The most iconic magical girls in the industry are set to take an unexpected turn from their traditional formula. Toei Animation confirmed the production of a new spin-off series for the Magical Girls franchise titled Dual Shadow Precure Villain Heroines, a TV project scheduled to hit screens in 2027 that will shine a spotlight on a completely different angle within this colorful universe.

Unlike most secondary entries in the saga, this production will focus on a totally new narrative featuring original characters created from scratch. The conceptual teaser released by the producer shows a bright field filled with flowers that drastically changes tone, presenting the phrase “Anyway, we’re not Precure” as a single flower remains under a spotlight with unsettling gazes observing from the background.

The inclusion of the term “Villain” in the official title is no coincidence. The franchise has a rich tradition where enemies eventually become heroines as the story progresses, a concept solidified in 2009 with the transformation of Higashi Setsuna, originally known as Eas in Fresh Precure!, into Cure Passion. This time, the story promises to explore that thin line between good and evil, questioning what it means to be a true heroine from the perspective of those in the shadows.

Precure (Pretty Cure) is one of the longest-running and most successful magical girl franchises produced by Toei Animation since its debut in 2004. Over more than two decades, the series has been known for refreshing its concepts, themes, and cast of protagonists each year, becoming an indispensable reference in contemporary Japanese animation.

Currently, the franchise is airing its 23rd installment, Star Detective Precure!, which premiered on February 1 and had its own movie in September. Additionally, the series has explored commemorative projects like the 2023 series Power of Hope: Precure Full Bloom, which served as a sequel featuring adult protagonists, as well as Maho Tsukai Precure!!: MIRAI DAYS released in 2025. With this new step toward darker-themed stories, the brand shows it still has plenty of surprises in store for fans.

What do you think about villains taking the lead in this new anime from the series?