The Disney Twisted Wonderland phenomenon has captivated fans since its mobile game debut, blending Disney’s iconic villains with anime’s vibrant storytelling. Now, Disney Twisted Wonderland: The Animation is set to bring the magical chaos of Night Raven College to life, sparking excitement among Disney fans and anime enthusiasts alike. Born from a collaboration between Walt Disney Japan and Aniplex, this series promises a villain-inspired adventure that’s both nostalgic and fresh. With a confirmed release date, a multi-season commitment, and a place in Disney+’s growing anime lineup, here’s everything you need to know about when Twisted Wonderland hits Disney+, its development journey, and its role in the streaming anime boom.
Here’s the TL;DR:
Disney Twisted Wonderland: The Animation premieres on October 29, 2025, on Disney+.
First season (Episode of Heartslabyul) will have 8 weekly episodes.
Adapted from a mobile game created by Yana Toboso, blending Disney villains with anime flair.
Disney has greenlit 3 seasons, each adapting different "episodes" of the game.
Part of Disney+’s broader push into anime, following titles like Bleach and Star Wars: Visions.
A Magical Premiere Date
Mark your calendars: Disney Twisted Wonderland: The Animation premieres exclusively on Disney+ worldwide on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. The first season, Episode of Heartslabyul, will feature eight episodes released weekly, kicking off a three-season arc adapting the game’s core storylines. This debut aligns with Disney’s push to expand its anime offerings, following hits like Star Wars: Visions and Bleach. Fans can expect a global rollout, likely with availability on Hulu in the U.S. alongside Disney+, ensuring broad access for viewers.
The Twisted World of Night Raven College
Based on the mobile game launched in Japan in March 2020 by Aniplex and Walt Disney Japan, with an English localization in 2022, Twisted Wonderland has amassed over 4.8 million downloads. Created by Black Butler mangaka Yana Toboso, the game reimagines Disney villains as the "Great Seven"—figures like the Queen of Hearts, Scar, and Ursula—whose legacies shape the seven dormitories of Night Raven College, a magical academy.
The anime follows Yuken Enma, a high schooler summoned to this world by a magic mirror. Stranded, he teams up with a fire-breathing monster named Grimm to navigate rivalries, magical battles, and school drama while seeking a way home.
The first season, Episode of Heartslabyul, centers on the Alice in Wonderland-inspired dormitory led by the strict Riddle Rosehearts (voiced by Natsuki Hanae). Future seasons will explore Episode of Savanaclaw (The Lion King) and Episode of Octavinelle (The Little Mermaid), diving deeper into the game’s lore. The voice cast, including Yohei Azakami (Yuken) and Seiichiro Yamashita (Ace Trappola), retains the game’s iconic performers, ensuring continuity for fans.
Development Journey: From Game to Anime
Announced at AnimeJapan 2021, Twisted Wonderland: The Animation took shape through a collaboration between Yumeta Company and Graphinica, known for Tokyo Mew Mew New. Chief director Takahiro Natori and director Shin Katagai lead the project, with Yoichi Kato writing scripts and Takumi Ozawa composing music, including new tracks. Yana Toboso’s gothic character designs are adapted by Hanaka Nakano and Akane Sato, preserving the game’s aesthetic.
The opening theme, “Piece of My World” by Night Ravens, carries over from the game, adding nostalgic flair. A teaser trailer at AnimeJapan 2025 showcased vibrant visuals, from the Mirror Room to Night Raven’s gothic architecture, earning praise for its fidelity.
The anime adapts the manga series—Episode of Heartslabyul (2021–2022), Episode of Savanaclaw (2022–), and Episode of Octavinelle (2023–)—published in Monthly G Fantasy and licensed by Viz Media. Unlike the game’s customizable protagonist, the anime uses distinct characters per arc (e.g., Yuken Enma for Heartslabyul, Yuuka Hirasaka for Savanaclaw), mirroring the manga’s approach. Toboso has hinted at original elements, suggesting surprises for game fans.
Disney’s three-season greenlight, announced at its 2024 Singapore content showcase, signals confidence in the project, addressing fan concerns about cancellations.
Tie-Ins with Disney’s Legacy
Twisted Wonderland feels like a spiritual successor to Disney Channel’s teen-driven hits like Descendants or High School Musical, reimagined with an anime twist. Its focus on school rivalries and villain-inspired drama taps into Disney’s knack for blending heart and spectacle, appealing to fans of the company’s live-action legacy.
The game’s event stories, which weave in other Disney properties, could inspire anime specials, further bridging Disney’s cinematic universe with its anime ambitions. Fans on Reddit speculate about "magical girl overblot transformations" or event-inspired episodes, boosting hype for the series’ potential to expand the Twisted Wonderland universe.
The Rise of Anime on Streaming
Disney+ investing in Twisted Wonderland reflects the explosive growth of anime on streaming platforms. Nielsen reports that streaming accounted for 36% of U.S. TV viewing in 2024, with anime driving significant engagement.
Platforms like Netflix (One Piece), Crunchyroll (Jujutsu Kaisen), and Disney+ (Murai In Love, The Fable) are competing for exclusives. Disney+ has built a robust anime slate with Star Wars: Visions, Code Geass: Roze of the Rebellion, and Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, while developing Cat’s Eye and Wandance.
Twisted Wonderland leverages the game’s fanbase and Disney’s global reach, offering a mainstream-friendly anime that stands out from Crunchyroll’s niche focus. The platform’s ad-supported linear channels, like Hallowstream (launched September 2024), enhance its curated viewing experience, positioning Twisted Wonderland as a flagship title.
Why It’s Worth the Hype
Set to premiere on October 29, 2025, Twisted Wonderland: The Animation is poised to be a standout in Disney+’s anime lineup. Its stunning visuals, all-star voice cast, and three-season commitment promise a faithful yet innovative take on the game’s world.
Reddit fans have praised the trailer’s "breathtaking" animation and are eager for event-inspired episodes, while the series’ villain-centric drama appeals to Disney fans and anime lovers alike. Whether you’re drawn to the magical battles, Toboso’s gothic charm, or the legacy of Disney’s villains, this anime is set to cast a spell.
Ready to enroll at Night Raven College? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
Sources:
What’s On Disney Plus, “Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Animation Disney+ Release Date Announced” (August 5, 2025).
Anime News Network, Production and cast details (November 19, 2024).
Hindustan Times, Game background and download stats (August 5, 2025).
ComicBook.com, Teaser trailer and AnimeJapan 2025 updates (March 23, 2025).
Variety, Streaming trends and Disney+ anime slate (August 5, 2025).
The Verge, Disney+ linear channels announcement (September 2024).
Reddit r/TwistedWonderland, Fan reactions (November 20, 2024).
Disney Twisted-Wonderland Google Play page, Game details (January 14, 2025).
I can't play Twisted Wonderland, but I've watched cutscenes, read manga, and been on Tumblr. Dare I say that I've gotten attached to these NRC students.