Twisted Wonderland Anime Premieres on Disney+ This October

(Image credit: ©Yumeta Company and Graphinica)
If you love anime that goes far beyond the ordinary, you might want to keep an eye on Twisted Wonderland this fall. Disney is bringing something totally fresh to the table - an anime where the “villains” finally get to tell their side of the story, and the magical boarding school is more unpredictable than ever. For anyone curious about what happens when classic Disney energy collides with anime drama, Twisted Wonderland is shaping up to be a real event.
Disney’s Most Unusual School for Magic
The setting for this anime is Night Raven College, but don’t expect a typical fantasy academy. Every dorm here is inspired by a different iconic Disney villain, from the Queen of Hearts to Scar and even Maleficent. Each dorm head isn’t just a carbon copy of a movie villain, they’re fleshed out students with their own ambitions, flaws, and rivalries. What makes it even cooler is how the school doesn’t really focus on good versus evil, but on the messiness of personality, power, and second chances.
Watching the way these dorm leaders run their domains and butt heads with each other is part of the show’s big appeal. Sometimes you’ll spot traces of classic Disney films in the way they act, but the real fun comes from the unexpected friendships and feuds that develop as the school year unfolds.
Confirmed for 3 Seasons Before It Even Airs
What really got people talking about Twisted Wonderland wasn’t just the gorgeous key visual or the dramatic trailer, it was the announcement that the show would get three seasons from the start. That almost never happens in anime, and it’s a sign that Disney is putting real faith (and budget) behind this series.
The very first season, “Episode of Heartslabyul,” lands on Disney Plus this October. Just seeing all the dorm leaders gathered in that first poster, each one standing beneath the “Mirror of Darkness”, was enough to set off a frenzy online. And the teaser trailer, packed with lush animation and atmospheric lighting, is already making the rounds for anyone eager for a sneak peek. Check out the official teaser trailer down below:
Top-Tier Animation and Familiar Voices
The production is in the hands of Yumeta Company and Graphinica, two studios known for bold visuals. While some longtime anime fans wondered about the studio choices, the team’s first looks have been nothing short of impressive. Takahiro Natori is leading as Chief Director, Shin Katagai as Director, and Yoichi Kato is writing the scripts. The character designers, Hanaka Nakano and Akane Sato, have managed to stay true to the game’s distinctive look while adding their own flair.
But maybe the most exciting news is that the original Japanese cast from the game is back. These voices have become almost legendary among fans, and having them reprise their roles adds a big dose of authenticity. There’s just something about hearing those same voices in emotional or hilarious moments that ties everything together.
Every Arc Gets Its Own Protagonist
Most anime picks one main character and stick with them, but Twisted Wonderland does things differently. Each season or arc has its own version of the player character, known as “Yuu.” For the first season, it’s Yuuken Enma, a second-year high schooler and dedicated kendo club member whose straightforward attitude shakes up Night Raven College. Later arcs will introduce completely different versions of Yuu, each with their own personality and even gender.
This approach keeps the story feeling new every season, and it matches the spirit of the original mobile game, where players could imagine themselves as anyone. The rotating cast of protagonists means you never quite know what to expect and every new dorm brings new drama, new relationships, and plenty of surprises.
Visuals That Pop Off the Screen
The buzz around Twisted Wonderland’s visuals isn’t just hype. Early key visuals and the trailer show off richly colored backgrounds, moody lighting, and character designs that really pop. You can almost feel the magic rippling through the Mirror Room, and the dorm heads are drawn with an attention to detail that makes every scene feel important.
One big thing fans are eager for is the overblot transformations. These are the moments when a character’s emotions and magic spiral out of control, resulting in some of the most intense showdowns of the year. If the animation keeps up the quality seen in the trailer, these scenes will definitely be something special.
School Rivalries and Spelldrive Action
Drama is just part of daily life at Night Raven College. The dorms don’t just compete over who has the most powerful magic, they also face off in magical sports like Spelldrive, a fast-paced broom-riding competition. These matches reveal the true personalities of the dorm leaders, and they’re a great excuse for some spectacular action sequences.
With three seasons already locked in, viewers can look forward to seeing Heartslabyul in the first arc, then moving to new dorms and new leaders as the series heads into Savanaclaw and Octavinelle. Each new season promises its own flavor, with fresh characters and more magical chaos.
A Story Deeper Than Disney Classics
What’s surprising about Twisted Wonderland is how much it digs beneath the surface of the “villain” label. Every student has a backstory, a dream, and a problem they can’t quite solve. The series takes time to show how personal struggles and ambitions shape each character, and the result is a story that feels much more real than you’d expect from a fantasy school show. In a poignant flashback, Leona admits of his first days:
“I grew tired of thinking, so I decided to enroll at Night Raven College, though I had no interest in it. I knew I was just running away from the pain.” - Leona Kingscholar
And of course, music is a huge part of the vibe. The opening theme, “Piece of my world” by Night Ravens, is a returning favorite from the game, and composer Takumi Ozawa is bringing his style to the anime’s soundtrack. Whether you’re here for the fights, the friendships, or just the killer theme song, there’s something to look forward to in every episode.
Streaming Worldwide and Ready for a New Generation
Twisted Wonderland isn’t just another anime for hardcore fans. With Disney Plus distributing it globally, it’s easier than ever for anyone to jump into this magical universe. The series blends the best of Disney and anime, offering both nostalgia and brand-new surprises. Whether you’re drawn to the intense dorm battles, curious about the new protagonists, or just want to see classic villains in a totally new light, there’s something here for everyone.
So as October approaches, get ready for Night Raven College to open its gates. With dazzling visuals, clever writing, and a world that’s both familiar and totally new, Twisted Wonderland Anime is shaping up to be one of the most exciting shows of the year. If you’re not already counting down, now’s the time to start.