The Black Butler saga continues with the highly anticipated premiere of the Emerald Witch Arc, plunging Ciel Phantomhive and his demonic butler, Sebastian Michaelis, into a chilling new case. The season premiered on April 5, 2025, and is already captivating audiences with its dark mysteries and stunning visuals. Here’s everything you need to know about the season premiere and what to expect from this thrilling new arc.
A Glimpse into the Dark Forest
The Premise
At the behest of Queen Victoria, the young Earl Ciel Phantomhive and his ever-loyal butler, Sebastian Michaelis, leave behind the familiar, gritty underworld of 19th-century England. Their destination? The southern reaches of Germany, where a series of unexplained deaths have cast a pall over the land. Legend whispers of a cursed Werewolves’ Forest, a place where those who dare to enter are doomed to meet a gruesome end. Undeterred by these grim tales, Ciel and Sebastian venture forth, determined to uncover the truth behind the mysteries plaguing the region.
Setting the Stage
The premiere episode, titled “His Butler, On Board,” expertly sets the stage for the Emerald Witch Arc. Ciel and Sebastian, accompanied by the Phantomhive servants, arrive in Germany to investigate the bizarre deaths. They quickly learn that the victims all met their fate after entering the Werewolf Forest, succumbing to what the locals call the “Witch’s Curse.” This sets the stage for a venture deeper into the forest, where the duo discovers an isolated village inhabited only by women.
New Faces and Enigmas
In this secluded village, Ciel and Sebastian encounter Sieglinde Sullivan, the young and enigmatic Liege Lord, also known as the Emerald Witch, and her stoic butler, Wolfram Gelzer. These new characters add layers of intrigue to the plot, promising complex relationships and shocking revelations as the story unfolds.
The Premiere Date and Where to Watch
When Did it Air?
Black Butler – Emerald Witch Arc premiered on April 5, 2025, at 11:30 PM JST in Japan. Due to time zone differences, international release times varied, but fans worldwide were eager to dive into the new season. For those in the US, the season premiere was available on Crunchyroll at 9:00 AM PT.
Where to Stream
International fans can catch Black Butler – Emerald Witch Arc on Crunchyroll, which has licensed the anime for streaming worldwide, excluding Japan. Southeast Asian fans can also find it on Muse Asia’s YouTube channel.
Episode Count
The Emerald Witch Arc is expected to consist of 11 episodes, promising a tightly woven narrative packed with suspense and intrigue.
A Recap of the Previous Season
Public School Arc
Before diving into the Emerald Witch Arc, it’s worth revisiting the events of the previous season, the Public School Arc. Ciel Phantomhive, under orders from the Queen, investigates the disappearance of Derrick Arden at Weston College.
- Undercover Mission: Ciel enrolls at Weston College, with Sebastian Michaelis disguised as a teacher.
- The Four Prefects: Ciel discovers that only the Four Prefects have access to the Headmaster and works to gain their trust.
- Unmasking the Culprits: Ciel uncovers the Prefects’ involvement in the murder of Derrick Arden and his friends, who were killed for breaking school traditions.
- The Aurora Society: The Prefects were allied with the Aurora Society to cover up the crime, with Undertaker impersonating the Headmaster.
- Justice Served: The Prefects are exposed and expelled, bringing Ciel and Sebastian’s mission to a close.
Production Details
The Creative Team
The Emerald Witch Arc sees the return of key staff members:
- Director: Kenjiro Okada (known for March comes in like a lion)
- Series Composition: Hiroyuki Yoshino (World Trigger)
- Character Designs: Yumi Shimizu (Horimiya)
- Studio: CloverWorks
Voice Cast
Maaya Sakamoto and Daisuke Ono reprise their roles as Ciel Phantomhive and Sebastian Michaelis, respectively, ensuring continuity and familiarity for longtime fans. Joining them are Rie Kugimiya as Sieglinde Sullivan and Chikahiro Kobayashi as Wolfram Gelzer.
Theme Music
The opening theme, “MAISIE,” is performed by Cö shu Nie feat. HYDE, while the ending theme, “WALTZ,” is written by Avu-chan from Queen Bee and sung by RYUGUJO. These musical additions promise to enhance the atmosphere and emotional impact of the series.
Plot Deep Dive
Initial Investigation
The Emerald Witch Arc begins with Ciel and Sebastian receiving a letter from Queen Victoria, tasking them with investigating a series of unexplained deaths in Germany. Upon their arrival, they discover that all the victims had entered the Werewolf Forest and suffered the “Witch’s Curse.”
Journey into the Unknown
Driven by their duty, Ciel and Sebastian venture deeper into the forest, eventually discovering a secluded village inhabited solely by women. This village is ruled by Sieglinde Sullivan, the Emerald Witch, a young girl with immense power and a mysterious past.
The Emerald Witch
Sieglinde Sullivan is the key to unlocking the secrets of the Werewolf Forest and the Witch’s Curse. As Ciel and Sebastian delve deeper into her story, they uncover a web of dark secrets, forbidden rituals, and ancient pacts.
Dark Themes and Fairy Tales
The Emerald Witch Arc is known for its dark and tragic themes. Curses, werewolves, and witches are not mere fairy tales but sinister realities that Ciel and Sebastian must confront. The series explores the sacrifices made to summon supernatural aid and the consequences that follow.
What Fans Can Expect
Intriguing Mysteries
The Emerald Witch Arc promises to be one of the darkest and most complex storylines in the Black Butler series. Fans can expect:
- Complex Characters: Sieglinde Sullivan and Wolfram Gelzer bring new dynamics to the series, challenging Ciel and Sebastian in unexpected ways.
- Dark Secrets: The history of the Werewolf Forest and the Emerald Witch is filled with shocking revelations and tragic events.
- Supernatural Threats: Curses, werewolves, and witches present a unique set of challenges for Ciel and Sebastian, pushing their abilities to the limit.
Stunning Visuals
CloverWorks continues to deliver exceptional animation quality, with the opening and ending sequences showcasing the studio’s artistic prowess. The visuals enhance the series’ dark and mysterious atmosphere, drawing viewers deeper into the story.
Emotional Depth
Black Butler is known for its exploration of complex relationships and emotional themes. The Emerald Witch Arc delves into the master-servant dynamic between Ciel and Sebastian, as well as the burdens carried by Sieglinde Sullivan. Expect moments of heartbreak, sacrifice, and unwavering loyalty.
Episode 1: His Butler, Doing Fieldwork
Synopsis
The premiere episode wastes no time in throwing viewers into the eerie atmosphere of Southern Germany. The episode opens with two young men hunting a fox, only to have it disappear into the “Haunted Woods.” Their pursuit leads them to a monstrous wolf-like figure, and although they escape, the Haunted Woods seems to follow them home. Ciel and Sebastian arrive to investigate a series of grotesque deaths, learning of the Witch’s curse and the Werewolf Forest. Their investigation takes them to Wolfsschlucht, a village solely inhabited by women, where they meet Sieglinde Sullivan, the young Emerald Witch, and her butler, Wolfram Gelzer.
Key Moments
- The Haunted Woods: The opening scene sets the tone for the arc, emphasizing the dark and mysterious forces at play.
- Arrival in Germany: Ciel and Sebastian’s arrival highlights the stark contrast between Victorian London and the remote, superstitious region of Germany.
- Meeting Sieglinde: The introduction of the Emerald Witch and her butler hints at the complex relationship and the power dynamics that will drive the plot.
Episode 2: His Butler, Sounding the Alarm
Synopsis
Continuing their investigation, Ciel and Sebastian attempt to unravel the mysteries surrounding Sieglinde and the village of Wolfsschlucht. They begin to understand the extent of Sieglinde’s knowledge and the burden she carries as the Emerald Witch.
Key Moments
- Further Investigation: Ciel and Sebastian delve deeper into the village’s history and the origins of the Witch’s Curse.
- Understanding Sieglinde: The episode provides more insight into Sieglinde’s character, revealing her intelligence and her isolation.
- Rising Tension: The episode ends with a sense of foreboding, hinting at the dangers that lie ahead for Ciel and Sebastian.
A Dark Turn for Black Butler
Fan Reactions
Initial reactions to the Emerald Witch Arc premiere have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising the series’ dark tone, stunning visuals, and intriguing new characters. Many have noted that this arc is shaping up to be one of the darkest and most emotionally impactful in the entire series.
The Road Ahead
As Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc progresses, viewers can anticipate a rollercoaster of emotions, shocking revelations, and intense battles. Ciel and Sebastian will face challenges unlike any they have encountered before, testing their bond and pushing them to their limits. With its blend of mystery, horror, and dark fantasy, the Emerald Witch Arc promises to be an unforgettable chapter in the Black Butler saga.