The 53rd Annual Saturn Awards were held at the Hilton Universal City Hotel. Walking the red carpet was the industry’s most influential voices. Among them was Bryce Papenbrook. Papenbrook is a powerhouse voice actor behind iconic characters like Eren Yeager (Attack on Titan), Kirito (Sword Art Online), and Inosuke Hashibara (Demon Slayer).
In a candid conversation with Temple of Geek, Papenbrook shared his excitement about the genre’s growth and the unique energy of celebrating storytelling that pushes the boundaries of imagination.
Bryce Papenbrook: A Voice for the Fans
While walking the carpet, Papenbrook reflected on the surreal experience of seeing voice acting and anime take such a prominent seat at major genre awards. He noted that the Saturn Awards feel like a home for creators who pour their hearts into sci-fi and fantasy.
As a voice actor, we spend so much time in a small, dark box by ourselves. Coming to an event like this is like the applause we don’t get in the booth. Seeing the passion for these stories in person is incredible.
The Physicality of the Booth
When asked about his process for some of the more intense roles that fans love, specifically the raw, guttural screams of Eren Yeager, Papenbrook admitted that he doesn’t hold back. To achieve the authenticity seen in the final seasons of Attack on Titan, he often pushes himself to physical limits.
Papenbrook revealed that he has occasionally left recording sessions with physical bruises or a strained voice. He wants to feel what the character is going through. He also joked about the difference between his characters. While Kirito has unmatched gusto inside the game world, characters like Eren have a survival skill that requires a different level of vocal aggression.
Reprising Legacy Roles
With the 53rd Annual Saturn Awards celebrating the best in genre, Papenbrook touched upon the longevity of his career. He expressed deep gratitude for the anime lottery he feels he has won by voicing characters that stay with audiences for decades.
Additionally, he mentioned that even after years of playing these roles, he still finds new layers to explore, especially when shows return after long hiatuses. For Bryce, the joy comes from following the journey of the character alongside the fans.
