An Anime Series Based on the Yuri Novel “I’m in Love with the Villainess”
Although it may be counterintuitive, there are stories in which the reader develops feelings for the antagonist rather than the hero.
The novel’s success can be attributed in large part to the fact that its central couple is involved in a yuri romance, despite the fact that the story is an isekai set in an otome game. Given the nature of the otaku subculture, this one consideration outweighs the isekai component.
The series’s popularity ensured that an anime adaptation would be made at some point.
I’m in Love with the Villainess, the novel series by Inori, will be adapted into an anime by GL Bunko in 2023, the company announced.
In a preview for the anime, regular office worker Oohashi Rei suddenly finds herself in the role of the game’s protagonist. Rei’s favorite character, the game’s antagonist, Claire Francois, soon after her rebirth.
And so begins Rei and Claire’s not-so-romantic love story, much to the chagrin of the game’s male protagonists.
The franchise has released not only the trailer but also a pivotal image of Rei and Clare. Rei will be played by Yu Serizawa, and Claire will be voiced by Karin Nanami, according to the press release.
Even though Claire is relentless in her bullying of Rei, the protagonist continues to pursue the villain, which often causes Claire to become flustered. It may seem impossible, but Rei is determined to win Claire’s heart.
More than that, Claire is the type of girl who bottling up her emotions and taking it out on others is how she deals with the stress in her life. Being in love with her, Rei is unfazed by the antagonist’s treatment of her and even grows more enamored of him.
When reporting on an anime adaptation, it’s important to include details about the team behind the project, so here’s who’s behind I’m in Love with the Villainess:
| Position | Staff | Other Works |
| Director | Hideaki Oba | Love of Kill |
| Scriptwriter | Ayumu Hisao | Devils’ Line |
| Character Designer | Youko Satou | 7SEEDS |
| Sound Director | Hajime Takakuwa | Rent-A-Girlfriend |
| Music Composer | Noriyuki Asakura, Usagi to Uma | Knights of Sidonia |
| Animation Production | Platinum Vision | Servamp |
With such a great staff lineup, I’m pretty sure the anime won’t lack anywhere in animation and overall effects.
I’m in Love with the Villainess
Inori and Hanagata’s I’m in Love with the Villainess (Watashi no Oshi wa Akuyaku Reij) series is a yuri isekai light novel. It debuted in serial form in January 2018, had a manga adaptation debut in June 2020, and is scheduled to have a television anime debut in 2023.
A typical day at the office for Oohashi Rei suddenly takes a turn for the better when she finds herself reborn as the lead character from her all-time favorite otome game, Revolution. But Rei isn’t interested in the game’s plot, so she goes out of her way to fall in love with the game’s antagonist, Claire Francois.
