki Kaji and Armin's VA Marina Inoue, also crying, rush to comfort her. All three are given flowers, marking the special occasion and their monumental efforts.
Fans also marked the ending to Attack on Titan in their way, with a video re-posted of some audiences in China coming together to hold a funeral for Eren. These included emotional speeches and the lighting of incense at an altar. The finale brings an end to the series that first began in April 2013. Attack on Titan spanned 10 years, 90 episodes and two specials. The series was directed by WIT Studio for Seasons 1-3 and MAPPA for Season 4 onward.
The Attack on Titan anime could return at some point in the future. The ending showcases the cyclical nature of war, ever-present in the series with the conflict between the Marleyans and Eldians. Furthermore, one of the final scenes depicts a boy walking into a cave where the Titan Hallucigenia resides, possibly kickstarting the Titan ordeal once more. Given this, Isayama appears to be leaving the doors open for a possible comeback. While voice actors Ishikawa, Kaji and Inoue may not return, Ishikawa is set to star as Elise in Doctor Elise, while Kaji appears as Soujiro the Willow-Sword in Ishura. Both anime will premiere in 2024.
Crunchyroll streams all seasons of Attack on Titan, including Attack on Titan: The Final Chapters Special 2. It describes the series as follows: "Known in Japan as Shingeki no Kyojin, many years ago, the last remnants of humanity were forced to retreat behind the towering walls of a fortified city to escape the massive, man-eating Titans that roamed the land outside their fortress. Only the heroic members of the Scouting Legion dared to stray beyond the safety of the walls – but even those brave warriors seldom returned alive. Those within the city clung to the illusion of a peaceful existence until the day that dream was shattered, and their slim chance at survival was reduced to one horrifying choice: kill – or be devoured!"
Source: NHK Camera official X (formerly Twitter)
