Based on the massively popular mobile game, Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Animation brings a villainous twist to the world of anime. The series, now available exclusively on Disney+, invites both long-time fans and newcomers to explore its unique plot, characters, and the classic films that inspired them.
From Hit Game to Highly Anticipated Anime
The Disney Twisted-Wonderland mobile game, set in a magical academy, features characters inspired by iconic Disney villains. The original concept, main story, and character designs were crafted by Yana Toboso, the acclaimed manga artist behind Black Butler. Since its launch, the game has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated, growing fanbase, winning accolades such as the Grand Prize at the Google Play Best of 2020 awards in Japan.
The new animated series was carefully developed to faithfully recreate the game’s enchanting world and character charm. The original voice cast reprises their roles, and composer Takumi Ozawa returns to score the anime, ensuring continuity for fans. The ending theme for the first season, “Obedience,” performed by the voice cast of the Heartslabyul dorm, has already captured significant attention.
Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Animation is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. The first season, titled Episode of Heartslabyul, consists of eight episodes released weekly on Wednesdays, starting October 29. Production has also been confirmed for a second and third season, Episode of Savanaclaw and Episode of Octavinelle, respectively.
Season 1 Synopsis: Episode of Heartslabyul
High school student Yuken “Yu” Enma is mysteriously transported from his world to Night Raven College, a prestigious academy for mages. Accompanied by a monster named Grim, Yu encounters the seven dormitories, beginning with Heartslabyul. There, they meet the dorm leader Riddle Rosehearts, known as the “Crimson Tyrant” for his strict enforcement of the Queen of Hearts’ rules. As Yu and Grim navigate this new world, they begin to uncover the reasons behind Riddle’s obsession with order, setting in motion events that will change the rule-bound dorm forever.
Meet the Main Characters of ‘Episode of Heartslabyul’
Riddle Rosehearts, Heartslabyul Dorm Leader, 2nd Year
Riddle strictly follows the rules laid down by the Queen of Hearts, punishing any who defy them. He is feared by fellow students for his powerful and unique magic, “Off with Your Head!”, which he mastered at age ten and can use to seal an opponent’s magic.
Voiced by Natsuki Hanae, who shared his excitement: “I’ve been involved with the game for a long time and I can’t wait to see how the fascinating world and characters are portrayed in the anime.”
Ace Trappola, Heartslabyul Dorm, 1st Year
An upbeat and clever student, Ace is never shy about speaking his mind, though he can sometimes be mischievous. He shares a friendly rivalry with his fellow first-year, Deuce.
Seiichiro Yamashita, who voices Ace, commented: “This story already had me totally enthralled as a game… so I’m really happy that I get to enjoy it as an animation now.”
Deuce Spade, Heartslabyul Dorm, 1st Year
Deuce is a serious student determined to become a great mage. Though he struggles academically despite his hard work, he is earnest and always prepared to stand up for what he believes is right.
Chiaki Kobayashi, the voice of Deuce, said: “I love playing Deuce’s full range of emotions… This anime is made with lots of love, so please come join me and immerse yourself in the world of Twisted-Wonderland. I summon thee, CAULDRON!”
Trey Clover, Heartslabyul Dorm Vice Leader, 3rd Year
As the vice dorm leader, Trey is a trusted guardian figure for the other students. He is a good friend to Riddle and often helps temper his strict demeanor. His unique magic, “Doodle Suit,” allows him to overwrite an object’s properties, such as its taste or smell.
Ryota Suzuki, who voices Trey, reflected: “To finally see it in animated form is awesome… The scene I’m most excited for is where Trey calls ‘his’ name.”
Cater Diamond, Heartslabyul Dorm, 3rd Year
A popular and savvy third-year, Cater is a great communicator who is always on top of the latest trends. He prefers to take it easy but can be ruthless when necessary. His unique magic, “Split Card,” enables him to create clones of himself.
Tatsuyuki Kobayashi, the voice of Cater, stated: “I was super enthusiastic every day in the recording sessions because I wanted to capture that Twisted-Wonderland charm for all the fans.”
Yuken Enma, Ramshackle Dorm, 1st Year
A high school kendo club vice-captain from another world, Yuken is suddenly transported to Twisted-Wonderland. Unable to use magic, he enrolls as a student at Night Raven College and becomes the prefect of the Ramshackle dorm, with Grim under his charge.
Voiced by Yohei Azagami, who said: “I’m a newcomer, but I’m ready to buckle up just like Yu and give it my all… It’s a blast recording his lines because I get to experience the amazing world of Twisted-Wonderland from Yu’s perspective.”
Grim, Ramshackle Dorm, 1st Year
A monster with aspirations of becoming a great mage, Grim has a knack for getting carried away. Though he can use magic, he was initially denied entry into Night Raven College. He is eventually allowed to stay in the Ramshackle dorm under Yu’s supervision.
Noriaki Sugiyama, who voices Grim, noted: “The whole cast wants this animated version to be fantastic, so we’re giving it our all to make that happen. I think it’s awesome and super entertaining.”
Dire Crowley, Headmage of Night Raven College
The headmage of the prestigious magic academy, Crowley has a tendency to appear unexpectedly and deliver famously long, humorous stories. He also makes a point of reminding everyone of his own kindness.
Mitsuru Miyamoto, the voice of Crowley, exclaimed: “We’re getting an animation! Woo-hoo! Crowley gets to move! I’ll do my best to make this entertaining both for fans of the game and those starting out with the anime.”
The ‘Alice in Wonderland’ Connection
The first season, Episode of Heartslabyul, draws its inspiration from the world of Disney’s 1951 animated classic, Alice in Wonderland. In the film, a young girl named Alice follows a White Rabbit down a rabbit hole and finds herself in a surreal world filled with eccentric characters, including the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and the tyrannical Queen of Hearts, whose bizarre rules and explosive temper heavily influence the Heartslabyul dorm.
