by Season 1 of the animation “Disney Twisted Wonderland The Animation,” “Episode of Heartslabyul,” will be exclusively distributed on Disney+ from October 29th.
This dark fantasy animation features characters inspired by the charm of Disney villains. The school adventure game “Disney Twisted Wonderland,” which inspired the animation, was created by Yana Toboso, a manga artist best known for “Black Butler,” who handled the original concept, main story, and character design.
Its unique Disney-villain essence and detailed, magic-school setting have garnered significant attention. We interviewed Seiichiro Yamashita, who continues to voice Ace Trappola, and Chiaki Kobayashi, who voices Deuce Spade. We asked them about the appeal of this animated film, the relationship between Ace Trappola and Deuce Spade, their favorite characters, and which dorm they’d like to attend.
The world of “Twisted Wonderland” is now connected through animation. Please share your thoughts on the decision to make it into an animation. Yamashita: We received a lot of positive feedback from the game’s release, so I had a vague hope that it would be adapted into an animation someday. When it was actually confirmed, I thought, “It’s finally here!” I was so happy when I heard the news. I’m sure there will be some hurdles to overcome, but the excitement outweighs the pressure. Kobayashi: I’m also really looking forward to it. I love “Twisted Wonderland” both as an actor and personally, so I feel like my wish has come true.
In the game, each player has their own image of the “Chief Prefect,” and it’s interesting to see that image animated —but this time it’s just an animation of the comics.” I was so happy that the worlds of each Twisted Wonderland were connected. Not only will this opportunity help people learn about “Disney Twisted Wonderland,” but I’m also pleased that it will broaden the audience and spark interest among players who haven’t read the comics. So, it was a “long-cherished wish come true.” Did Kobayashi-san, like Yamashita-san, look forward to the animated version? Kobayashi: When you think of Disney, you think of top-class animation not only in Japan but around the world. I think it’s fair to say that this is “long-awaited” and “born to be born.”
I think anime fans have high expectations, and I feel the same way. You’ve been reprising the roles of Ace Trappola and Deuce Spade, who first appeared in the story. You’ve played these characters for many years, but when you reprised the roles of the two in their early days, did your impressions or acting change? Yamashita: Rather than repeating the performances from about five or six years ago, I focused on facing them again, and as a result, I was able to get closer to Ace and Deuce than before.
It’s a bit backwards-looking, but because I learned so much about them through the game, my ability to interpret things has improved, like, “Ace must have been thinking this at that time.” It was precisely because they grew in the game that I was able to rediscover their origins. It was also a chance to get revenge on my previous performances, which had left me feeling frustrated, thinking, “I should have done this more” or “I could have done more,” so it was a lot of fun to act. And one thing that is clearly different from the game’s portrayal is the presence of “Enman Yuuken” in the story.
Through my interactions with Azagami Yohei, I was able to sense the feelings of Ace and Deuce that I hadn’t known before. Kobayashi: What I realized when I played Deuce Spade again in the animation was that even though the student council president has become “Enman Yuuken,” their relationship as “mabu” remains unchanged.
They clash, and through that their bond deepens, and despite all their arguments, they settle down and say, “Let’s work hard together!” It makes me happy to think that this relationship has continued for so long. When I first started appearing, I was in the “Disney. ” I didn’t know how “Twisted Wonderland” would unfold, and I wasn’t told anything about the changes in Ace and Deuce, but it seems like even five or six years have passed, and their fundamentals haven’t changed. As for my acting, I auditioned and passed when I was younger, so I acted while remembering how I felt back then.
I’ve experienced a variety of situations over the past five or six years, and my acting range has expanded, but if I were to use those new skills, it wouldn’t be Deuce Spade. Before recording this time, I listened back to the game’s audio and made sure to remember the feelings I had while acting. You mentioned their relationship, but what does Deuce mean to Ace, and what does Ace mean to Deuce? I’d also like to hear the thoughts of the two actors. Yamashita: Some of you may already know this, but even in the animation, I thought, “They’re such a mismatch” (laughs). I believe they are as opposite as the black and white characters in Othello or the north and south poles of a magnet. But perhaps it’s the “scriptwriting skills” that make it so.
The story is written in a way that makes this relationship endearing, and I think the phrase “the more we fight, the better” fits their relationship perfectly. And there’s certainly a charm that only these two can bring out. Honestly, Ace looks down on Deuce a little (laughs). Having shown off to someone who looked down on him, his competitive spirit is ignited, as if he “can’t lose.” Deuce Spade is essential to fully expressing that side of him, and Ace Trappola’s charm. Kobayashi: I feel like Deuce has similar feelings. He’s aware of his inferiority complex about not being good at getting things done and studying, which makes him feel inferior, but Ace is the opposite. He’s intelligent and resourceful.
While Deuce wants to be the “honor student” he wants to be, Ace can’t. He feels frustrated and jealous, thinking, “If I were in your position, I could get closer to my ideal.” But that’s what makes them “not adults.” While adults might be able to accept things, these two are immature students. When their insecurities are aroused, they give in to anger and do crazy things, and that energy is a privilege of young people.
As Yamashita said, it’s their rebellion that creates the drama and brings out the charm of their unique relationship. Yamashita: I’ve always said this in interviews, but personally, I feel closer to Deuce than Ace. So, when I put myself in Deuce’s shoes, I think about the things and tone of voice I wouldn’t want to hear said to me, and I use that to help me create the character of Ace (laughs). Kobayashi: The story is set in a school in another world, but the relationships are life-sized, and you can even imagine yourself in the characters. That’s what makes the work so appealing.
Yamashita: The work’s original theme is that it features characters inspired by villains. You don’t have to be overly friendly. Kobayashi: It’s not like they’re going to join hands (laughs). Yamashita: Dear Crowley also says in the film, “Because they’re so talented, they all have strong egos and no unity.” It’s because they’re so self-centered that they clash, which is interesting.
That’s the charm of this film, which continues from the game. Which characters do Seiichiro Yamashita and Chiaki Kobayashi like to play? Ace and Deuce’s interactions give us a glimpse into their personalities. Are there any memorable exchanges or lines you particularly enjoyed? Yamashita: It’s the scene where I first meet and talk with Yuuken in front of the statue of the Great Seven. Ace and Deuce are already at odds, and then Grimm, a bombshell, drops, and things take a turn for the worse. It follows the same flow as the game, but it was still fun to act it out again.
I also had nostalgia for the narration explaining the Great Seven. In Twisted Wonderland, the seven villains are considered “great men,” but this scene shows that they’re different from how we perceive them. For example, Scar is the “king of hard work,” and Ursula’s “life’s purpose is to save mermaids.” I also found that Twisted Wonderland’s interpretation was fascinating. Kobayashi: For me, the scene Yamashita mentioned is precisely correct. When acting, I’m often told to “think about the context of the scene,” and I thought that in that scene, the two of them didn’t suddenly appear at the same time.
They had been arguing for some reason, and by chance, they happened to come across Yuken looking at the statue. They’re probably not feeling irritated or anything positive, but they’re explaining with such enthusiasm. Ace is excited about teaching someone ignorant. Deuce, as an honor student, is so kind that he tries to teach someone he doesn’t know. It really represented their personalities, and it was interesting. Yamashita: Ace was talking with such a smug look on his face (laughs). Kobayashi: That’s right! “You don’t even know this? This is what it means!” he said with such pride (laughs).
The animation made their expressions easier to read, and the scene really brought out their personalities. What is the core of what you focus on when playing Ace and Deuce? Yamashita: Perhaps “flexibility.” Ace is a character who’s good at reading the mood and creating the right one. It’s something he’s born with, and he can match his energy to anyone. Not only does he interact with Deuce, but he also battles with the chaotic Grimm and sometimes even leads the flow.
That “flexibility” is definitely one of his core qualities. In that sense, I keep in the back of my mind not to assume that “Ace Trappola has this kind of voice.” Even if he makes a completely unexpected sound, that reaction is also part of Ace’s flexibility. It expresses who he is. Kobayashi: The core of Deuce Spade is “filial piety.” He strives to be an honor student and aspires to become a police officer, all because of the parents who raised him.
Even so, he does occasionally show a hint of his bad side (laughs), but he’s able to hold it in because he can see his mother’s face in his mind. I can relate to how much he cares for his parents, so I keep that in mind when I’m acting. Aside from the characters you play, who are your favorite characters? Yamashita: There are many, but I like Principal Dear Crowley the most. Everything about him from his appearance and character to Miyamoto Mitsuru’s acting —gives off an exquisite sense of shadyness (laughs).
However, with this animation, the eyes peeking out from under the mask are more expressive, and there’s more to read into him. His manners and behavior are more highly detailed, and his charm has doubled, so I thought once again, “He’s excellent.” Kobayashi: Other than Deuce, I like Ace. No matter how much he says mean things to you, he always ends up interfering in your affairs, and until the very last moment, he was with Deuce. Even though they used to be on the fence, when it came to battle, he would trust me and rely on me. Seeing that, I couldn’t help but find him endearing, and even adorable (laughs). Ace’s expressions have become more expressive in animation, and coupled with Yamashita’s voice, I’ve grown to like him even more.
This film features seven dormitories based on the “spirit” of each of the Great Seven. Each has its own unique characteristics, and students are assigned to suitable dormitories upon enrollment. Which dormitories do you think you’ll end up in, or which dormitories do you hope to join? Yamashita: Hmm, I wonder! A safe bet would be Scarabia (laughs). But in terms of what suits me, or what I’m interested in, I’d be Ignihyde. I love games. But I’d like to join Pomefiore Dorm to improve myself. Singing and dancing are essential for this job, and I often struggle with them because of my lack of experience… so I’d like to train at Pomefiore Dorm. It would encourage an interest in beauty, even if I don’t want to, and it would also be good for my health.
I want to put myself in a challenging environment and become more beautiful both physically and mentally (laughs). Kobayashi: I suggest Octavinelle Dorm. I don’t want to make Azul Ashengrotto my enemy (laughs). There’s a lot I can learn just by being around Azul. Academic and work habits would be helpful when I enter society. Also, Octavinelle Dorm is often described as having “bad public order,” but the residents aren’t bad.
Overall, I’d have a fun school life if I were to move in. Yamashita: I’m the scariest of all the Twisted Wonderland characters, so I don’t think Octavinelle Dorm would be a good choice (laughs). But Chiaki has a natural ability to win people over, so she’d do well! Kobayashi: Thank you (laughs). So, from your perspective, which dorm would be a good fit for you? Kobayashi: I think Pomefiore Dorm would be a good choice, but… I don’t know about Ignihyde Dorm, which you mentioned in the conversation. I’ve known Yamashita-san for a long time, so I know his personality pretty well, but he doesn’t actively go out unless I ask him.
The Ignihyde dorm is very individualistic, so if he went there, Yamashita-san’s introverted nature would only accelerate! There’s a risk that he’ll end his student life without interacting with others, so I’d like him to go to a dorm like Pomefiore or Savanaclaw, which values cooperation (laughs). After graduation, he’ll be able to invite people out to dinner! Yamashita: That’s a really realistic opinion, I’m surprised (laughs). I’m also amazed that the Heartslabyul dorm, where Deuce Spade and Ace Trappola belong, hasn’t been mentioned yet… (laughs). Yamashita: I’m not good at memorizing things (laughs). Kobayashi: Is that the reason!? (laughs) But it’s true, it would be impossible to learn all 810 rules. Yamashita: Riddle Rosehearts is scary, too. He’d be uncontrollable if he got angry… Kobayashi: Riddle changes the “commotion” in Chapter 1. You can make a first impression, or you can wait to see how things develop, but I hope viewers will be excited to watch the animation and say things like, “I want to enter this dorm.”
[Staff] General Director/Series Composition: Takahiro Natori Director/Shin Katakai Main Writer/Yoichi Kato Character Design: Hanako Nakano, Akane Sato Sub-Character Design: Aki Tsunaki Color Design: Nagisa Abe Art Director/Hiroki Matsumoto 3DCG Director/Kazuya Oya Director of Photography/Takao Saito Editing/Michi Takigawa Sound Director/Miho Sugawara Music/Takumi Ozawa Music Production/Aniplex Opening Theme/Night Ravens “Piece of my world” Animation Production/Yumeta Company x Graphinica
[Cast] Riddle Rosehearts: Natsuki Hanae Ace Trappola: Seiichiro Yamashita Deuce Spade: Chiaki Kobayashi Trey Clover: Ryota Suzuki Kate Diamond: Tatsuyuki Kobayashi Leona Kingscholar: Yuichiro Umehara Jack Howl: Yasuto Saka Ruggie Butch: Ao Ichikawa Azure Ashengrotto: Tamaru Atsushi, Jade Leech: Wataru Komada, Floyd Leech: Nobuhiko Okamoto, Karim Al-Azim: Kazuki Furuta, Jamil Viper: Kaname Futaba, Vill Schoenheit: Yuki Aiba, Epel Felmier: Kamiba Tsuchiya, Luke Hunt: Yoshiro Itokawa, Idea Shroud: Kouki Uchiyama, Orto Shroud: Shota Aoi, Malleus Draconia: Kazuki Kato, Lilia Vanrouge: Hikaru Midorikawa, Silver: Nobunaga Shimazaki (the surname “崎” is pronounced “tatsusaki” (tatsusaki)), Sebek Zigvolt: Haruki Ishitani, Enman Yuken: Yohei Azagami, Grimm: Noriaki Sugiyama, Dear Crowley: Mitsuru Miyamoto, Davis Crewell: Taketo Ito, Moses Train: Rikiya Koyama, Ashton Vargas: Ryota Takeuchi, Sam: Subaru Kimura, Mirror of Darkness: Horiuchi Kenyu Chenya: Hama Kento “Disney Twisted Wonderland The Animation” Season 1 “Episode of Heartslabyul” (C) 2025 DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC. Exclusively available on Disney+ from October 29thAvailable exclusively on Disney+ from October 29thAvailable exclusively on Disney+ from October 29th(laughs) But it’s true that it’s impossible to understand all 810 rules. Yamashita: Riddle Rosehearts is scary, too. He’s uncontrollable when he gets angry… Kobayashi: But Riddle will change after the “incident” in Chapter 1. You can make a first impression, or you can wait to see how things develop, but I hope viewers will be excited after watching the animation and talking about things like “I want to live in this dorm.” [Staff] General Director/Series Composition: Takahiro Natori Director/Shin Katakai Main Writer/Yoichi Kato Character Design: Hanako Nakano, Akane Sato Sub-Character Design: Aki Tsunaki Color Design: Nagisa Abe Art Director/Hiroki Matsumoto 3DCG Director/Kazuya Oya Director of Photography/Takao Saito Editing/Michi Takigawa Sound Director/Miho Sugawara Music/Takumi Ozawa Music Production/Aniplex Opening Theme/Night Ravens “Piece of my world” Animation Production/Yumeta Company x Graphinica [Cast] Riddle Rosehearts: Natsuki Hanae Ace Trappola: Seiichiro Yamashita Deuce Spade: Chiaki Kobayashi Trey Clover: Ryota Suzuki Kate Diamond: Tatsuyuki Kobayashi Leona Kingscholar: Yuichiro Umehara Jack Howl: Yasuto Saka Ruggie Butch: Ao Ichikawa Azure Ashengrotto: Tamaru Atsushi, Jade Leech: Wataru Komada, Floyd Leech: Nobuhiko Okamoto, Karim Al-Azim: Kazuki Furuta, Jamil Viper: Kaname Futaba, Vill Schoenheit: Yuki Aiba, Epel Felmier: Kamiba Tsuchiya, Luke Hunt: Yoshiro Itokawa, Idea Shroud: Kouki Uchiyama, Orto Shroud: Shota Aoi, Malleus Draconia: Kazuki Kato, Lilia Vanrouge: Hikaru Midorikawa, Silver: Nobunaga Shimazaki (the surname “崎” is pronounced “tatsusaki” (tatsusaki)), Sebek Zigvolt: Haruki Ishitani, Enman Yuken: Yohei Azagami, Grimm: Noriaki Sugiyama, Dear Crowley: Mitsuru Miyamoto, Davis Crewell: Taketo Ito, Moses Train: Rikiya Koyama, Ashton Vargas: Ryota Takeuchi, Sam: Subaru Kimura, Mirror of Darkness: Horiuchi Kenyu Chenya: Hama Kento “Disney Twisted Wonderland The Animation” Season 1 “Episode of Heartslabyul” (C) 2025 DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC. Exclusively available on Disney+ from October 29th(laughs) But it’s true that it’s impossible to understand all 810 rules. Yamashita: Riddle Rosehearts is scary, too. He’s uncontrollable when he gets angry… Kobayashi: But Riddle will change after the “incident” in Chapter 1. You can make a first impression, or you can wait to see how things develop, but I hope viewers will be excited after watching the animation and talking about things like “I want to live in this dorm.” [Staff] General Director/Series Composition: Takahiro Natori Director/Shin Katakai Main Writer/Yoichi Kato Character Design: Hanako Nakano, Akane Sato Sub-Character Design: Aki Tsunaki Color Design: Nagisa Abe Art Director/Hiroki Matsumoto 3DCG Director/Kazuya Oya Director of Photography/Takao Saito Editing/Michi Takigawa Sound Director/Miho Sugawara Music/Takumi Ozawa Music Production/Aniplex Opening Theme/Night Ravens “Piece of my world” Animation Production/Yumeta Company x Graphinica [Cast] Riddle Rosehearts: Natsuki Hanae Ace Trappola: Seiichiro Yamashita Deuce Spade: Chiaki Kobayashi Trey Clover: Ryota Suzuki Kate Diamond: Tatsuyuki Kobayashi Leona Kingscholar: Yuichiro Umehara Jack Howl: Yasuto Saka Ruggie Butch: Ao Ichikawa Azure Ashengrotto: Tamaru Atsushi, Jade Leech: Wataru Komada, Floyd Leech: Nobuhiko Okamoto, Karim Al-Azim: Kazuki Furuta, Jamil Viper: Kaname Futaba, Vill Schoenheit: Yuki Aiba, Epel Felmier: Kamiba Tsuchiya, Luke Hunt: Yoshiro Itokawa, Idea Shroud: Kouki Uchiyama, Orto Shroud: Shota Aoi, Malleus Draconia: Kazuki Kato, Lilia Vanrouge: Hikaru Midorikawa, Silver: Nobunaga Shimazaki (the surname “崎” is pronounced “tatsusaki” (tatsusaki)), Sebek Zigvolt: Haruki Ishitani, Enman Yuken: Yohei Azagami, Grimm: Noriaki Sugiyama, Dear Crowley: Mitsuru Miyamoto, Davis Crewell: Taketo Ito, Moses Train: Rikiya Koyama, Ashton Vargas: Ryota Takeuchi, Sam: Subaru Kimura, Mirror of Darkness: Horiuchi Kenyu Chenya: Hama Kento “Disney Twisted Wonderland The Animation” Season 1 “Episode of Heartslabyul” (C) 2025 DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC. Exclusively available on Disney+ from October 29thWe interviewed voice actress Chiaki Kobayashi. She spoke about the appeal of this work, which has finally been made into an animation, the relationship between Ace Trappola and Deuce Spade, their favorite characters, and which dorm they would like to be in.
The world of Twisted Wonderland is now connected through animation—how did you feel about the decision to make it into an animation? Yamashita: Since the game’s initial release, we’ve received a lot of positive feedback, so even back then, I had a vague hope that it would be made into an animation someday. When it was actually confirmed, I thought, “It’s finally here!” I was thrilled when I heard the news. I’m sure there will be some hurdles to overcome, but I felt more excitement than pressure. Kobayashi: I’m also really looking forward to it. I love “Twisted Wonderland” both as an actor and personally, so I feel like my wish has come true. In the game, each player has their own image of the “prefect,” and seeing that image animated and used as a setting is an interesting point, but this time it’s simply an animated version of the comics.
I was thrilled that the worlds of each Twisted Wonderland were connected. I’m glad that this opportunity will not only help people learn about Disney Twisted Wonderland but also broaden its reach, potentially sparking interest among people who have played the games but haven’t read the comics. So, “a wish come true,” did Kobayashi, like Yamashita, have you been looking forward to the animated adaptation? Kobayashi: Disney is synonymous with top-class animation not only in Japan but around the world. I think it’s fair to say that this is “long-awaited” and “born to be.” I’m sure anime fans have high expectations, and I feel the same way. You’ve been reprising the roles of Ace Trappola and Deuce Spade, who first appeared in the story. You’ve played these characters for many years, but did your impression or acting change when you reprised the roles from their early days? Yamashita: Rather than simply repeating your performances from about five or six years ago, I focused on facing them again, and as a result, I feel like I was able to get closer to Ace and Deuce than before. It’s a bit backwards-thinking, but because I got to know them so well through the game, my ability to interpret things improved, like, “This is what Ace must have been thinking at that time.” It felt like I was rediscovering my roots as they grew throughout the game. It was also a chance to get revenge on my previous performances, where I’d felt frustrated, thinking, “I should have done it this way,” or “I could have done it better,” so it was a lot of fun to act. Another clear difference from the game’s portrayal is the presence of “Enman Yuuken” in the story. Through my interactions with Azagami Yohei, I was able to sense feelings of Ace and Deuce that I hadn’t known before. Kobayashi: When I played Deuce Spade again in the animation, I realized that even though the student council president has become “Enman Yuuken,” their relationship as “mabu” remains unchanged.
They clash, but through that, their bond deepens, and despite all their arguments, they settle down and say, “Let’s work hard together!” It made me happy to think that this relationship has continued. When I first started acting, I was in “Disney. ” I didn’t know how “Twisted Wonderland” would unfold, and I wasn’t told anything about the changes in Ace and Deuce, but it seems like even five or six years have passed, and their fundamentals haven’t changed. As for my acting, I auditioned and passed when I was younger, so I acted while remembering how I felt back then. I’ve experienced a variety of different situations over the past five or six years, and I think my acting range has expanded, but if I were to use those new skills to act, it wouldn’t be Deuce Spade. Before recording this time, I listened back to the game’s audio and made sure to remember the feelings I had while acting. You mentioned their relationship, but what does Deuce mean to Ace, and what does Ace mean to Deuce? I’d also like to hear the thoughts of the two actors. Yamashita: Some of you may already know this, but even in the animation, I thought, “They’re such a mismatch” (laughs). I think they’re as opposite as the black and white characters in Othello or the north and south poles of a magnet. But perhaps it’s the “scriptwriting skills” that make it so. The story is written in a way that makes this relationship endearing, and I think the phrase “the more we fight, the better” fits their relationship perfectly. And there’s certainly a charm that only these two can bring out.
Honestly, Ace looks down on Deuce a little (laughs). Having shown off to someone who looked down on him, his competitive spirit is ignited, as if he “can’t lose.” I think Deuce Spade is essential to fully expressing that side of him, and Ace Trappola’s charm. Kobayashi: I feel like Deuce has similar feelings. He’s aware of his inferiority complex about not being good at getting things done and studying, which makes him feel inferior, but Ace is the opposite. He’s intelligent and resourceful. While Deuce wants to be the “honor student” he wants to be, Ace can’t. He feels frustrated and jealous, thinking, “If I were in your position, I could get closer to my ideal.” But that’s what makes them “not adults.” While adults might be able to accept things, these two are immature students. When their insecurities are aroused, they give in to anger and do crazy things, and that energy is a privilege of young people. As Yamashita said, it’s their rebellion that creates the drama and brings out the charm of their unique relationship. Yamashita: I’ve always said this in interviews, but personally, I feel closer to Deuce than Ace. So, when I put myself in Deuce’s shoes, I think about the things and tone of voice I wouldn’t want to hear said to me, and I use that to help me create the character of Ace (laughs).
Kobayashi: The story is set in a school in another world, but the relationships are life-sized, and you can even imagine yourself in the characters. I think that’s what makes the work so appealing. Yamashita: The work’s original theme is that it features characters inspired by villains. You don’t have to be overly friendly. Kobayashi: It’s not like they’re going to join hands (laughs). Yamashita: Dear Crowley also says in the film, “Because they’re so talented, they all have strong egos and no unity.” It’s because they’re so self-centered that they clash, which is interesting.
I also had nostalgia for the narration explaining the Great Seven. In Twisted Wonderland, the seven villains are considered “great men,” but this scene shows that they’re different from how we perceive them. For example, Scar is the “king of hard work,” and Ursula’s “life’s purpose is to save mermaids.” I also found that Twisted Wonderland’s interpretation was fascinating. Kobayashi: For me, the scene Yamashita mentioned is precisely correct. When acting, I’m often told to “think about the context of the scene,” and I thought that in that scene, the two of them didn’t suddenly appear at the same time. They had been arguing for some reason, and by chance, they happened to come across Yuken looking at the statue. They’re probably not feeling irritated or anything positive, but they’re explaining with such enthusiasm. Ace is excited about teaching someone ignorant. Deuce, as an honor student, is so kind that he tries to teach someone he doesn’t know. I thought it really represented their personalities, and it was interesting. Yamashita: Ace was talking with such a smug look on his face (laughs). Kobayashi: That’s right! “You don’t even know this? This is what it means!” he said with such pride (laughs).
The animation made their expressions easier to read, and the scene really brought out their personalities. What is the core of what you focus on when playing Ace and Deuce? Yamashita: Perhaps “flexibility.” Ace is a character who’s good at reading the mood and creating the right one. I feel like it’s something he’s born with, and he can match his energy to anyone. Not only does he interact with Deuce, but he also battles with the chaotic Grimm and sometimes even leads the flow. That “flexibility” is definitely one of his core qualities. In that sense, I keep in the back of my mind not to assume that “Ace Trappola has this kind of voice.”
Even if he makes a completely unexpected sound, that reaction is also part of Ace’s flexibility. It expresses who he is. Kobayashi: The core of Deuce Spade is “filial piety.” He strives to be an honor student and aspires to become a police officer, all because of the parents who raised him. Even so, he does occasionally show a hint of his bad side (laughs), but he’s able to hold it in because he can see his mother’s face in his mind. I can relate to how much he cares for his parents, so I keep that in mind when I’m acting.
Aside from the characters you play, who are your favorite characters? Yamashita: There are many, but I have to say I like Principal Dear Crowley. Everything about him —from his appearance and character to Miyamoto Mitsuru’s acting —gives off an exquisite sense of shadyness (laughs). However, with this animation, the eyes peeking out from under the mask are more expressive, and there’s more to read into him. His manners and behavior are more highly detailed, and his charm has doubled, so I thought once again, “He’s excellent.” Kobayashi: Other than Deuce, I like Ace. No matter how much he says mean things to you, he always ends up interfering in your affairs, and until the very last moment, he was with Deuce. Even though they used to be on the fence, when it came to battle, he would trust me and rely on me. Seeing that, I couldn’t help but find him endearing, and even adorable (laughs). Ace’s expressions have become more expressive in animation, and coupled with Yamashita’s voice, I’ve grown to like him even more.
This film features seven dormitories based on the “spirit” of each of the Great Seven. Each has its own unique characteristics, and students are assigned to suitable dormitories upon enrollment. Which dormitories do you think you’ll end up in, or which dormitories do you hope to join? Yamashita: Hmm, I wonder! A safe bet would be Scarabia (laughs). But in terms of what suits me, or what I’m interested in, I think I’d be Ignihyde. I love games. But I’d like to join Pomefiore Dorm to improve myself. Singing and dancing are essential for this job, and I often struggle with them because of my lack of experience… so I’d like to train at Pomefiore Dorm. It would encourage an interest in beauty, even if I don’t want to, and it would also be good for my health. I want to put myself in a challenging environment and become more beautiful both physically and mentally (laughs). Kobayashi: I suggest Octavinelle Dorm. I don’t want to make Azul Ashengrotto my enemy (laughs). I also think there’s a lot I can learn just by being around Azul. Academic and work habits would be helpful when I enter society. Also, Octavinelle Dorm is often described as having “bad public order,” but the residents aren’t bad.
Overall, I’d have a fun school life if I were to move in. Yamashita: I’m the scariest of all the Twisted Wonderland characters, so I don’t think Octavinelle Dorm would be a good choice (laughs). But Chiaki has a natural ability to win people over, so she’d do well! Kobayashi: Thank you (laughs). So, which dorm would be a good fit for you? Kobayashi: I think Pomefiore Dorm would be a good choice, but… I don’t know about Ignihyde Dorm, which you mentioned in the conversation. I’ve known Yamashita-san for a long time, so I know his personality pretty well, but he doesn’t actively go out unless I ask him.
The Ignihyde dorm is very individualistic, so if he went there, Yamashita-san’s introverted nature would only accelerate! There’s a risk that he’ll end his student life without interacting with others, so I’d like him to go to a dorm like Pomefiore or Savanaclaw, which values cooperation (laughs). After graduation, he’ll be able to invite people out to dinner! Yamashita: That’s a really realistic opinion, I’m surprised (laughs). I’m also amazed that the Heartslabyul dorm, where Deuce Spade and Ace Trappola belong, hasn’t been mentioned yet… (laughs). Yamashita: I’m not good at memorizing things (laughs). Kobayashi: Is that the reason!? (laughs) But it’s true, it would be impossible to learn all 810 rules. Yamashita: Riddle Rosehearts is scary, too. He’d be uncontrollable if he got angry… Kobayashi: Such a Riddle will change after the “incident” in Chapter 1. It’s fine to watch it as a first impression or after seeing future developments. Still, I hope that viewers will also get excited after watching the animation and talking about things like “I want to enter this dorm.”
[Staff] General Director/Series Composition: Takahiro Natori Director/Shin Katakai Main Writer/Yoichi Kato Character Design: Hana Nakano/Akane Sato Sub-Character Design: Aki Tsunaki Color Design: Nagisa Abe(laughs) But it’s indeed impossible to understand all 810 rules. Yamashita: Riddle Rosehearts is scary, too. He’s uncontrollable when he gets angry… Kobayashi: But Riddle will change after the “incident” in Chapter 1. You can watch it as your first impression, or after seeing how things develop, but I hope that viewers will be excited after watching the animation and talking about things like “I want to enter this dorm.”
[Staff] General Director/Series Composition: Natori Takahiro Director/Katakai Shin Main Writer/Kato Yoichi Character Design: Nakano Hanako/Sato Akane Sub-Character Design: Tsunaki Aki Color Design: Abe Nagisa(laughs) But it’s true that it’s impossible to understand all 810 rules. Yamashita: Riddle Rosehearts is scary, too. He’s uncontrollable when he gets angry… Kobayashi: But Riddle will change after the “incident” in Chapter 1. You can watch it as your first impression, or after seeing how things develop, but I hope that viewers will be excited after watching the animation and talking about things like “I want to enter this dorm.”
[Staff] General Director/Series Composition: Natori Takahiro Director/Katakai Shin Main Writer/Kato Yoichi Character Design: Nakano Hanako/Sato Akane Sub-Character Design: Tsunaki Aki Color Design: Abe Nagisa Art Director: Hiroki Matsumoto 3DCG Director: Kazuya Oya Director of Photography: Takao Saito Editor: Michi Takigawa Sound Director: Miho Sugawara Music: Takumi Ozawa Music Production: Aniplex Opening Theme: Night Ravens “Piece of my world” Animation Production: Yumeta Company x Graphinica
[Cast] Riddle Rosehearts: Natsuki Hanae Ace Trappola: Seiichiro Yamashita Deuce Spade: Chiaki Kobayashi Trey Clover: Ryota Suzuki Kate Diamond: Tatsuyuki Kobayashi Leona Kingscholar: Yuichiro Umehara Jack Howl: Yasuto Saka Ruggie Butch: Ao Ichikawa Azure Ashengrotto: Atsushi Tamaru Jade Leech: Wataru Komada Floyd Leech: Nobuhiko Okamoto Karim Al-Asim: Kazuki Furuta Jamil Viper: Kaname Futaba Vill Schoenheit: Aiba Yuki Epel Felmier: Tsuchiya Kamiba Luke Hunt: Itokawa Yoshiro Idea Shroud: Uchiyama Kouki Orto Shroud: Aoi Shota Malleus Draconia: Kazuki Kato Lilia Vanrouge: Midorikawa Hikaru Silver: Shimazaki Nobunaga (the surname “saki” is pronounced “tatsusaki” in Japanese) Sebek Zigvolt: Ishiya Haruki Enman Yuuken: Azagami Yohei Grimm: Sugiyama Noriaki Dear Crowley: Miyamoto Mitsuru Davis Crewell: Ito Kento Moses Train: Koyama Rikiya Ashton Vargas: Takeuchi Ryota Sam: Kimura Subaru Mirror of Darkness: Horiuchi Kenyu Chenya: Hama Kento “Disney Twisted Wonderland the Animation” Season 1 “Episode of Heartslabyul” (C) 2025 DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC. Exclusively available on Disney+ from October 29th
