Story by Tomoya Kashiwamura
In this exclusive interview with Animate Times, Yohei Azakami-san, the voice of Enma Yuken, the protagonist of “Disney Twisted-Wonderland The Animation” Season 1, discusses the unique highlights of this anime adaptation. Enma Yuuken is a high school boy mysteriously transported to the magical world of Twisted-Wonderland.
“Disney Twisted-Wonderland The Animation” begins its exclusive streaming on Disney+ starting Wednesday, October 29th.
Following Season 1, “Episode of Heartslabyul,” Seasons 2 and 3 have been confirmed as “Episode of Savanaclaw” and “Episode of Octavinelle,” respectively. The series features characters inspired by the beloved…
Story by Tomoya Kashiwamura
In this exclusive interview with Animate Times, Yohei Azakami-san, the voice of Enma Yuken, the protagonist of “Disney Twisted-Wonderland The Animation” Season 1, discusses the unique highlights of this anime adaptation. Enma Yuuken is a high school boy mysteriously transported to the magical world of Twisted-Wonderland.
“Disney Twisted-Wonderland The Animation” begins its exclusive streaming on Disney+ starting Wednesday, October 29th.
Following Season 1, “Episode of Heartslabyul,” Seasons 2 and 3 have been confirmed as “Episode of Savanaclaw” and “Episode of Octavinelle,” respectively. The series features characters inspired by the beloved villains from Disney.
What Makes Villains Captivating: The Allure of Exploring the Path to Darkness
──First, I’d like to ask about your initial impression when you first heard about “Disney Twisted Wonderland” (hereafter, Twisted). Were you already familiar with this work, Azakami-san?
Azakami: Of course, I was aware of the project. I hadn’t really encountered many works that feature villains as the central motif, so I thought this would definitely become popular.
Disney’s villains are all so charming, and there are many villains that I personally love. The idea of a world where these characters exist as cool, compelling figures—well, that sounded incredibly entertaining to me. So I’ve been looking forward to this work since it was first announced.
Each of these characters has their own appeal, so I think the series will resonate with all kinds of different people depending on their preferences.
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──What aspects of villains do you personally find most appealing?
Azakami: Well, that’s... difficult to explain, but there’s a distinction between villains who are simply antagonists and villains who have a proper backstory, right? Villains as a narrative role are certainly important, and I grew up watching them portrayed that way.
From an actor’s perspective, I really believe that unless you carefully explore how and why a character became a villain, you can’t portray them with the depth and care they deserve.
When you think about the reasons that lead someone to villainy, the more you learn, the more fascinating they become. That desire to dig deeper—I think that’s where the true appeal of villains lies.
──The worldview born from Villains’ mysterious atmosphere is truly one of its charms, isn’t it?
Azakami: Since the story takes place at Night Raven College, a magical academy where characters inspired by Disney Villains study, I personally love how it has such a suspicious and mysterious atmosphere to its world.
I do enjoy the bright and pop-like works I’ve been watching since childhood, but I genuinely feel a strong attraction to villains, so I’ve always been curious about the worldview created by characters inspired by them.
While the atmosphere may be dim, the characters are incredibly pop and have strong personalities. They’re all cool. So I think the eerie and suspicious vibes shine in a positive direction.
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──Such a captivating story woven by characters inspired by Disney Villains is now being depicted as animation. How did you feel when you were cast as Yuken Enma?
Azakami: The game was approaching its fifth anniversary, so I was wondering if I’d ever get the chance to be involved with this project. It’s an animation based on the manga, of course, but being able to step into this world just like Yuken Enma was truly exciting for me.
The Heart Behind Portraying Yuken Enma
──At the AnimeJapan 2025 stage, you described Yuken Enma as “a straightforward and sincere man.” Could you tell us again about the character you’re playing?
Azakami: What’s appealing about Yuken Enma is that he doesn’t waver, so I made sure to keep that in mind during my performance.
He stumbles into Twisted Wonderland without understanding anything, but he doesn’t get flustered and stays true to himself. Most people would become sad or angry when they realize they can’t go home right away, but he adapts quickly.
You might wonder, “Is this guy naturally easygoing?” The more you dig, the more interesting he becomes as a character. Since the Heartslabyul dorm members are all incredibly quirky, I think having a straightforward character like Yuken Enma really allows their individuality to shine even brighter.
──You also commented that you’re “enjoying the world of ‘Twisted’ from Yuken Enma’s perspective.” What aspects of the world do you think connect to the unique enjoyment of that perspective?
Azakami: Since I’m going there as Yuken Enma, I intentionally didn’t study the deeper truths of this world or what lies beneath. I felt like I was adventuring alongside him—performing with that sense of excitement and wonder, like “There’s this kind of world and magic!” and trying to enjoy this otherworld.
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──Were there any challenges in playing Yuken Enma? Are there any memorable directions from the staff?
Azakami: There are quite a few comedic scenes, and I found it difficult to balance whether Yuken Enma should go along with them or remain calm and composed. I also discussed the aspects where there are slight comedic elements born from his straightforward personality with the director and sound director.
──It seems like it would be tough for Yuken Enma, given his personality, to manage such quirky dorm members.
Azakami: Especially Ace Trappola and Deuce Spade are so noisy (laughs). Since Yuken Enma is also the prefect, I performed while considering that balance—being conscious of his position while watching those two.
──What if you yourself were thrown into that situation, Azakami-san...?
Azakami: I think I’d panic. Actually, while playing Yuken Enma, there were scenes where I thought “he should be more surprised here,” and I performed it quite dramatically, but the director told me, “You’re a bit too surprised.” That’s when I realized, “Ah, so that’s Yuken Enma’s personality.”
──What kind of personality?
Azakami: Rather than being surprised by the world of Twisted Wonderland, he’s thinking about getting back to the real world as soon as possible because he has an important kendo tournament coming up. I think that’s part of his charm and what makes him interesting.
──From Yuken Enma’s perspective, life with such unique dorm members must be tough, but as a fantasy-loving viewer, it’s exciting.
Azakami: The characters certainly have strong personalities, but they all seem kind, and there are probably secrets about the school too. I can easily imagine exploring those secrets with someone and getting scolded. I was also a mischievous kid in elementary school. We tried things like making a non-working elevator work (laughs).
I’ve always had a longing for dorm life. Going to school together, learning together, eating together. And being able to learn magic in a fantasy setting? Nothing but excitement. Once you get used to that world, I think it would be nothing but fun.
──If you were summoned to Twisted Wonderland, Azakami-san, what would you want to do in there?
Azakami: I’d definitely want to sneak into places we’re told are absolutely forbidden with friends, and search for and interact with creatures that don’t exist in the real world, like Grim.
The Heartslabyul Dormitory Students Who Bring Color to Season 1
──Many dorms and their members will appear, starting with Heartslabyul dorm. Are there any dorms where you think you could manage well?
Azakami: Heartslabyul dorm, after all the problems are solved and things have calmed down a bit (laughs).
Everyone: (Laughs)
Azakami: And Savanaclaw, since I like “The Lion King”.
──Season 1, “Episode of Heartslabyul,” depicts interactions with Heartslabyul dorm members, and in the early episodes, you mainly interact with Ace Trappola and Deuce Spade.
Azakami: Deuce Spade seems like he’s always the tsukkomi to Ace Trappola’s boke and appears very responsible, but his grades are really bad, and he’s quick to fight. I found that contrast interesting.
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Ace Trappola seems like the type who easily makes enemies. But that aspect of him has a charm where you can watch him and just think, “well, it can’t be helped” or “good grief,” He’s just annoying enough without being truly irritating. Voice actor (Seiichiro) Yamashita-kun plays him wonderfully, I think.
Both Ace Trappola and Deuce Spade seem to complement each other’s roles, which I find wonderful. As Yuken Enma, I have this feeling of wanting to watch over them warmly.
──In addition to those two, Yuken Enma also interacts deeply with Grim.
Azakami: Just watching Grim move so cutely was healing. Grim acts a bit tough because of his loneliness, which creates this irresistible cuteness. He’s such an appealing character that makes you think, “I’m glad Yuken Enma is there for him.”
──Could you also share your impressions of fellow Heartslabyul dorm members Trey Clover and Cater Diamond?
Azakami: Since Yuken Enma interacted frequently with Ace Trappola and Deuce Spade, I got the impression that third-years Trey Clover and Cater Diamond were reliable upperclassmen.
They calm Riddle Rosehearts down while also covering for each other. I felt they’ve built a really good relationship.
Because Riddle Rosehearts has such a strong personality, these two seem to somewhat ease the tension of Heartslabyul dorm.
──Indeed, they have a different charm from the two first-years.
Azakami: Trey Clover’s relationship with Riddle Rosehearts creates a certain sadness. The melancholic expression of this upperclassman really gets to you, and that’s Trey Clover’s appeal, I think.
Cater Diamond is easygoing, so while he’s hard to read, he also has this kindness. Despite being carefree, he can stay calm when it matters. He’s actually the most reliable presence here.
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──And a major axis of Season 1 is the presence of Riddle Rosehearts, the housewarden of Heartslabyul. What are your thoughts on his character?
Azakami: From the start, I think he’s a character you can’t quite figure out. Since he’s a character who values the strange laws created by the Queen of Hearts, there was this fear of “Can we even have a conversation?” or “Will communication work?”
──What did you think of Natsuki Hanae-san’s performance as Riddle Rosehearts?
Azakami: Hanae-kun, when playing Riddle Rosehearts, was truly lively. Even during his “Urgggg!” scenes, the director would often say, “That’s a bit too much” (laughs).
Everyone: (Laughs)
Azakami: Hanae-kun and I are the same age with the same career length. We’ve often gone out to eat and talked together, but his voice is really charming—or rather, he himself has this straightforward quality, and I got the impression that he was skillfully and joyfully playing Riddle Rosehearts.
──At the AnimeJapan 2025 stage, Hanae-san praised your voice as perfect for Yuken Enma.
Azakami: This production features many people from the same generation with nearly identical career paths. Even if we used to hold back around each other when we were younger, fumbling our way through, at this age we’ve become good rivals and good confidants to one another. I myself have a bit of a self-deprecating streak, so it’s only now, at this age, that I’ve finally been able to accept the words these people say to me with a simple “thank you.”
──What was the overall atmosphere like at the recording sessions?
Azakami: Everyone made small talks, and recording progressed in a really friendly atmosphere. Everyone being close in age created that approachability, which I think made for a good atmosphere.
Yuken Enma has a serious and straightforward personality, but during test recordings I’d throw in ad-libs and play around a bit, which was really fun. Most of them got rejected though (laughs).
Everyone: (Laughs)
Azakami: The atmosphere was such that I could make the surrounding voice actors laugh or slightly tease their performances—that really left an impression on me.
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Animation That Surpasses All Expectations and Predictions
──What did you think when you saw the completed work?
Azakami: The visuals are truly beautiful, and since there are so many things that don’t exist in the real world, I felt attention to detail even in things like sound effects. Particularly, the sound of the magic Riddle Rosehearts casts on Grim felt like a fantasy sound to me and left an impression.
The visuals support our performances, and conversely our performances support the world—from the first episode I felt this really good synergy, or harmony, so please really look forward to it.
──Oh! We’ll need to focus our eyes and ears so we don’t miss any details.
Azakami: In the first episode, I think you’ll be amazed at how many unique characters there are, each modeled after Disney villains.
In “Episode of Heartslabyul,” the combination of Ace Trappola and Deuce Spade, who interact frequently, is heartwarming, and I think that becomes a kind of salvation for Yuken Enma.
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──Not only Season 1, but production of Seasons 2 and 3 has also been confirmed, and many dorm members from other dorms will appear, which is exciting. Are there any characters you’re curious about or that you like, Azakami-san?
Azakami: I’m curious about Jack Howl from Savanaclaw dorm, played by (Taito) Ban-kun, because he’s just too capable. Because everyone is modeled after villains, they all have their own personalities and characteristics, but Jack Howl is straightforward and kind—or rather, he’s actually watching everyone carefully. I sense something that connects with Yuken Enma.
His profile says he “dislikes getting close to others,” but even in the first episode there’s a scene where you glimpse Jack Howl’s kindness. Because of things like that, I’m curious about him and want to see more of his different sides.
──Thank you. Finally, could you give a message to those looking forward to the broadcast?
Azakami: Even though expectations are already sky-high after seeing the PV, I believe it’s perfectly fine to elevate them further. The anticipation for “Twisted” to become an animation is immense, and there are no flaws in the visuals, music, or performances. I strongly sense that the staff and cast fully grasp and are dedicated to their respective roles, so I genuinely think it will surpass everyone’s predictions. Please look forward to it with great anticipation.
About “Disney Twisted Wonderland: The Animation”
Season 1 “Episode of Heartslabyul” Exclusively Streaming on Disney+ from October 2025
©2025 DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Story
Inspired by Disney Villains, a dark fantasy animation introduces Yuuken, a high school student who unexpectedly finds himself at Night Raven College, a prestigious magic training school with seven dormitories. His new life in this alternate world begins as he visits Heartslabyul Dorm with Grim, a monster he met at the school. There, they encounter Riddle, the dorm leader feared as the “Crimson Tyrant,” who rigorously enforces the rules of the Queen of Hearts upon the dorm members.
Why did Riddle become such a strict tyrant? Through his interactions with Yuuken and the others, the destiny of the dorm members, previously constrained by these rules, slowly begins to transform.
Cast
Heartslabyul Dorm Riddle Rosehearts: Natsuki Hanae Ace Trappola: Seiichiro Yamashita Deuce Spade: Chiaki Kobayashi Trey Clover: Ryota Suzuki Cater Diamond: Tatsuyuki Kobayashi
Savanaclaw Dorm Leona Kingscholar: Yuichiro Umehara Jack Howl: Taito Ban Ruggie Bucchi: Aoi Ichikawa
Octavinelle Dorm Azul Ashengrotto: Atsushi Tamaru Jade Leech: Wataru Komada Floyd Leech: Nobuhiko Okamoto
Scarabia Dorm Kalim Al-Asim: Kazuki Furuta Jamil Viper: Kaname Futaba
Pomefiore Dorm Vil Schoenheit: Hiroki Aiba Epel Felmier: Shimba Tsuchiya Rook Hunt: Yojiro Itokawa
Ignihyde Dorm Idia Shroud: Kouki Uchiyama Ortho Shroud: Shota Aoi
Diasomnia Dorm Malleus Draconia: Kazuki Kato Lilia Vanrouge: Hikaru Midorikawa Silver: Nobunaga Shimazaki Sebek Zigvolt: Haruki Ishiya
Night Raven College Staff Dire Crowley: Mitsuru Miyamoto Divus Crewel: Kento Ito Mozus Trein: Rikiya Koyama Ashton Vargas: Ryota Takeuchi Sam: Subaru Kimura
Other The Dark Mirror: Kenyu Horiuchi Che’nya: Kento Hama Yuken Enma: Yohei Azakami Grim: Noriaki Sugiyama
(C)2025 DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.