The TV anime adaptation of The Darwin Incident, winner of the 2022 Manga Taisho Grand Prize and boasting over 2 million copies in circulation, will premiere in January 2026 on the TV Tokyo network. Ahead of the broadcast, the first promotional video (PV) and key visual have been released, revealing the main cast: Atsumi Tanezaki, Mitsuho Kōbe, and Akio Ōtsuka.

Atsumi Tanezaki (best known as the voice of Anya in SPY×FAMILY) plays the protagonist, Charlie. She described reading the manga as “so fascinating that I couldn’t put it down,” adding that it made her “reflect deeply on Charlie and everything surrounding him.” Tanezaki admitted, “It was the first time in my career that I truly struggled,” highlighting the emotional weight of her role.

Playing Lucy, the brilliant girl who meets Charlie, is Mitsuho Kobe, who shared, “Amid the larger-than-life fiction, the story’s realism and tension drew me in instantly. I gave my all to express Lucy’s intelligence and drive.”

Veteran voice actor Akio Otsuka will portray Rivera, the leader of the terrorist group ALA who relentlessly targets Charlie. “I’m fully prepared to bear all the audience’s hostility,” he said with conviction, embracing the challenge of playing the antagonist. “If the work excites viewers, that alone will be my greatest reward.”

The newly released PV encapsulates the essence of the story—Charlie’s birth, his clashes with human values, and his confrontation with ALA. The key visual features Charlie and Lucy standing against danger, while Rivera looms behind them, underscoring the drama’s intensity.

The anime is directed by Naokatsu Tsuda (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure) with Shinichi Inozume (Platinum End) handling series composition. Animation production is by Vernox Films.

Additionally, an interview between Shun Umezawa and Director Tsuda is now available on the official website, offering insights into the creative process and the themes behind the adaptation.

Cast Comments

Charlie (Voiced by Atsumi Tanezaki)
“Taking on Charlie’s voice made me face challenges I had never experienced before—it was truly the first time in my career that I struggled so much. The anime adaptation is being produced with tremendous care and time to ensure that this powerful story can be enjoyed without misunderstanding. Please look forward to it!”

Lucy Eldred (Voiced by Mitsuho Kōbe)
“Hello, I’m Mitsuho Kōbe, and I play Lucy Eldred,” she began.
“When I first read the manga, I was instantly drawn in. Even with the major fictional premise of a ‘Humanzee,’ the realism and tension of the events that unfold are astounding. The story’s conviction and pacing left me completely captivated—I couldn’t stop turning the pages.”

“In a world filled with conflicting notions of justice and evil, and countless conspiracies swirling around, Lucy’s encounter with Charlie changes her profoundly. I spent a great deal of time thinking about how she perceives, acts, and grows. I gave everything I had to express her intelligence and strength. I hope everyone looks forward to seeing her journey on screen.”

Rivera Fireabend (Voiced by Akio Ōtsuka)
“At last, The Darwin Incident is coming,” said Akio Ōtsuka, taking on the role of Rivera Fireabend. “To everyone who’s been eagerly waiting, I’m just as excited as you are!”
“I’m Akio Ōtsuka, often known for playing villains,” he joked. “Once again, I’m fully prepared to take on all the audience’s hostility head-on. How much will I be hated this time? Where will it all lead? There’s no turning back now! If the series excites and moves the audience, that alone will be the greatest reward. I’m ready to give it my all—and I can’t wait!”