Black Butler is a celebrated dark comedy and fantasy anime series that has earned its place among the top 100 greatest anime of all time, according to numerous rankings. Originally released in 2008, the anime is based on the manga series penned by Japanese artist Yana Toboso, which began serialization in 2006. Set in the Victorian era, the gripping story has captivated fans through its three seasons, offering a blend of mystery, supernatural elements, and striking visuals.
The second and third seasons of Black Butler premiered four years apart, followed by the release of a feature film. However, after a decade-long hiatus since the third season, many fans had given up hope for a continuation. In a surprising turn of events, a new season was announced and later released in 2024, sparking nostalgia and excitement among longtime fans, many of whom grew up with the series. This unexpected revival once again showcased the anime world’s ability to deliver thrilling surprises.
Licensed by Crunchyroll, the highly anticipated Public School Arc has been animated by CloverWorks, the renowned studio behind hits like Wonder Egg Priority and The Promised Neverland. The latest season aired on Tokyo MX from April 13 to June 22, 2024, and was made available on global streaming platforms, bringing the series to an international audience. With its global popularity soaring, the question remains: will there be more seasons? Before diving into the possibility of a fifth season, let’s revisit the anime and explore everything we know about Black Butler Season 5.
Will there be a fifth season of the anime?
The long-awaited fifth season of Black Butler, titled “Emerald Witch Arc”, is confirmed to air in April 2025. Announced during the Black Butler: Public School Arc – After the Midnight Tea Party event, this new installment will bring another thrilling chapter of Yana Toboso’s beloved manga to life. Fans can once again look forward to seeing the dynamic duo of Sebastian Michaelis and Ciel Phantomhive, with Daisuke Ono and Maaya Sakamoto reprising their iconic roles as the demon butler and his young, cunning master.
Under the direction of Kenjirō Okada (March Comes in Like a Lion), the anime is being crafted by CloverWorks, the same studio behind the visually stunning Public School Arc. Familiar faces are also returning behind the scenes, including Hiroyuki Yoshino on series composition, Yumi Shimizu as character designer, and Ryo Kawasaki handling the music. Their combined expertise ensures that the new season retains the signature style and depth that fans adore.
The Emerald Witch Arc whisks viewers to Germany, where Sebastian and Ciel are dispatched by the queen to investigate a string of mysterious deaths linked to the ominous Werewolf Forest. According to local legends, anyone who steps into the cursed forest is doomed to die. As the pair delves into the mystery, they encounter terrifying supernatural forces, making this arc one of the most suspenseful and gripping in the series.
Adding to the intrigue, the season will introduce new characters who are set to play pivotal roles in the story. Rie Kugimiya joins the cast as Sieglinde Sullivan, and Chikahiro Kobayashi lends his voice to Wolfram. Fans were also treated to a teaser visual and casting news during the announcement, further building excitement for what’s to come.
On the musical front, a special collaboration between rock band Cö shu Nie and renowned musician HYDE has been announced for the opening theme song, “Maisie.” This first-time partnership promises a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that perfectly complements the show’s dark, gothic atmosphere.
Before the season premiere, fans can look forward to updates at AnimeJapan 2025, where the cast will make an appearance on the Green Stage on March 23. With Crunchyroll securing global streaming rights, Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc is shaping up to be another unforgettable chapter in the saga of Sebastian and Ciel.
Manga of Black Butler
As mentioned earlier, the Black Butler manga is written and illustrated by the talented Yana Toboso. Published by Square Enix—famous not only for its anime hits like Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun but also for AAA games such as Final Fantasy—the series has been serialized in Monthly GFantasy since 2006. The good news for fans is that Black Butler is still ongoing, with new chapters continuing to be released.
To date, 34 volumes of the Black Butler manga have been published, with some yet to be collected into tankobon format. If you’re wondering how much of the manga has been adapted into the anime or where to pick up the story before the fifth season, here’s a breakdown. The most recent season of the anime adapted four volumes, while the first three seasons covered a total of 18 volumes. This means roughly half of the manga’s content has already been brought to the screen. To dive into the next part of the story, you can start reading from volume 18 and pick up right where the anime left off.
With a wealth of source material still available, there is plenty of room for future seasons. Fans can rest assured that the story isn’t running out of material anytime soon, and with the ongoing success of the anime, there’s every reason to believe the story of Sebastian and Ciel will continue in animated form for years to come.
As of 2023, the Black Butler manga has sold over 34 million copies worldwide, cementing its place as one of the best-selling manga series of all time. On the anime front, the series has made its mark on major streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu, expanding its reach to even more fans. The 2017 film adaptation also contributed significantly to the franchise’s success. From a financial standpoint, the Black Butler franchise is thriving, which bodes well for future seasons. Additionally, the anime holds a strong spot as the 121st most popular anime of all time on MyAnimeList, showcasing its enduring appeal.
Black Butler | Release Date |
Season 1 | October 3, 2008 |
Season 2 | July 2, 2010 |
Season 3 | July 11, 2014 |
Season 4 | April 13, 2024 |
Season 5 | April 2025 |