Think classic fairy tales are just for lulling kids to sleep? Get ready for a dark and fun twist. To the delight of mystery lovers, the popular novel Once Upon a Crime (known in Japan as Akazukin, Tabi no Tochu de Shitai to Deau) will get its own animated adaptation for television. A new official website revealed the first promotional trailer and confirmed the series will debut in 2027.

The story’s premise is a real gem. Instead of the typical damsel in the woods, Little Red Riding Hood becomes a relentless detective with a sharp mind. Forced to embark on a journey, she stumbles upon murders and mysteries everywhere. Armed with her natural curiosity and accompanied by Pinocchio as her clumsy assistant, this clever waifu dedicates herself to thwarting the plans of the most infamous fairy tale criminals, humiliating them by directly asking why their tricks are so sloppy.

A proven success finally coming to anime

The novel by Aito Aoyagi is no stranger to the anime industry and Japanese entertainment. After its 2020 publication by Futabasha, the franchise inspired a manga and a successful live-action film released in 2023. The creator himself celebrated the news, eagerly awaiting fans worldwide to enjoy these unique traps set by fantasy villains. The project will be handled by studio Benten Film, under the direction and scripts of veteran Itsuro Kawasaki, with Manami Minakata and Yuko Yahiro designing the characters.

Voice Cast

• Yume Miyamoto as Little Red Riding Hood.
• Akira Sekine as Pinocchio.

Given that classic fairy tales in literature always have a sinister undertone rarely adapted so directly to screen, do you think this anime will revolutionize mystery stories by blending crime scenes with childhood characters?