Release That Witch Anime: Everything to Know About
(Image credit: ©Studio Thundray | Cruncyroll)
Release That Witch (Fangkai Nage Nüwu) is finally making its move from page to screen, and for longtime fans, it feels like a long time coming. Unlike many fantasy stories that lean into overpowered main characters and flashy magic, this one takes a smarter route - what if magic and science could work together to rebuild a kingdom? That’s the promise this upcoming anime is offering.
Momentum Builds Ahead of the Launch
The project is being handled by Chinese animation studio Thundray, and it’s set to premiere at AFA Singapore 2025. Although the official release date hasn’t dropped yet, we know it’ll stream on Crunchyroll outside of China, Japan, and Korea. If we’re reading the signs right, it should land sometime in early or mid-2026. Be sure to check out the official trailer down below - it’s a great sneak peek at the tone and animation.
This Isn’t Your Usual Isekai
Here’s the basic setup: Cheng Yan is a regular guy living in the modern world until, suddenly, he’s not. After dying unexpectedly, he finds himself in the body of Prince Roland, the fourth son of a king in a medieval-style kingdom. Unlike the usual lazy royal, Roland surprises everyone by being smart, curious, and - most shockingly - compassionate.
When he saves a witch named Anna from execution, he quickly realizes that magic in this world isn’t just mysterious - it’s full of untapped potential. As Roland himself puts it,
“For many people who traveled through time, technology was the gate leading to productivity. But here, witches were their path to the future.” - Roland Wimbledon
Instead of treating witches like monsters, he begins building a community where their powers are used to power industry, improve lives, and change the world for the better.
A Much-Needed Visual Upgrade
If you’ve read the manhua version of Release That Witch, you probably remember the exaggerated art style - young-looking witches, modern outfits in a medieval world, and lots of awkward comedy. The manhua took a light, fanservice-heavy approach, which didn’t sit well with readers who loved the novel’s thoughtful tone.
Thankfully, the anime (Donghua) is sticking much closer to the source material. Character designs now reflect actual age and personality. Scroll and Wendy look like the seasoned women they are, and Anna finally carries the calm power she’s known for. Even Nightingale, often described as mysterious and sharp, now looks the part. The modern clothes are gone, replaced with more period-appropriate styles, which helps the world feel more immersive.
One Arc Everyone Talks About
There’s one storyline that tends to divide readers - the dream arc. In the middle of all the kingdom-building and political intrigue, the story shifts into a slower, dream-like sequence full of mystery and symbolism. Some people didn’t love the change in pace and skipped it on rereads. But others appreciated the way it added depth to characters like Garcia and introduced ideas that mattered later in the plot.
It’s unclear how the anime (Donghua) will handle this arc, but it’s definitely one of the more memorable parts of the story. Whether you love it or not, it’s a sign that Release That Witch isn’t afraid to take risks.
Building A Kingdom One Invention at a Time
What makes this story different from most isekai anime (Donghua) is how much thought it puts into realistic progress. Roland doesn’t just wake up one day and invent airplanes. He introduces basic science and engineering step by step - things like combustion, metallurgy, and organized education. It’s all logical, paced, and surprisingly satisfying to watch unfold.
Anna’s growth as a character is a perfect example. She starts off barely able to control fire. But over time, with training and a little science thrown in, she becomes capable of shaping steel and even powering industrial machines. There’s no magic wand moment. She works for it.
And it’s not just Anna. Nightingale serves as a protector and scout, using her stealth powers to help Roland avoid traps and lies. Other witches bring their own talents, from chemistry to construction. The result is a genuine team effort, not just one hero doing everything alone.
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If you're into stories that actually explain how a fantasy world evolves, it’s similar in vibe to upcoming anime like Witch Hat Atelier and Gachiakuta, which we’ve covered recently. They also blend deep character work with rich world-building.
Roland Is a Ruler with a Plan
Roland doesn’t act like your typical prince. He’s not obsessed with power or legacy. In fact, he openly says he’s not a fan of monarchy. Instead, he wants a system that puts skilled people in charge, no matter their birth. Think early meritocracy, not royalty worship.
Even when it comes to something as heavy as slavery, he handles it with thought. Rather than immediately freeing everyone - something that could cause economic disaster - he sets up a path where serfs can earn their freedom through work. Along the way, they get access to education and healthcare. It’s a slow transition, but it’s stable, and it avoids creating chaos.
“Witches should not be used as consumables, but as the engine to stimulate the development of civilization.” - Roland Wimbledon
This kind of storytelling feels rare. It respects both the setting and the intelligence of the audience. Every decision has weight, and the consequences matter.
Relationships That Grow Naturally
Yes, there’s romance - but it’s not the center of everything. Roland and Anna develop their relationship over time, built on shared trust and mutual respect. Other characters stand out too. Mystery Moon brings heart and humor, while Scroll offers wisdom and structure. Even Nightingale, who many hoped would be Roland’s romantic choice, adds tension and loyalty without forcing anything. The relationships here feel earned, and that makes them hit harder.
Almost Time to Dive In
With Crunchyroll set to stream the series, the wait is almost over. The anime (Donghua) promises to deliver something rare: a fantasy story that’s smart, emotionally grounded, and full of real growth.
If you’re looking for flashy battles, sure, you’ll get some. But what really makes Release That Witch special is how it turns the idea of power on its head. It’s not about strength - it’s about understanding. It’s about building, step by step, something better.
And honestly? That’s a message worth watching.
