I’m still reeling from The Witch and the Beast’s first season, which dropped in January 2024 and left me haunted in the best way. This anime, based on Kousuke Satake’s gritty manga, was a dark, stylish plunge into a world of witches, beasts, and cursed fates. Guideau’s feral energy and Ashaf’s cryptic coolness had me hooked from episode one, and those 12 episodes flew by like a forbidden spell. But now, here I am, scouring the internet like a desperate necromancer, trying to figure out if we’ll ever get a Season 2. No official word yet, and the silence is killing me. Let’s discuss what we shurely know, what’s just whispers in the wind, and why this show deserves to keep casting its magic.
The First Season Left Me Hungry for More
The Witch and the Beast hit the scene with a vibe that screamed “this ain’t your typical shonen.” Adapted by Yokohama Animation Lab, the anime follows Guideau, a feral blonde with a beastly curse, and Ashaf, her chain-smoking handler from the Order of Magical Resonance. Their mission? Hunt witches and unravel mysteries in a gothic fantasy world that feels like Hell’s Paradise meets Castlevania. Season 1, which wrapped in April 2024, covered roughly the first 18 chapters of Satake’s manga, ending with the “Origin Witch” arc. That finale, with Guideau’s raw power and Ashaf’s secrets starting to crack open, was a gut-punch.
The show’s mix of brutal action, occult vibes, and moral grayness had me glued to my screen. I mean, Guideau’s unhinged energy—part beast, part tragedy—stole every scene, and Ashaf’s calm-under-pressure shtick kept me guessing about his past. The animation popped, especially in fight scenes like Guideau vs. the Executioner, and Kohta Yamamoto’s soundtrack (yes, the Attack on Titan guy) gave every episode this eerie, epic weight. But 12 episodes weren’t enough to scratch the itch. The manga’s got 68 chapters as of early 2025, so there’s a goldmine of story left to tell. So why hasn’t Season 2 been announced yet?
The lack of news feels like a curse. Most sources, like Anime News Network and MyAnimeList, haven’t reported any renewal, and even posts on X from fans are just hopeful speculation. But I’m not giving up. Let’s break down what’s out there and separate the facts from the fanboy dreams.
The Manga’s Got Plenty of Fuel for Season 2
One thing keeping my hopes alive is the manga’s depth. Kousuke Satake’s The Witch and the Beast is serialized in Young Magazine the 3rd, with 11 volumes out in Japan and 10 in English via Kodansha Comics as of February 2025. Season 1 adapted about three volumes, leaving tons of material for a second season. The next major arc, the “Vampire” arc (Chapters 19–27), would be a killer follow-up, introducing new characters like the vampire Johan and diving deeper into Guideau’s curse. Fans on Reddit are hyped for this arc’s blend of horror and detective vibes, and I’m itching to see it animated with the same gritty flair.
The manga’s sales are solid, with over 1.5 million copies in circulation by mid-2024, boosted by the anime’s release. That’s not Jujutsu Kaisen numbers, but it’s enough to justify another season, right? Plus, the series has a cult following, with X posts praising its unique tone and Guideau’s feral charm. The manga’s ongoing status—no hiatus here—means there’s no shortage of source material. If Yokohama Animation Lab green-lights Season 2, they could easily cover another 15–20 chapters, maybe ending with the “Holy Woman” arc around Chapter 34. That’d give us more of Ashaf’s backstory and some jaw-dropping reveals about the Order.
But here’s the kicker: anime renewals aren’t just about source material. It’s about money—DVD sales, streaming numbers, and merch. The Witch and the Beast streamed on Crunchyroll, and while it scored a decent 7.4 on MyAnimeList, it didn’t blow up like Solo Leveling. Posts on X from July 2023 hyped the anime’s premiere, but the buzz faded post-finale. Did it make enough bank to secure a sequel? I’m crossing my fingers, but the silence from Kodansha and Yokohama Animation Lab has me nervous.
Rumors vs. Reality: Sifting Through the Noise
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the rumors. Some sketchy sites, like one I won’t name (cough, not Anime News Network), have floated “leaks” about a 2026 release for Season 2. No official sources back this up, and I’m calling BS. Low-tier blogs love to stir the pot with clickbait, and as a journalist, I’ve learned to side-eye anything without a primary source. X posts from fans like “@WitchBeastStan” screaming “Season 2 confirmed!” are just wishful thinking, not evidence. Until we hear from Kodansha, Crunchyroll, or the official @MajoYaju_anime account, it’s all speculation.
That said, there’s reason to stay hopeful. The anime’s production committee, which includes Kodansha and Nippon TV, invested heavily in Season 1, with a stacked cast (Saori Hayami as Guideau, Yoko Hikasa as the Origin Witch) and top-tier staff like director Takayuki Hamana. That kind of budget suggests they saw long-term potential. Plus, Crunchyroll’s posts in 2023 hyped the show hard, with trailers and cast reveals dropping months in advance. If Season 2’s in the works, we might get a teaser by late 2025, especially since anime announcements often lag a year after the first season.
Still, I can’t ignore the grim reality. Some anime, like No Game No Life, get stuck in limbo forever. The Witch and the Beast’s niche appeal—dark, violent, and not exactly mainstream—might make studios hesitate. But its loyal fanbase and manga sales give me hope it won’t join the one-season graveyard.
Why This Show Deserves a Sequel
Okay, time to get emotional. The Witch and the Beast hit me in a way I didn’t expect. Guideau’s rage, her struggle with her curse, and her rare moments of vulnerability got me right in the heart. She’s not just a badass; she’s a broken soul searching for answers, and that resonates with me as an otaku who’s always chasing the next story to feel something. Ashaf, with his cryptic smiles and hidden pain, is the perfect foil, and their dynamic—part partners, part dysfunctional family—keeps me invested.
The world-building is another reason I’m begging for more. The Order of Magical Resonance, the witches’ hierarchies, and the forbidden magic system are teased just enough in Season 1 to leave you craving answers. What’s the deal with Guideau’s beast? Who’s pulling the strings behind the Order? The manga’s later arcs, like the “Necromancer” arc, dive into these mysteries, and I need to see them animated. Yokohama Animation Lab nailed the gothic aesthetic—those shadowy cities, blood-soaked fights, and creepy witch designs—so I trust them to bring the next chapters to life.
Then there’s the vibe. This show doesn’t hold your hand. It’s raw, unapologetic, and doesn’t shy away from gore or moral ambiguity. That’s rare in a sea of cookie-cutter isekai. Fans on Reddit and X echo my love for its “dark fairy tale” energy, with some calling Guideau “best girl of 2024.” If that’s not a case for Season 2, I don’t know what is.
What Could Season 2 Bring to the Table?
Let’s dream a little. If Season 2 happens, I’m betting it’ll kick off with the “Vampire” arc, which pits Guideau and Ashaf against a bloodsucking menace. The manga’s fights get crazier here, with Guideau’s beast mode hitting new highs. I can already hear Yamamoto’s score amping up the tension. The arc also introduces Johan, a vampire with ties to the Order, who could shake up the duo’s dynamic. More Ashaf backstory would be a treat—his calm facade hides some dark secrets, and I’m ready for the anime to peel back those layers.
Animation-wise, I want Yokohama to double down on the gore and atmosphere. Season 1’s fight choreography, like Guideau’s brawl with the Elemental Witch, was fluid but could’ve pushed the brutality further. The manga’s art is so detailed—think Goya meets Berserk—so I’m hoping for more of that visceral energy. And can we talk about the dub? Crunchyroll’s English cast, with Amber Lee Connors as Guideau, killed it. A Season 2 dub with the same crew would be chef’s kiss.
Story-wise, I’d love for the anime to explore the witches’ world more. Season 1 hinted at a larger conflict between the Order and rogue witches, and the manga’s “Holy Woman” arc dives into that. It’s a chance to see Guideau confront her past and maybe even bond with Ashaf in a way that’s less “punch first, talk later.” The manga balances action with quiet, character-driven moments, and I trust Hamana’s team to nail that mix.
The Waiting Game Sucks, But I’m Still Here
Right now, The Witch and the Beast is in that brutal limbo where fans like me are left refreshing X and praying for a miracle. The lack of an official announcement stings, but I’m holding onto hope. The manga’s sales, the anime’s critical praise, and the fanbase’s passion (check any Reddit thread with 3K+ upvotes) all point to a series with staying power. If Vinland Saga can wait years for a sequel, so can The Witch and the Beast.
In the meantime, I’m rewatching Season 1 on Crunchyroll, diving into Kodansha’s manga, and hyping the show to anyone who’ll listen. Guideau’s snarls and Ashaf’s smirks are burned into my brain, and I’m not ready to let this world go. If Season 2 drops, I’ll be screaming louder than a witch’s curse. If it doesn’t? Well, I’ll keep carrying the torch for this dark gem, because that’s what us otaku do.
One Last Spell to Cast
As I sit here, staring at my Guideau figure (don’t judge), I’m filled with this restless, hopeful ache. The Witch and the Beast Season 2 might still be a pipe dream, but it’s one worth chasing. This show’s got everything I love about anime—grit, heart, and a world that feels alive. Whether it’s Guideau tearing through enemies or Ashaf lighting another cigarette, I need more of this haunting tale. So, here’s to hoping the Order of Magical Resonance calls us back. Until then, I’ll be out here, dreaming of witches and beasts under a blood-red moon.
