CRUNCHYROLL'S RECENT ACQUISITION OF THE CHINESE FANTASY DONGHUA, "Release That Witch," IS GRAPPLING WITH SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTION ISSUES, LEAVING FANS IN SUSPENSE REGARDING THE CONTINUATION OF THE SERIES. THE DELAY IN THE RELEASE OF EPISODE 9, OVER TWO WEEKS AFTER THE EIGHTH EPISODE AIRED ON MARCH 2ND, HAS SPARKED CONCERN AND A SURGE IN FAN PETITIONS, WITH ONE ON CHANGE.ORG GARNERING OVER 11,000 SIGNATURES. THESE DEVELOPMENTS RAISE SERIOUS QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SHOW'S FUTURE AND WHETHER A SECOND SEASON WILL EVER MATERIALIZE.
The core issue lies in production problems, which have stalled the release of new episodes and cast a shadow over the anime's potential longevity. Despite the initial promise of a high-quality adaptation of a popular web novel, "Release That Witch" is now embroiled in a narrative of uncertainty. The global streaming deal with Crunchyroll, excluding Japan, China, and Korea, initially offered a wide reach for this "very anticipated Chinese donghua," but the current situation threatens to undermine that reach.
Read More: Why Top Fantasy Anime Lists Are Changing in May 2026
A Revolutionary Premise Meets Stark Reality
"Release That Witch" centers on Roland Wimbledon, a modern man reborn as a prince in a medieval, dangerous world. His narrative involves a fusion of magic and technology, aiming to reshape the world through revolution. He champions witches, previously persecuted, viewing them as vital "industrial tools" rather than threats. This unique approach to governance and industrial development, which includes manufacturing firearms and introducing modern business concepts, has been lauded as a departure from typical isekai tropes, respecting "the viewer's intelligence."
The series' premise involves Roland rescuing witches like Anna and Nana Pine from persecution by the Church. Anna, a witch with fire-controlling abilities, becomes a crucial ally, assisting Roland in scientific and industrial experiments. This alliance, and Roland's broader initiative to gather more witches, forms the backbone of his efforts to defend his people and build his nascent kingdom.
Read More: Avatar Season 2 Release Date June 25: What Happens Next?
Fan Discontent and the Specter of Cancellation
The absence of episode 9 has fueled considerable fan frustration. Fans eagerly awaited the series' first major battles, advertised from the outset, only to be met with continued delays. This has led to widespread speculation about the anime's potential cancellation, a concern amplified by reports of "serious production problems" threatening a potential season 2.
While "donghuas are gaining popularity among international fans" and often present "more complex and interesting than most anime that rely on genre tropes," "Release That Witch's" trajectory now mirrors the anxieties surrounding other productions that face insurmountable hurdles. The original web novel boasts a substantial fanbase, and its "fascinating story has earned it considerable acclaim among isekai anime fans," yet this acclaim has not insulated the animated adaptation from its current predicament.
Background: A Promising Debut Tarnished by Production Woes
Announced for global streaming on Crunchyroll in November 2025, "Release That Witch" debuted with an initial schedule of eight episodes. Its origin as a Chinese fantasy web novel and its subsequent adaptation into a "high-quality animated adaptation" had generated significant anticipation. The series promised a blend of "magic, political intrigue, and strategic battles," aligning with the growing international appetite for sophisticated fantasy narratives. However, the recent production snags and release delays have cast a long shadow, turning a highly anticipated series into a cautionary tale about the fragility of animation production pipelines.
