(AfroGamers.com) Alongside the manhwa’s release of the final chapter, Villains are Destined to Die was officially confirmed to have an animated adaptation in the works. Even though not much information has been revealed to readers about the studio, cast or release date, there is still heavy anticipation about what’s to come for the future of the popular web series – and potentially the future of other incredible villainess manhwa.
What’s It About?
The manhwa features female protagonist, Penelope Eckhart – a woman hated throughout the kingdom for her brutish, arrogant and temperamental attitude and behaviour. Penelope is not only all this but also a duke’s adopted daughter as well as a villain character in a otome game – a romance simulation game – titled ‘Daughter of the Duke: Love Project’.
Fast forward, we are introduced to Siyeon Cha, a university student from modern day South Korea who has finished playing all modes of the otome game; including the frustrating ‘hard mode’. Under mysterious circumstances, she finds herself transmigrated into that very same game as Penelope Eckhart herself. Forced to navigate the new world whilst bound to a system that makes her play on hard mode, she strives to gain all the skills and affection of the love interests needed to clear the game and survive her impending death. All the while, the game’s love interests slowly begin to realise that she wasn’t as bad as they originally believed.
Will It Flop or Flourish?
To be honest, anything can happen. Villains are Destined to Die is not the first or only manhwa series to receive an animated adaptation. There has already been a few in the past couple of years and currently, more have either been confirmed to be in the making or confirmed to have a release date – just like the action, supernatural webtoon, Eleceed.
The biggest concern fans might have about the adaptation could possibly be which animation studio picks up the series. As Solo Leveling and The Beginning After the End (TBATE) have shown, the animation style and the amount of passion put into the work by the animators can either make or break a manhwa’s overall adaptation. Another worry could also be how loyal the writers and animators will be to the series’ IP. The manhwa is already well adapted from the web novel its based on, so transferring that same faithfulness to an arguably bigger project – especially one with a, maybe, smaller budget – can lead to a third-rate production.
Even with these key factors, which should leave some fans worried, there is still hope that everything might end up going well or even better than we expected. For one, Villains are Destined to Die is just that popular with a sizably good worldwide fanbase. This means that more time and effort could be spent making the animated series stand out as well as its plot does.
An argument can be made that the manhwa might receive the TBATE treatment, not all hope is lost when you consider the difference in the level of expectation from them both. Meaning, some of us readers are likely holding on to the art style, costume designing and character chemistry being as faithful to the original work as possible – even if it means sacrificing smooth animation and a plot arc or two. Similarly to what was done for Who Made Me a Princess in 2025 with its beautiful Chinese animation.
Future Villainess Manhwa Animated Adaptations
If all goes well with this villainess manhwa and the popularity blows up as most fans expect it to, then more villainess manhwa adaptations may be present in our future. With the success of Solo Leveling, a lot of action/system/cultivation manhwa readers have held their breaths, waiting for the next big hit. The same may end up happening with the villainess manhwa fanbase.
Villains are Destined to Die is by far not the only best and biggest name in the manhwa scene. It simply managed to become the template for what villainess manhwa should look like and has inspired manhwa creators to create more original and refreshing works following the trope. Including, but not limited to, this series, there are Kill the Villainess, Beware the Villainess, How to Win my Husband Over and Your Throne that also have the potential of being picked up for adaptation the same way Villains are Destined to Die is. It is also important to note how this manhwa grew in popularity when it was being pushed forward on recommendation lists for people to read during the times of Covid-19.
Although not particularly a villainess manhwa, The Remarried Empress, recognised for its intriguing revenge story and otherwise controversial plot points, was picked up for a live action adaptation. Its Korean drama is even anticipated to premier on the 4th November 2026 on Disney + which continues to show the possibilities villainess and fantasy romance manhwa have in the film and television industries.
Altogether, the Villains are Destined to Die manhwa is an interesting reach into the trope for adapting from the Korean comic market considering how the Japanese manga has since dominated the Asian animation industry. With nothing else revealed about the upcoming animated series, we, as fans of both the web novel and manhwa can only wait and hope it will be worth the watch.
Staff Writer; Fadzai Nyamande
A South African who brings her love for fiction, manga, and storytelling into every piece she creates. Her writing is shaped by imagination, curiosity, and a true appreciation for the worlds stories can build.
Feel free to drop a note at; FadzaiN@AfroGamers.com.