The official website for the upcoming TV anime adaptation of Satsuki Nakamura’s light novel series, Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court, has released a new teaser trailer, unveiling the main cast and confirming a 2026 premiere. This highly anticipated series will bring the popular “villainess” fantasy to screens with a unique body-swapping twist.
Main Cast and Key Characters Revealed
The newly released trailer introduced the two central voice actresses who will bring the protagonists to life. Manaka Iwami, known for her role as Akane Kurokawa in Oshi no Ko, will voice Kou Reirin, the “court butterfly.” Opposite her, Natsumi Kawaida, who played Silk in I Left My A-Rank Party to Help My Former Students Reach the Dungeon Depths!, will take on the role of Shu Keigetsu, the “court rat.” The announcement was accompanied by a new teaser visual and a video featuring their character voices, building excitement among fans.
Kou Reirin: The Frail “Court Butterfly”
Kou Reirin is portrayed as a beautiful, intelligent, and beloved young woman, initially poised to marry the crown prince due to her virtue and elegance. Despite her seemingly flawless demeanor, she suffers from an extremely sickly constitution. Manaka Iwami expressed her enthusiasm for the role, noting that Reirin, while appearing frail, possesses an inner strength and determination.
Shu Keigetsu: The Scheming “Court Rat”
In stark contrast, Shu Keigetsu is depicted as a character consumed by inferiority complexes and despised for her malicious behavior. Her intense jealousy of Reirin drives her to extreme measures, leading to the pivotal body swap event. Natsumi Kawaida shared her honor in voicing Shu Keigetsu, highlighting the challenge and blessing of portraying such deeply emotional characters.
Plot Overview: A Body Swap of Fates
The anime’s narrative centers on a dramatic body swap between Kou Reirin and Shu Keigetsu. Set in the Kingdom of Ei, where five clans present maidens as imperial consorts, only one will ascend to empress. Reirin, the favored “court butterfly,” finds her destiny stolen when Keigetsu, the jealous “court rat,” orchestrates a body exchange.
Reirin awakens in the dungeons, trapped in Keigetsu’s body and facing execution. However, this unexpected turn grants her a robust new body, allowing her to embrace a newfound freedom and physical strength, determined to survive regardless of her appearance. Meanwhile, Keigetsu struggles within Reirin’s frail original body.
Production Team and Studio Doga Kobo
Directing the TV anime adaptation is Mitsue Yamazaki, known for her work on Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun and How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift? Yoshiko Nakamura, who has worked on series like The Helpful Fox Senko-san, is in charge of the series composition. Character designs are handled by Ai Kikuchi, recognized for her contributions to New Game! and Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie. The animation will be produced by Doga Kobo, a studio celebrated for its vibrant and engaging productions.
Origin Story: Light Novel and Manga Success
Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court originated as a light novel series written by Satsuki Nakamura and illustrated by YukiKana. It began publication on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō website in July 2020, with print editions following in December 2020 under Ichijinsha Novels. The series has seen considerable success, with its light novels winning the “Light Novel Award” at the 2023 Cmoa Minna ga Erabu Digital Comic Awards and ranking first in BookLive!’s Annual Ranking 2023 for the women’s light novel category.
A manga adaptation, illustrated by Ei Ohitsuji, began serialization in Monthly Comic Zero-Sum in June 2021. Both the light novel and manga versions are published in English by Seven Seas Entertainment. The manga adaptation has also received accolades, including a nomination for the “Best Supporting Actress Award” at the Magademy Awards 2023 for Zhu Huiyue, and the “Rakuten Kobo E-Book Award 2024” in the Must-Read Comic category.
Fans can look forward to the anime’s debut sometime in 2026, bringing this intricate tale of identity, jealousy, and unexpected strength to the screen.
