Disney Twisted-Wonderland The Animation [Season 1]

Disney Twisted-Wonderland The Animation Season 1: A Darkly Enchanting Debut That Leaves Fans Wanting More

Let’s cut to the chase: Disney’s latest anime experiment, Twisted-Wonderland The Animation, is here—and it’s exactly the chaotic, visually stunning ride we didn’t know we needed. Premiering globally on Disney+ and Hulu on October 29, 2025, this adaptation of the hit mobile game (from Aniplex and Walt Disney Japan) dives headfirst into a world where Disney villains get a bishonen glow-up and magic school drama meets dark fairy tale vibes. For anyone who’s ever thought, “What if Maleficent was a moody teen with a penchant for over-the-top coats?”—this one’s for you.

First off, let’s talk visuals. The anime nails the game’s signature aesthetic, thanks to original creator Yana Toboso (yes, the Black Butler legend herself). The character designs are chef’s kiss: sharp lines, dramatic color palettes, and enough “pretty boy” energy to make even the most stoic viewer pause and go, “Wait, is that Jafar with a ponytail?” The magical academy setting—complete with floating classrooms, ghostly hall monitors, and a vibe that’s equal parts Hogwarts and Nightmare Before Christmas—looks lush and lived-in, even if the first episode’s pacing feels like it’s in a hurry to get to the good stuff. As one MyAnimeList user put it, “The world looks great visually, and the character designs really stand out. The pacing felt a bit fast, but it’s still too early to tell where it’s going.” Fair enough—pilot episodes often sprint to hook viewers, and this one definitely hooks.

Now, the plot: We follow Yu, an isekai protagonist who’s transported to this twisted realm and forced to enroll at Night Raven College, a school for troublemakers “blessed” by Disney’s most infamous villains. Think: a magic competition where students channel the spirits of Maleficent, the Queen of Hearts, and Hades—all while navigating cliques, curses, and the kind of drama that makes high school look tame. The first episode throws Yu (and us) into the deep end: a quick intro to the world, a run-in with the school’s strict headmaster (who’s basically a bird version of Judge Claude Frollo), and a tease of the supernatural battles to come. It’s a lot, but it works—especially if you’re here for the “villainous pretty boys being chaotic” energy.

But let’s get real: The star of the show is the fan reaction. MyAnimeList threads are buzzing with takes from both game veterans and newbies. One user, who only played the game’s demo, gushed about the art style: “I’ve been keeping an eye on this because of Yana Toboso’s art. And I’ll admit, I’m also not immune to anime pretty boys.” Relatable. Another joked about the pitch meeting: “How about we turn Disney’s villains into hot guys and put them in a Hogwarts environment? Oh, don’t forget to add isekai too!”—and honestly, that’s probably exactly how it went. The best part? Fans are already debating whether the anime will stay faithful to the game or branch out. Will we get more backstory for the Overblot arcs? Will Yu’s journey diverge from the game’s plot? The speculation is half the fun.

Critics (and even some fans) might side-eye the “Disney meets dark anime” formula, but let’s be honest—this isn’t trying to be Attack on Titan. It’s a guilty pleasure, and it owns it. The animation is smooth, the voice acting (from a star-studded cast, including some Black Butler alums) is on point, and the soundtrack? Imagine Disney’s classic scores got a gothic remix—chef’s kiss. Sure, the pacing is a bit rushed, and the world-building could use more breathing room, but for a first episode, it’s a solid start.

Here’s the tea: If you’re a fan of the game, you’ll probably love seeing your favorite characters come to life. If you’re new? You’ll be confused (in the best way) and low-key obsessed with the character designs. And if you’re just here for the drama? The rivalries between the dormitories—like Heartslabyul’s rule-obsessed students vs. Savanaclaw’s brute-force crew—are already shaping up to be iconic.

Is Twisted-Wonderland The Animation perfect? No. But is it a fun, stylish addition to Disney’s growing anime lineup? Absolutely. It’s the kind of show you watch with snacks, a group chat open, and zero expectations—except to see hot guys in fancy uniforms cast spells and argue about tea parties. And let’s be real, in a world full of heavy anime, sometimes that’s exactly what we need.

So, should you watch it? If you like magic schools, pretty boys, or Disney villains with a twist—yes. If you’re looking for a slow-burn character study? Maybe skip. But for everyone else? Grab your phone (or remote), settle in, and get ready to be twisted.

P.S. If you’re already hooked, the second episode drops next week—and judging by the fan theories, it’s gonna be wild. Let’s just hope the pacing slows down enough to let us enjoy those pretty boy faces a little longer.

— A fellow anime fan who’s now considering downloading the game (rip phone storage)