Disney+ is doubling down on its anime ambitions with Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Animation, an adaptation of the hit Japanese mobile game that reimagines classic Disney villains in a magical, high-school setting. Set to premiere exclusively on the platform this October 29, the series marks a bold fusion of Western intellectual property and Japanese anime aesthetics.
At the centre of the story is Yuken Enma, a Tokyo high schooler who is mysteriously transported to Night Raven College, a fantastical academy founded on the legacies of Disney’s most iconic villains. The world of Twisted-Wonderland reinterprets these notorious figures, such as Maleficent, Ursula, Scar, Jafar, and the Queen of Hearts, not as enemies, but as revered mythological icons known as the Great Seven. Each of the school’s dormitories is based on their ideology and magical influence, creating distinct social and magical divisions among the students.
Despite lacking any magic of his own, Yuken must survive in a hostile environment, navigating both mystical challenges and the intense rivalries between dorms. Along the way, he is joined by companions Ace and Deuce, and clashes with the strict dorm leader Riddle Rosehearts, who draws from the legacy of the Queen of Hearts. Themes of identity, legacy, and power play out against a backdrop that blends high fantasy with boarding-school drama.
The anime expands Disney+’s growing portfolio of Japanese titles, which already includes Murai In Love, The Fable, and Go! Go! Loser Ranger!. The streamer is also developing Cat’s Eye, a heist-themed series featuring sisters who moonlight as burglars. This strategy clearly signals a long-term push into anime markets, appealing to younger global audiences and die-hard anime fans alike.
By adapting Twisted-Wonderland, Disney is capitalising on nostalgia and fan culture while entering competitive anime territory. The series presents a fresh take on villain lore, repositioning Disney antagonists as complex archetypes in a richly animated fantasy world.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ