"Sentenced to Be a Hero" Anime Unveils Second PV, New Cast; January 2026 Premiere Confirmed

The anime world is abuzz with excitement following the release of the second promotional video for Sentenced to Be a Hero: The Prison Records of Penal Hero Unit 9004, the highly anticipated TV anime adaptation of Rocket Shokai and Mephisto's acclaimed light novel series. This thrilling visual reveal comes with significant news: two new additions to the esteemed voice cast and a revised premiere date. While originally set for October 2025, fans can now look forward to a grand debut in January 2026, kicking off with a special 60-minute inaugural episode.

Guiding this ambitious animation project is the powerhouse Studio KAI, recognized for its exceptional work on titles such as Skeleton Knight in Another World. The creative team is led by director Hiroyuki Takashima, with Yoshitake Nakakōji serving as assistant director and creature designer. The meticulous scripts are being crafted by Kenta Ihara, while Takeshi Noda is responsible for the intricate character designs that promise to bring this dark world vividly to life. Completing the immersive experience, Shunsuke Takizawa is composing the atmospheric soundscape.

The already impressive voice cast welcomes new talent. Shōya Chiba steps into the role of Jayce Partiract. He joins Yōhei Azakami, who embodies the tormented protagonist Xylo Forbartz, and Mayu Iizuka, who lends her voice to the formidable, sword-wielding goddess Teoritta.

The narrative of Sentenced to Be a Hero plunges viewers into a chilling reality where heroism is not an honor, but a grave sentence imposed upon society's most heinous criminals. These 'heroes' are condemned to an endless battle against deadly contagions and monstrous entities, trapped in a punishing cycle of resurrection. The stakes dramatically escalate when Xylo encounters a new, enigmatic goddess. This pivotal event is poised to irrevocably alter the course of their relentless struggle and potentially rewrite the destiny of their imperiled world.

Originating as a gripping web novel on Kakuyomu, the series later found publication as light novels by Kadokawa under the Dengeki no Shinbungei imprint. Its compelling story was also adapted into a manga by Natsumi Inoue. With its profound dark atmosphere, complex characters, and high-stakes conflict, Sentenced to Be a Hero is set to deliver a truly impactful experience.

Global audiences will be able to join the journey, as Crunchyroll is confirmed to stream the series concurrently with its Japanese broadcast, ensuring widespread access. The newly released second promotional video offers an exhilarating sneak peek into the intense action and stunning visuals that await viewers, undoubtedly fueling immense excitement for its much-anticipated January 2026 launch.