The series is set to debut in July 2026.
Ahead of its July 2026 premiere, the upcoming fantasy romance drama anime “Though I Am an Inept Villainess” has released its first full-length trailer. The new preview video shows off the two main characters whose bodies get swapped. Moreover, it also unveiled four new voice actors who are joining the series’ cast. The anime was previously slated for an April release, but was postponed.
Though I Am an Inept Villainess new cast, staff, and other details
The new cast members joining the anime are:
- Makoto Furukawa as Ei Gyōmei
Cast comment (machine translated):
I will be voicing Ei Gyōmei. Expressing Gyōmei's strong emotions and the magnitude of his position through voice is challenging, but I think it will be very interesting to experience this story from his perspective as he is greatly influenced by Reirin and Keigetsu. I would love for you to see the animation as well. Thank you.
- Yūichiro Umehara as Shin-u
Cast comment (machine translated):
This is a heartwarming story about the strength of the women who appear in it and the friendships that develop between them. I am delighted to be able to play Shin-u, one of the men by their side. He is a loyal retainer who oversees the imperial harem, and he is a sharp-witted and physically gifted individual. I will do my best to portray him. I hope you will enjoy this story in which various motives intertwine, set against the backdrop of the imperial harem.
- Hana Hishikawa as Riirii
Cast comment (machine translated):
I'm Hana Hishikawa, and I'll be playing the role of Riirii! I love Reirin, who overcomes any adversity with her inherent fighting spirit, and I'm so happy to be entrusted with the role of Riirii, who supports her. I'll do my best with great love! I hope you'll join me in watching over everyone living in the world of Though I Am an Inept Villainess. Thank you!!
- Farahnaz Nikray as Kō Tōsetsu
Cast comment (machine translated):
I'm Farahnaz Nikray, and I play the role of Kō Tōsetsu. Tōsetsu is the chief lady-in-waiting to Lady Reirin, serving her with all her heart and soul, to the point of excessive love. She's calm and collected, but surprisingly (?) a skilled fighter. I'm truly happy to be able to play such a contrasting character. Please enjoy the wonderful drama woven by Reirin, Keigetsu, and the characters around them! As a fan myself, I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product! I'll be watching it while eating mooncakes, Tōsetsu's favorite food.
Previously announced main cast members of the anime include:
- Manaka Iwami as Kou Reirin
- Natsumi Kawaida as Shu Keigetsu
Mitsuke Yamazaki directs the anime at Doga Kobo, with Yoshiko Nakamura handling series composition. Ai Kikuchi designs the characters for the series. Other production staff members include:
- Colour Key Artist: Kei Ishiguro
- Art Director: Seina Yaguchi
- Compositing Director of Photography: Yui Fukuoka
- Editing: Mutsumi Takemiya
- Music: Yukari Hashimoto
- Casting: Makoto Tanimura
- Sound Effects: Yuika Shiraishi
- Audio-Recording Engineer: Toshihiro Hayano
- Recording Assistant: Ryō Kaneko
- Sound Production: Tohokushinsha Film Corporation
The anime is based on the light novel series of the same name written by Satsuki Nakamura which originally began publishing in the Shōsetsuka ni Narō website in July 2020. Ichijinsha began publishing it in print in December of the same year with illustrations by YukiKana. A manga adaptation illustrated by Ei Ohitsuji began publishing in the Monthly Comic Zero Sum magazine in December 2020. Seven Seas Entertainment publishes both the novel and the manga in English, and describes the story as:
In the Kingdom of Ei, five clans put forth their maidens as imperial consorts—but only one will be crowned empress. Just when frail and beautiful “court butterfly” Kou Reirin seems poised to marry the crown prince, jealous “court rat” Shu Keigetsu steals her body! Reirin wakes up in the dungeons as the conspirator, and things look dire…or do they? Now that she’s got a robust new body, not even the looming threat of execution can stop her!