It has been announced that the TV anime series "Though I Am an Inept Villainess," based on the popular light novel by Nakamura Souki, will be broadcast in 2026. The main cast has also been announced, with Manaka Iwami playing Huang Linglin and Kawaida Natsumi playing Zhu Huiyue. The second teaser visuals featuring Huang Linglin and Zhu Huiyue, as well as a video announcing the cast, have been released on YouTube.
The story is a harem "body swap" reversal drama between two girls who are complete opposites: Huang Linglin, who is intelligent, beautiful, and loved by everyone, and is known as "His Highness's Butterfly," and Zhu Huiyue, who has a strong inferiority complex and is called a villain because of her despicable words and actions, and is hated by everyone.
Iwami, who plays Huang Linglin, commented, "Once I started reading the original work, I couldn't stop...! It was so interesting...! I was drawn in. I think everyone has felt like 'the grass is greener on the other side,' but this book made me realize what I actually have and taught me so many things. Linglin is physically weak and gives off an air of wanting to protect her, but inside she is a strong woman with a lot of guts. Because it's a body-swap story, the dubbing was really difficult (laughs). I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out in the anime, so I hope everyone will enjoy it!"
Kawaida, who plays Zhu Huiyue, said, "When I first came across this production, I was moved to tears by Reirin's strength and felt affection for Huiyue's weakness. I am so happy to be able to play both characters that I am so drawn to! There are moments when I struggle with a more difficult role than I have ever played before, but I am taking on the challenge with all my strength and love, as if we are holding hands with Iwami, who voices Reirin, and climbing up a wall together. Please look forward to the broadcast!"
The original light novel is published by Ichijinsha Novels (Ichijinsha), and the comic adaptation is currently being serialized in Monthly Comic ZERO-SUM (same publisher). It has gained popularity, winning the light novel category award at the 2023 Seymour Digital Comic Awards and being ranked number one in the women's light novel rankings at the BookLive Annual Rankings 2023. The series has sold over 4 million copies in total. The anime will be directed by Mitsue Yamazaki and produced by Doga Kobo.
