Attack on Titan Live Action Cast and Crews Comments
I translated the cast and crews comments in the official site: http://www.shingeki-seyo.com/news.html
This was published on July 2014, when they were still filming. I added my own comments below some of the comments.
Miura Haruma as EREN
It's such an honor for me to be able to take part in such a big project "Attack on Titan" Live-Action, but I also feel pressure. All the crews including the director, Higuchi, are very passionate on the set and that has encouraged me. The cast also convey many ideas to each other, so I'm really grateful everyday. While respecting the wonderful manga, I'm using every energy I have, to portray the role and I will work hard for the rest of the filming.
Hasegawa Hiroki as SHIKISHIMA
I have heard rumors before, that the worldwide popular manga, "Attack on Titan" will be made into a live action. I have never thought that I'll star the movie myself. I can't say much about my role yet, but my role is, the strongest man, I kept wondering how could I get offered this role? But I'm playing the role with everything I have now. Please look forward to it.
yanie: It sounds to me, that he heard about the news in 2011 and then he was offered the role in 2013. Afterall, in 2011, he was still a nobody, until Kaseifu no Mita became a big hit. Haha, he's wondering why he was chosen as the strongest man role. I agree he's skinny so his appearance doesn't look right... but then again Levi is small? I still can't imagine him as The Strongest Man in AoT too, cos my image of him as the unemployed-good-for-nothing-man in DATE is still so strong in my head, lol. But I think he was chosen for his acting skill (he won many awards in 2012) and also he has not have much leading roles so far, so his pay should be relatively affordable if the production team is reducing actor's cost XD
Mizuhara Kiko as MIKASA
When I heard that I'm gonna star the movie, I felt so happy but also worried since this is the first time I do action. However, my co-stars and the crews are wonderful people. I'm having fun filming the scenes everyday. It has so many action scenes so it's such a hard filming, but I get to form a bond with the cast, director and the crews, that way. We're really working hard together to make this a good movie. The director gives detailed instruction for every scene. It's such a tough filming, but he made everyone feel relax. I'm giving my all might playing the role inside the giant set.
Hongo Kanata as ARMIN
"Attack on Titan" is my favorite manga so I'm very happy I can take part in the live action. We are filming inside the made-up town's street and wearing tailor-made clothes, it's such a wonderful world. The script is well-written and well-polished and the shots are amazing. I want to play my role honestly and be frightened with all might. I'm sure the movie will be a great one. I'm gonna work hard giving all my heart to it. Please look forward to the movie!
Miura Takahiro as JEAN
I read the manga before so when I know I get to star the live action, I was surprised. I never thought I could appear in the movie. It is such an honor. The movie is using a lot of special effects so there were things I'm not used to, but I'm doing my best in the filming to make this movie loved by everyone.
Sakuraba Nanami as SASHA
I'm very happy I get to star "Attack on Titan."
This is my first time to do action and since it has many action scenes, I feel nervous and I'm having fun at the same, everyday. I had action training together with the other cast before the filming started, so I hope we can show you intensed battles in the movie. Filming at the Battleship Island (Hashima Island) left me a deep impression. The whole atmosphere of the island suits the story's world. Just by standing there, I felt like I'm inside that world and I got immersed into my role immediately. The manga is such a popular one, so I'm working hard so that it can be a movie that satisfies everyone. Please look forward to it.
yanie: Oh, interesting! Filming in Battleship Island, I googled this island and from the looks of it, it's definitely for the 104th Trainee Squad's training scenes but this kinda give me hope, there will be a Female Titan battle? *v* Nah... let's keep my expectation low XD I'm glad to know the cast had action training together before the filming. I hope it'll be included in the making!
Ishihara Satomi as HANJI
Ever since I got the offer, I read the manga and watched the anime. I got addicted to it and I really want to know what's gonna happen next!
I have to play a difficult role in this movie. It's a big challenge for me. I almost crushed by the pressure I felt. But there's nothing happier than getting the opportunity to play such a charming character.
The 3D maneuver gear is very heavy and it takes away my energy but everytime I remind myself objectively that I'm filming "Attack on Titan," I feel motivated. I will cheer myself up and fight till the end!
yanie: I'm so glad she said it's a difficult role. If she didn't mention anything about it being difficult, then Hanji's role in the live action might be different. But since she mentioned it's difficult, I guess we will get to see Hanji's crazy and scary faces too, in the movie! I hope so! I'll be soooo disappointed if Ishihara portray Hanji as a simply cheerful and funny character only, cos Hanji has to be crazy scary too! XD
She mentioned 3D maneuver gear being heavy reminds me of my search of a theory whether or not the gear would make sense in real life... I always thought, the gear's existence is so weird, not only it'll be very heavy to carry around, how it work also doesn't make much sense although the characters who use it looks cool. Haha, and after I searched around, yappari other fans has the same opinion. 3D maneuver gear doesn't make any sense for reality XD But, of course, this is a fantasy world, anything makes sense. 3DMG is an inseparable element for Attack on Titan, I guess, so the director decided to make the 3DMG appear in the movie too, despite the burden the actor has to carry^^; Imagine the amount of wires used in this movie, ha.
Matsuo Satoru as SANNAGI
I have never fought a titan before in my whole life, but I have come to understand that fighting a titan is quite terrible. It's really a tough filming. To be honest, I feel like giving up a few times, but then when I think that titans would suddenly appear and that my family and friends are in danger, I get motivated and I don't mind my fat body get full of cuts and bruises.
yanie: LOL, his comment is so funny! He's also playing Hasegawa Hiroki's best friend in DATE drama.
Pierre Taki as SOUDA
When my manager told me "Taki-san, you got a role offer for 'Attack on Titan' live action", I thought "Really? My role must be a titan, huh?" but my role is, unexpectedly, not a titan.
The story develops somewhat differently than the manga, but I'm sure everyone will enjoy it in a different way too. The director, Higuchi, loves giant stuff, so his obsession in expressing the titan's terror is amazing. All the cast got beaten up by the tough filming, but we're working hard together. Let's meet at the theater!
yanie: Pierre Taki is the voice actor of Olaf in FROZEN's japanese dubbed, haha. He's a good singer. It's so funny, he thought his role is a titan lol. Sou ka... yappari ka... the story development different than the manga T_T Well, it can't be helped... but so far, the other details follows the manga closely. I hope the story deviation won't disappoint. But... no matter what... Battle of Trost arc and Female Titan arc are very important to the story... I wonder how will they change or shorten those?
Kunimura Jun as KUBAL
It's been a long time since I work together with Higuchi, but it's the same excitement as always and I got overwhelmed by the increasing accurancy like always too. It's really hard to keep up with the "Attacking Higuchi Team" (laugh)
What's the message of this movie? Maybe it is nice to, sometimes, think about "human" while being immersed into the dark fantasy world. I'm filming while thinking of that, too.
yanie: Niiiice.... at least, with this comment, I'm sure the "real enemy" in the movie is gonna be the same with the manga too. Don't you think? There was one worry I had about the live action... that they'll make the titan's true nature as aliens. If that happens, that's just gonna be the worst XD But seems like I don't have to worry about that.
Director, Higuchi Shinji
There's isn't any more perfect casting than this. The filming is severely tough for the actors, they're mentally and physically pressured, just like the manga characters. They have to face their limit in fighting against the titans and walls in front of them with their teamwork while comforting each other. Both the crews and cast are at their limit, but our love for the manga has helped us to keep going until next year!
Manga Author, Isayama Hajime
I had discussions together with Higuchi-san, Machiyama-san, Watanabe-san a few times and took a part in the script writing. I visited the filming set the other day and I witnessed the crews and cast's passion. It made me look forward to the movie even more. I hope everyone will go and see the movie too.
yanie: Although the participation of the manga author makes me calm (and probably also many other fans) but I will keep my expectation as where it is now. I mean, look how George Lucas made Star Wars prequel trilogy a disaster, lol.
Producer, Sato Yoshihiro
Whether or not the actors' appearances resembles the manga character, wasn't included as our consideration. We talked to Isayama-sensei several times, and the casting was done based on the consideration whether or not the actor can embody spirit of the manga character. The actors had several discussions with the director about their characters before they finally successfully portrayed the roles in the filming. One role had to go through three times clothes-fitting, camera tests and everything is tailor-made in details for each role including each role's 3D maneuver gear. The first time Isayama-sensei saw the actors wearing the uniform was during the military training scene where most of the cast gathered. Sensei was a bit embarrassed to see the materialized uniform, but he gave us his seal of approval.
Tsuge Isao, is in charge for the character design as character visual director. He was known for his character design in Cutie Honey (2004), Okuribito (2008), Yatterman, 13 Assassins (2010), etc. Tsuge designed the 3D maneuver gear and the soldier's uniforms in great details. He did a great job in creating designs that follows the manga's world but also include realistic elements into it.
Sagisu Shiro is in charge of the music, who is well known for producing Japanese and foreign artists, as well as being a game music composer, movie music composer, etc. His popular work was the Evangelion Movie series.
This was published on July 2014, when they were still filming. I added my own comments below some of the comments.
Miura Haruma as EREN
It's such an honor for me to be able to take part in such a big project "Attack on Titan" Live-Action, but I also feel pressure. All the crews including the director, Higuchi, are very passionate on the set and that has encouraged me. The cast also convey many ideas to each other, so I'm really grateful everyday. While respecting the wonderful manga, I'm using every energy I have, to portray the role and I will work hard for the rest of the filming.
Hasegawa Hiroki as SHIKISHIMA
I have heard rumors before, that the worldwide popular manga, "Attack on Titan" will be made into a live action. I have never thought that I'll star the movie myself. I can't say much about my role yet, but my role is, the strongest man, I kept wondering how could I get offered this role? But I'm playing the role with everything I have now. Please look forward to it.
yanie: It sounds to me, that he heard about the news in 2011 and then he was offered the role in 2013. Afterall, in 2011, he was still a nobody, until Kaseifu no Mita became a big hit. Haha, he's wondering why he was chosen as the strongest man role. I agree he's skinny so his appearance doesn't look right... but then again Levi is small? I still can't imagine him as The Strongest Man in AoT too, cos my image of him as the unemployed-good-for-nothing-man in DATE is still so strong in my head, lol. But I think he was chosen for his acting skill (he won many awards in 2012) and also he has not have much leading roles so far, so his pay should be relatively affordable if the production team is reducing actor's cost XD
Mizuhara Kiko as MIKASA
When I heard that I'm gonna star the movie, I felt so happy but also worried since this is the first time I do action. However, my co-stars and the crews are wonderful people. I'm having fun filming the scenes everyday. It has so many action scenes so it's such a hard filming, but I get to form a bond with the cast, director and the crews, that way. We're really working hard together to make this a good movie. The director gives detailed instruction for every scene. It's such a tough filming, but he made everyone feel relax. I'm giving my all might playing the role inside the giant set.
Hongo Kanata as ARMIN
"Attack on Titan" is my favorite manga so I'm very happy I can take part in the live action. We are filming inside the made-up town's street and wearing tailor-made clothes, it's such a wonderful world. The script is well-written and well-polished and the shots are amazing. I want to play my role honestly and be frightened with all might. I'm sure the movie will be a great one. I'm gonna work hard giving all my heart to it. Please look forward to the movie!
Miura Takahiro as JEAN
I read the manga before so when I know I get to star the live action, I was surprised. I never thought I could appear in the movie. It is such an honor. The movie is using a lot of special effects so there were things I'm not used to, but I'm doing my best in the filming to make this movie loved by everyone.
Sakuraba Nanami as SASHA
I'm very happy I get to star "Attack on Titan."
This is my first time to do action and since it has many action scenes, I feel nervous and I'm having fun at the same, everyday. I had action training together with the other cast before the filming started, so I hope we can show you intensed battles in the movie. Filming at the Battleship Island (Hashima Island) left me a deep impression. The whole atmosphere of the island suits the story's world. Just by standing there, I felt like I'm inside that world and I got immersed into my role immediately. The manga is such a popular one, so I'm working hard so that it can be a movie that satisfies everyone. Please look forward to it.
yanie: Oh, interesting! Filming in Battleship Island, I googled this island and from the looks of it, it's definitely for the 104th Trainee Squad's training scenes but this kinda give me hope, there will be a Female Titan battle? *v* Nah... let's keep my expectation low XD I'm glad to know the cast had action training together before the filming. I hope it'll be included in the making!
Ishihara Satomi as HANJI
Ever since I got the offer, I read the manga and watched the anime. I got addicted to it and I really want to know what's gonna happen next!
I have to play a difficult role in this movie. It's a big challenge for me. I almost crushed by the pressure I felt. But there's nothing happier than getting the opportunity to play such a charming character.
The 3D maneuver gear is very heavy and it takes away my energy but everytime I remind myself objectively that I'm filming "Attack on Titan," I feel motivated. I will cheer myself up and fight till the end!
yanie: I'm so glad she said it's a difficult role. If she didn't mention anything about it being difficult, then Hanji's role in the live action might be different. But since she mentioned it's difficult, I guess we will get to see Hanji's crazy and scary faces too, in the movie! I hope so! I'll be soooo disappointed if Ishihara portray Hanji as a simply cheerful and funny character only, cos Hanji has to be crazy scary too! XD
She mentioned 3D maneuver gear being heavy reminds me of my search of a theory whether or not the gear would make sense in real life... I always thought, the gear's existence is so weird, not only it'll be very heavy to carry around, how it work also doesn't make much sense although the characters who use it looks cool. Haha, and after I searched around, yappari other fans has the same opinion. 3D maneuver gear doesn't make any sense for reality XD But, of course, this is a fantasy world, anything makes sense. 3DMG is an inseparable element for Attack on Titan, I guess, so the director decided to make the 3DMG appear in the movie too, despite the burden the actor has to carry^^; Imagine the amount of wires used in this movie, ha.
Matsuo Satoru as SANNAGI
I have never fought a titan before in my whole life, but I have come to understand that fighting a titan is quite terrible. It's really a tough filming. To be honest, I feel like giving up a few times, but then when I think that titans would suddenly appear and that my family and friends are in danger, I get motivated and I don't mind my fat body get full of cuts and bruises.
yanie: LOL, his comment is so funny! He's also playing Hasegawa Hiroki's best friend in DATE drama.
Pierre Taki as SOUDA
When my manager told me "Taki-san, you got a role offer for 'Attack on Titan' live action", I thought "Really? My role must be a titan, huh?" but my role is, unexpectedly, not a titan.
The story develops somewhat differently than the manga, but I'm sure everyone will enjoy it in a different way too. The director, Higuchi, loves giant stuff, so his obsession in expressing the titan's terror is amazing. All the cast got beaten up by the tough filming, but we're working hard together. Let's meet at the theater!
yanie: Pierre Taki is the voice actor of Olaf in FROZEN's japanese dubbed, haha. He's a good singer. It's so funny, he thought his role is a titan lol. Sou ka... yappari ka... the story development different than the manga T_T Well, it can't be helped... but so far, the other details follows the manga closely. I hope the story deviation won't disappoint. But... no matter what... Battle of Trost arc and Female Titan arc are very important to the story... I wonder how will they change or shorten those?
Kunimura Jun as KUBAL
It's been a long time since I work together with Higuchi, but it's the same excitement as always and I got overwhelmed by the increasing accurancy like always too. It's really hard to keep up with the "Attacking Higuchi Team" (laugh)
What's the message of this movie? Maybe it is nice to, sometimes, think about "human" while being immersed into the dark fantasy world. I'm filming while thinking of that, too.
yanie: Niiiice.... at least, with this comment, I'm sure the "real enemy" in the movie is gonna be the same with the manga too. Don't you think? There was one worry I had about the live action... that they'll make the titan's true nature as aliens. If that happens, that's just gonna be the worst XD But seems like I don't have to worry about that.
Director, Higuchi Shinji
There's isn't any more perfect casting than this. The filming is severely tough for the actors, they're mentally and physically pressured, just like the manga characters. They have to face their limit in fighting against the titans and walls in front of them with their teamwork while comforting each other. Both the crews and cast are at their limit, but our love for the manga has helped us to keep going until next year!
Manga Author, Isayama Hajime
I had discussions together with Higuchi-san, Machiyama-san, Watanabe-san a few times and took a part in the script writing. I visited the filming set the other day and I witnessed the crews and cast's passion. It made me look forward to the movie even more. I hope everyone will go and see the movie too.
yanie: Although the participation of the manga author makes me calm (and probably also many other fans) but I will keep my expectation as where it is now. I mean, look how George Lucas made Star Wars prequel trilogy a disaster, lol.
Producer, Sato Yoshihiro
Whether or not the actors' appearances resembles the manga character, wasn't included as our consideration. We talked to Isayama-sensei several times, and the casting was done based on the consideration whether or not the actor can embody spirit of the manga character. The actors had several discussions with the director about their characters before they finally successfully portrayed the roles in the filming. One role had to go through three times clothes-fitting, camera tests and everything is tailor-made in details for each role including each role's 3D maneuver gear. The first time Isayama-sensei saw the actors wearing the uniform was during the military training scene where most of the cast gathered. Sensei was a bit embarrassed to see the materialized uniform, but he gave us his seal of approval.
Tsuge Isao, is in charge for the character design as character visual director. He was known for his character design in Cutie Honey (2004), Okuribito (2008), Yatterman, 13 Assassins (2010), etc. Tsuge designed the 3D maneuver gear and the soldier's uniforms in great details. He did a great job in creating designs that follows the manga's world but also include realistic elements into it.
Sagisu Shiro is in charge of the music, who is well known for producing Japanese and foreign artists, as well as being a game music composer, movie music composer, etc. His popular work was the Evangelion Movie series.