Dark fantasy fans have a major new anime to look forward to in 2027. HIDIVE has officially announced that BLADE & BASTARD, the upcoming adaptation of Kumo Kagyu’s acclaimed light novel series, will stream exclusively on the platform as part of its 2027 simulcast lineup. Alongside the announcement, the streaming service also released a new English-subtitled teaser trailer, giving audiences their first extended look at the highly anticipated series.
The announcement is significant for both anime and RPG fans, as BLADE & BASTARD is based on the legendary Wizardry franchise, one of gaming’s earliest role-playing series that helped shape the modern RPG genre. The adaptation combines dungeon exploration, mystery, and survival with a darker fantasy narrative centered on death, resurrection, and forgotten memories.
According to the official press release from HIDIVE, the series will stream exclusively across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and other select international markets when it premieres in 2027.
HIDIVE Secures Exclusive Streaming Rights
HIDIVE confirmed that BLADE & BASTARD will join its growing catalog of exclusive anime simulcasts next year.
Announcing the acquisition, John Ledford, President of HIDIVE, said, “We’re thrilled to reveal that the upcoming new anime BLADE & BASTARD will stream exclusively on HIDIVE as part of our 2027 simulcast slate. This eagerly-awaited dark fantasy offers an exciting mix of action and adventure that is sure to entertain audiences all series long.”
The announcement also coincides with the release of the anime’s official English-subtitled teaser trailer, providing the first preview of its atmospheric dungeon setting and central characters.
The anime adapts the light novel series written by Kumo Kagyu, best known for Goblin Slayer, with illustrations by so-bin. First published in December 2022 under Drecom Media’s DRE Novel label, the series is directly inspired by the long-running Wizardry role-playing game franchise.
The story follows Iarumas, a man discovered dead deep inside an unexplored dungeon. After being resurrected, he awakens with no memory of his former life and begins earning a living by retrieving the bodies of fallen adventurers.
His detached personality earns him respect for his abilities but isolates him from others until he meets Garbage, a young swordswoman who survived the destruction of her adventuring party. Together, they venture deeper into the dangerous dungeon in search of clues about Iarumas’ forgotten past while facing monsters, deadly traps, and the constant threat of permanent death.
Experienced Staff and Voice Cast Lead the Adaptation
The anime is directed by Tomoki Kobayashi, with series composition handled by Naruhisa Arakawa. Character designs are created by Rina Iwamoto, while Jun Suemi assists with monster design. Music is composed by Hayato Matsuo, and animation production is handled by xingfu.
The voice cast includes Makoto Furukawa as Iarumas, Tomori Kusunoki as Garbage, Daiki Yamashita as Raraja, Saori Hayami as Ainikki, and Shion Wakayama as Berkanan.
In addition to the light novels, the franchise also includes a manga adaptation that debuted in 2023 and currently spans eight collected volumes.
Anime Expo 2026 Will Showcase the Series
Fans attending Anime Expo 2026 will have two opportunities to learn more about the anime.
On July 4, the Warner Bros. Japan Animation Production Industry Panel will present new updates about the series along with exclusive giveaways. Later that day, the Drecom Industry Panel will host a special Q&A featuring voice actors Makoto Furukawa and Daiki Yamashita, offering attendees additional behind-the-scenes insights into the upcoming adaptation.
With an established creative team, a respected fantasy source material, and exclusive global streaming through HIDIVE, BLADE & BASTARD is already shaping up to be one of 2027’s most anticipated dark fantasy anime.
