Attack on Titan: Fan-Casting a Live-Action Movie

In October 2011, the anime world went into a frenzy when it was announced that Attack on Titan would be getting a live-action adaptation. The beloved anime series was turned into a two-part theatrical event which brought Titans to life and the Survey Corps into theaters around the world. While the exciting films were a niche affair for audiences, the live-action features were plagued with poor reviews and even worse special effects.

Of course, fans began wondering what might happen to Attack on Titan should the series be brought to Hollywood; Unsurprisingly, the question prompted a mixed bag of reactions. The U.S. does not have the best history with anime adaptations, but foreign and domestic fans agreed the project would be fun to pursue – and fun it most certainly could be.

Here at ComicBook.com, we are throwing out our ideas of who could play some of Attack on Titan‘s main players. From Eren to Levi, you can check out of extensive fan-cast in the following slides.

EREN – Logan Lerman

In Attack on Titan, Eren is the hands-down protagonist. The anime follows the soldier as he fights to keep humanity’s monstrous enemies at bay while acclimating to his newfound shifter state. The hero goes through a range of emotions, and his action-packed storylines are what keep audiences coming back for more. Logan Lerman has what it takes to bring Eren to life, and he’s proven his range of talent in films like Perks of Being a Wallflower and Fury.

MIKASA – Kiko Mizhuhara

Note: Yes, Kiko Mizuhara was cast as Mikasa in the Japanese live-action adaptation of Attack on Titan – but there was good reason for it. The actress and model was a stand-out in the films, and fans mostly agreed Mizuhara exceled in her role. Honestly, it is hard to imagine any other actress taking on the role at this point. 

ARMIN – Asa Butterfield

When fans meet Armin in Attack on Titan, the young boy is little more than a meek distraction. The blonde-haired boy was known for his meek personality, but Armin’s character progression continues to grow throughout the series as he turns into a braver warrior. Asa Butterfield could easily fill in Armin’s shoes, but he would just need to bleach his hair a bit.

MARCO – Ansel Elgort

Marco is one of the best guys in Attack on Titan. The Survey Corps member is known for his kindhearted personality and willingness to help others, but fans know how Marco’s disposition comes back to bite him. Ansel Elgort would be an excellent candidate for the role.

CONNIE – Dylan O’Brien

There are few characters in Attack on Titan who are as impetuous and off-the-wall as Connie. The short-haired soldier may find it difficult to concentrate, but his unpredictable fight style makes him an asset to the military and his friends. Dylan O’Brien not only has the looks to take on the role, but fans know that he can carry action work after his time on Teen Wolf and Maze Runner.

JEAN – Luke Newberry

A natural-born leader, Jean is one of the main Survey Corps members in Attack on Titan. The character takes his pride very seriously, and even Eren admits the boy is the best suited to lead his comrades into battle. Though he may come off too serious at the start, Jean does show his truer kind self to fans as the anime progresses. Luke Newberry may be a newcomer in Hollywood, but the actor has shown he can handle the complex character thanks to his work on shows like In The Flesh.

YMIR – Caroline Ford

In Attack on Titan, Ymir is somewhat of a mystery. The hot-headed, cynical character is a mainstay amongst the Survey Corps members, but she does show her softer sides to friends like Krista. Later in the franchise, Ymir becomes an increasingly important character, so a well-rounded actress would be a must when it comes to casting. Caroline Ford could be just the girl that Hollywood would be looking for.

LEVI – Dane Dehaan

Aside from Eren, Captain Levi is easily the second most popular character in Attack on Titan. The stone-faced soldier is said to be the strongest warrior in the entire show, and Levi does not go easy on his underlings when it comes to battle. Dane Dehaan has proven he can take on rather intimidating roles, and he is a favorite actor for fans when it comes to Levi.

KRISTA – Annasophia Robb

Krista is one character who is too pure for Attack on Titan. The young girl is kind to the core, and she prefers working with children and her friends rather than fighting against Titans. Later in the anime, Krista becomes very involved with the show’s internal politics, so Hollywood would want to cast an actress who can be both docile and fierce. Annasophia Robb would be a great choice, and she’s even got Krista’s doe-eyes down.

SASHA – Naomi Scott

Sasha is one of fans’ most favorite characters from Attack on Titan just because of how weird she is. Affectionately known as Potato Girl, the soldier’s eccentric behavior belays her sharp wit and battle instincts. While Noami Scott may not be a leading actress in the industry, fans agree that the up-and-coming starlet could find a big break through Sasha should Hollywood ever make a live-action adaptation of the anime.

ERWIN – Lee Pace

Erwin is the closest thing Attack on Titan has to Captain America. The military commander is renowned for his bravery and stoney attitude in the face of battle. His underlings are more than willing to die for him, and Erwin continues to be praised by fans for his no-nonsense demeanor. Lee Pace has shown he can be both sympathetic and unruly thanks to his work on The Hobbit, and he would be a great addition to the Attack on Titan family.

HANNES – Donald Glover

In Attack on Titan, Hannes can provide relief when no one else is able to. The aging soldier is introduced to fans under dire straights as fans saw him witness the death of Eren’s mother. However, Hannes makes up for his momentary cowardice by helping the young boy train to join the Survey Corps. The older gentlemen becomes a mentor to Eren and a ray of light within the anime’s dark aesthetic, so there’s no better actor to bring Hannes to life than Donald Glover.

PETRA – Holland Roden

Petra deserves so much when it comes to Attack on Titan, so Hollywood could at least let Holland Roden take up the role. The Survey Corps member grew up admiring military men like Levi, and she was hand-picked to join his squad after her training completed. Sadly, Petra finds that her military aspirations were greatly over-exaggerated, and Holland could carry the heroine’s complex emotions to the screen with ease.

DOT PIXIS – Patrick Stewart

If Patrick Stewart were ever meant to play an anime character, then it would be Dot Pixis. The garrison commander is a quirky man who shadows his fiery temper and intellect with peculiar jokes. Aged in battle, Pixis has seen decades worth of war, and Patrick Stewart could bring the character’s gravitas to life with a bit of fun sprinkled about to boot.

REINER – Alexander Ludwig

Reiner is the so-called big brother of the Survey Corps, and he holds a special place in the Attack on Titan franchise. The buff, blonde-haired soldier is known for his encouraging attitude, but there is also a sharpness that lies under his friendly exterior. Alexander Ludwig could bring the character to life on the big screen as he’s already proved he can balance vulnerability and aggression with precision.

BERTHOLT – Nicholas Braun

Bertholt is a rather interesting character in the Attack on Titan universe. The older boy is a quiet soul, but he is fiercely loyal to his close friends. Bertholt becomes a major player in the anime as it moves forward, so Nicholas Braun may be the best choice when it comes to casting. The actor can play both an aside and lead character, and it would give Braun a chance to stretch his action muscles on-screen.

ANNIE – Evanna Lynch

If there is one character in Attack on Titan who you should fear, it is Annie. The blonde-haired soldier has an icy gaze that matches her even colder disposition. While fans may know her best from Harry Potter, Evanna Lynch would be a great choice to play Annie. The British actress could ditch her whimsical type-cast and adopt a sharp personality befitting of any villainess.

HANJI – Rebecca Hall

Oh, Hanji. In Attack on Titan, the commander is a rather strange figure. The anime depicts Hanji as someone who flitters between extremes as she can be both manic and unapologetically serious. Rebecca Hall has a wide variety of castings on her resume, so there is little doubt that she could take on the role. When it comes down to it, the acclaimed actress would bring something special to Hanji that not even fans knew could exist.