Summary
- The Grimm Variations is a new Netflix anime series giving a dark twist to classic fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm.
- The series, produced by WIT Studio, reimagines stories like Cinderella with horror elements for a new audience.
- Episodes will feature different tales, such as Little Red Riding Hood, in futuristic settings, promising unexpected twists.
Classic fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm are getting a twisted retelling in a new Netflix anime. For many fans, Disney has become their gateway to classic fairy tales. Stories like Cinderella have been treasured by generations as some of the most beloved stories of all time. However, as they grew up, many viewers realized that these classic tales actually come from darker beginnings at the hands of authors such as the Brothers Grimm. Now, a new anime on Netflix is setting out to introduce viewers to the darker side of these classics while putting their own spin on it as well.
In an official announcement on X, Netflix Anime shared details of a new series called The Grimm Variations, a horror anthology akin to Junji Ito Maniac, produced by Spy x Family's animation studio, WIT Studio. It will take original Brothers Grimm stories and adapt them to the screen in all their twisted glory. The post focuses primarily on Cinderella, giving readers the rundown of how the story usually goes. However, in The Grimm Variations, things will play out a bit differently, as hinted by an image of what appears to be Cinderella herself covered in blood. Given how the darkest element of the original story consists of the stepsisters cutting off parts of their feet to make the glass slipper fit, the series is clearly aiming to be far more horrific as well if Cinderella is becoming a part of the bloodshed.
This small glimpse at what lies in store for the upcoming horror fairy tale series is incredibly promising, giving fans a take on these classic stories that could end up being darker than the original Brothers Grimm tales.
The Grimm Variations' Trailer Shows the Stories Won't Be Direct Adaptations
Produced by WIT Studio; Directed by Yōko Kanemori, Yasuhiro Akamatsu, Jun'ichirō Hashiguchi, Yumi Kamamura, Masato Takeuchi & Shintarou Nakazawa
Alongside the announcement on Netflix's X page, the streamer also released a trailer beforehand that gives a glimpse at more stories to come. Iconic stories like Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel & Gretel will join Cinderella with their own dark twists. However, the thing that stands out most about this trailer is how different each tale seems to be from its source material.
Little Red Riding Hood seems to be set in a futuristic fantasy world full of hunters and a seemingly-sweet take on Red Riding Hood that holds a dark secret. Meanwhile, The Elves and the Shoemaker takes a completely new approach to the story by making the main character a novelist, rather than a cobbler. This guarantees that each story will be new to viewers even if they're familiar with the original Brothers Grimm tales, guaranteeing twists around every corner that no one will see coming.
Who is the Mysterious Girl Talking to the Brothers Grimm?
The intricately designed third character adds an interesting layer to the new anthology anime
True to most anthologies, it appears there will be an underlying plot that will tie the series together. However, what's interesting is how it will introduce a mysterious red-headed girl, asking the Brothers Grimm to tell her their stories. Not much is known about this character yet, but given the horrific tone the trailer sets, there may be more to her than meets the eye. With each passing episode, her deceptive innocence will likely begin to chip away as she gives the Brothers Grimm a real-life story much darker than anything they could ever create.
Fans of these classic fairy tales will be able to stream all six episodes when they are released on Netflix on April 17th, 2024. The Brothers Grimm have become well-known for their twisted stories created to scare children into behaving. Now, these dark tales will be available for a whole new generation of adult viewers as Netflix and WIT Studio bring a new twist to these iconic stories.
Look for The Grimm Variations streaming on Netflix on April 17th, 2024.
