Between July 3rd and 6th, Anime Friends 2025 brought together more than 150,000 people at the Anhembi District in São Paulo. AnimeNew was present at the event, closely following the news. Among them was the special panel promoted by Disney+, which reinforced the platform's growing commitment to anime and original Asian productions.
Presented by Chibi Martins on the Ultra Stage, the panel featured previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and special appearances, positioning Disney+ as one of the event's major highlights.
Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War receives a tribute on stage
The panel began with a celebration of the legacy of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, one of the most popular titles in the catalog. Voice actress Luiza Porto and dubbing director Thiago Keplmair shared with the audience the challenges and behind-the-scenes aspects of voice acting in Brazil. They emphasized the importance of the national adaptation for the success of the work.
The warm reception from the audience showed that the anime remains popular even after more than two years since its release.
Twisted Wonderland: Disney villains get a new life in a magical universe
Next up was the anime Twisted Wonderland, based on the famous Japanese mobile game. The plot revolves around a young man who, upon crossing through a magic mirror, is transported to the world of Twisted Wonderland and enrolled in the Night Raven College of magic. Each house in the school is inspired by a classic Disney villain, giving the production a dark and captivating aesthetic.
Bia Menezes, the Brazilian voice actress for the anime, spoke about the dubbing process and the anticipation surrounding the national premiere, scheduled for the second half of 2025. The audience reacted with enthusiasm, especially fans who have been following the game and waiting for the animation for years.
Cat's Eye returns with a new anime about action, espionage, and brotherhood
Closing the panel, Disney+ revealed news about the remake of Cat's Eye, a classic from the 80s. The plot follows three sisters who lead a double life: during the day, they run a café; at night, they are thieves who steal works of art belonging to their missing father.
The plot gains extra tension with the involvement of Hitomi, one of the sisters, with Toshio Utsumi, the detective investigating the robberies, without her knowing that he is dating one of the criminals. The premiere is also scheduled for the second half of 2025.
Their presence at the event demonstrates Disney+'s strength in the anime market
Participation in Anime Friends 2025 showed that Disney+ is willing to compete in the Asian market with platforms already established in this niche. Alongside titles such as Tokyo Revengers, Tengoku-Daimakyo, Undead Unluck, and Sand Land: The Series, the announcements reinforce the company's strategy of expanding its geek catalog with productions aimed at young and adult audiences.
The panel at Anime Friends 2025 brought together fans of different age groups and created a direct connection with those who consume anime in Brazil, one of the most important markets for the global streaming industry.
With premieres scheduled for the coming months, 2025 promises to be a year of expansion and experimentation for Disney+ in Japan, Korea, and Brazil, especially among fans of anime, fantasy, and stories with a distinctive visual identity.