My Next Life as a Villainess is an isekai anime series that blends fantasy and comedy elements and is based on Satoru Yamaguchi’s light novel series. The isekai genre, involving characters transported to alternate worlds, remains incredibly popular in Japan and globally. The anime adaptation, directed by Keisuke Inoue and animated by Silver Link, made its debut in April 2020. The studio, known for hits like Wise Man’s Grandchild and Bofuri, has earned a reputation for delivering successful anime.
The series is licensed by Crunchyroll and Sentai Filmworks. The anime’s first season aired in 2020, followed by the highly anticipated second season, My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! X, which aired between July 3 and September 18, 2021. Since then, fans have eagerly awaited news of a third season.
What is the Plotline of My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom?
The story follows Catarina Claes, the eight-year-old daughter of Duke Cleas. After a head injury, she recalls memories of her past life as an otaku, realizing she has reincarnated into the world of her favorite game, Fortune Lover. To make matters more complicated, Catarina is reincarnated as the villain of the game, and aware of the game’s plot, she sets out to avoid the usual tragic fate of the villain—death or exile. However, her new life is far from ordinary as new characters and mysterious events keep appearing, leading Catarina to question whether a bad character can truly have a good ending.
Will There Be a Third Season of My Next Life as a Villainess?
The second season of the anime concluded on September 18, 2021, and fans have been waiting for updates on a third season. As of the latest information available on January 12, 2025, the anime has yet to be officially renewed for a third season. There has been no cancellation announcement either, and production company Silver Link has remained tight-lipped about the series’ future. While the wait for new season confirmations can be long, the gap between the first and second seasons was relatively short, suggesting that a third season could arrive soon.
Light Novel Source Material and Anime Adaptation
The anime My Next Life as a Villainess is based on the light novel series written by Satoru Yamaguchi and illustrated by Nami Hidaka. The series, which began in 2015, remains ongoing with Ichijinsha publishing it in Japan and J-Novel Club handling the English release. As of now, the light novel series has expanded to 12 volumes, with the latest volume released in May 2024.
On the anime side, it has adapted content from the first 6 volumes, with the first season covering the first two volumes and the second season adapting up to volume 6. As you may notice, with plenty of source material still available, including multiple volumes beyond the ones covered in the anime, a third season remains a strong possibility. The continued popularity of the series and the upcoming movie further support the potential for future seasons, as there is ample content to continue the story.
Popularity and Demand for a New Season
The decision to renew an anime often depends on its popularity, and My Next Life as a Villainess has maintained a solid fanbase. The official X account of the series has over 117k followers, which is a positive indicator for potential renewal. For comparison, other popular anime like Made in Abyss and Overlord also saw similar follower counts before their new seasons were confirmed.
While the light novel and manga had about 600,000 copies in circulation as of 2018, the anime has become the main source of popularity, especially internationally. On MyAnimeList, the anime ranks as the 496th most popular anime, with a strong following in Japan. Despite some challenges in sales and global attention, the anime remains beloved by its core fanbase, which bodes well for a potential third season.
My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! The Movie
The movie My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! The Movie has already been released. It premiered on May 13, 2023, in Japan. The film adapts the “Sequel Arc” from the light novel series, following Katarina Claes as she navigates the world beyond the game’s storyline. Unlike prior seasons, which adapted earlier volumes, the movie expands on the conclusion of the story, offering a wrap-up for fans of the series.
Since its release, the movie has generated interest for its unique take on the narrative, continuing Katarina’s adventures and emotional growth. While it’s still uncertain whether a third season will follow, the movie’s success has certainly bolstered the franchise’s future, leaving room for potential new projects.
When Will the Third Season of My Next Life as a Villainess Premiere?
As of now, a third season of My Next Life as a Villainess has not been officially confirmed, but there is significant speculation surrounding its production. The positive reception of the anime, the ongoing success of the light novel series, and the momentum gained from the recent movie release all point toward the possibility of a third season. We expect that the third season could premiere somewhere in 2026, considering an average production time. However, until an official statement is made, we cannot provide a confirmed date. We will keep this section updated with any new information as it becomes available.
What Can We Expect from the Plotline of Season 3?
At the end of the second season, Catarina and her friends successfully graduate from the Magic Academy and return home. After celebrating their achievements, Keith confesses his love for Catarina, leaving her shocked. In the next season, Catarina will start her new life at the Magical Ministry. However, life is far from ordinary as new challenges from the Fortune Lover game start appearing, and new characters and events begin to unfold. The awkward romantic tension between Catarina and Keith is expected to continue, and fans can anticipate a season filled with love, surprises, and exciting developments for all the characters. Prepare yourself for a season brimming with romance and drama as we dive deeper into the world of My Next Life as a Villainess!