Bryce Papenbrook, the English voice actor for Eren Yeager in Attack on Titan, has revealed the extreme lengths he went to in order to embody the character's emotions during a significant Season 2 scene, including dislocating his own jaw.
The pivotal moment in question occurs when Eren confronts fellow Scouting Legion members Reiner and Bertholdt, who reveal themselves to be the Titan-shifters responsible for breaching the walls and causing widespread death, including that of Eren's mother. This betrayal triggers an intense emotional response from Eren.
During a panel at Anime NYC, Papenbrook explained his process for delivering Eren's reaction, stating, "In that moment, he’s more unhinged than ever before. So I literally unhinged my jaw before that take, because I wanted that pain to come through." He further clarified to fellow panelist Cristina Vee that he physically dislocated his jaw to infuse the performance with genuine pain, mirroring Eren's devastation.
Papenbrook also shared that this level of dedication extended to earlier moments in the series. For Season 1, he intentionally bit his hand so hard during a scene that it left bruises, aiming to fully capture Eren's anguish.
Fans on social media have reacted with a mixture of shock and admiration for Papenbrook's commitment. Many praised his intense performance, with one user on X noting the dedication behind the English dub. Another commenter expressed appreciation for actors who fully immerse themselves in their roles.
Although Attack on Titan has concluded its anime run, the franchise continues with related media. Attack on Titan 3, a game that allows players to create characters and engage with the events of the final season, is slated for release on December 3, 2026.