Voice actor J. Michael Tatum revealed why he has not watched the Attack on Titan anime series through to its recent conclusion. Tatum plays the role of Commander Erwin Smith, a character who is killed off prior to the final season.
Out of admiration and attachment to Erwin after portraying him for years, Tatum decided to stop viewing the show following his character’s death scene. He explained, “If Erwin never made it to the pivotal basement reveal in the plot, then neither would I as the actor.”
Out of love and respect for a character to whom I’d grown exceptionally close over the years, I stopped following AoT after Erwin died. If he never reached the basement, neither would I. I wasn’t ready to let go; this was how I stayed connected to him.
— J Michael Tatum (@JMichaelTatum) January 7, 2024
This was Tatum’s way of staying connected to and honoring the character he had closely identified with on an emotional level.
Though the show wrapped up, Tatum could not yet bring himself to witness the finale without Erwin present. It was his testament to how invested he felt in bringing that anime role to life over the course of the series.
Voice Actor J. Michael Tatum Comments Attack on Titan’s Decade-Long Artistry
Though Tatum has abstained from watching the Attack on Titan finale, he conveyed great admiration for the work of his fellow voice actors in bringing the epic anime series to life over the past decade.
“I am incredibly proud of my talented friends and colleagues for committing their gifts to honoring this astonishing show for ten years running,” he posted online.
Tatum commended the voice cast and production crew for “some of the best work our industry has ever seen,” calling the decade-long endeavor a remarkable achievement.
“Congratulations for all you’ve poured into Attack on Titan across 50+ episodes. You have my highest salute and regards.”
With prominent anime roles like Kraft Lawrence in Spice and Wolf, Scar in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Rintaro Okabe in Steins;Gate, and Tenya Iida in My Hero Academia under his belt, Tatum is highly respected among his animation voice-acting peers.
Though he may not have viewed the final season and conclusion, he wanted to recognize the “talent and dedication” that brought the epic drama of Attack on Titan to devoted fans across so many years.
Voice Actor Camaraderie
Fellow voice actor and ADR writer Mike McFarland also chimed in to praise Tatum’s memorable turn as Commander Erwin Smith. “Your performance as Erwin is beautiful and inspiring,” McFarland posted in response.
“A larger-than-life character needs an equally commanding talent to portray him, and you rose to the task exceptionally by bringing profound understanding to the role.”
He went on to thank Tatum for “dedicating your heart” and capturing Erwin’s vigorous essence, such that “my soldiers rage!”
Tatum returned the gesture, saluting McFarland for his contributions to the acclaimed Attack on Titan English language dub.
Their online exchange highlights the camaraderie among the voice talents who collaborated to breathe life into the show’s vivid characters over its decade-long run.
Though Tatum felt saying farewell to Erwin by watching the final season was too difficult, his coworkers emphasized how his passionate performance left an indelible mark in bringing that Survey Corps leader to the screens of fans.
The Enduring Impact of a Complex and Beloved Character in Attack on Titan
As one of the most complex and cherished characters in the Attack on Titan storyline, Erwin Smith left an enduring impression.
The highly regarded 13th leader of the Scout Regiment earned his stripes through various military accomplishments and command decisions across battles with the Titans.
However, Erwin also made grave mistakes that resulted in catastrophic losses for both himself and his soldiers. His time concluded when he led a suicide charge against the Beast Titan, sacrificing the Survey Corps in a Season 3 skirmish.
Yet even after his moving death scene, the influence of Erwin’s tactical mind, leadership presence, and selfless spirit continued reverberating.
Other military officers contemplated “What would Commander Erwin do?” when faced with perilous choices weighing lives against victory.
His conviction in fighting for humanity’s freedom inspired the Survey Corps’s final push beyond the walls against the hidden enemy nation of Marley.
While the morally questionable means behind some of Erwin’s goals left a complicated legacy, his outsized impact outlived his fallen form.
When voice actor Tatum remarks that he stopped watching Attack on Titan after bidding farewell to his complex commander role, it speaks volumes about the irreplaceable mark Erwin Smith left on the series narrative.
