Crunchyroll has officially announced the English dub cast and confirmed a same-day release for the highly anticipated dark fantasy anime, Sentenced to Be a Hero: The Prison Records of Penal Hero Unit 9004, often shortened to Sentenced to Be a Hero. The series is set to premiere globally on January 3, 2026, with its English dub available alongside the Japanese broadcast. This initiative ensures that international fans can experience the grim new series in their preferred language from day one.
Premiere Details and Episode Length
The premiere of Sentenced to Be a Hero will kick off with a special 60-minute first episode, designed to immerse viewers deeply into its unique world, rules, and compelling main cast. This extended introduction aims to establish the intricate narrative and dark fantasy elements that define the series, which was originally scheduled for October 2025 but was delayed to allow for quality improvements in animation. The anime will maintain a weekly release schedule after its initial hour-long debut.
The English Dub Cast and Crew Revealed
A talented lineup of voice actors will bring the English dub of Sentenced to Be a Hero to life. David Matranga is cast as the protagonist Xylo, with Emi Lo voicing Teoritta. The full announced cast includes:
- Xylo: David Matranga
- Teoritta: Emi Lo
- Dotta: Joshua Waters
- Kivia: Dawn M. Bennett
- Venetim: Jessie James Grelle
- Rajit: Nicholas Huber
- Priest: Jim Foronda
- Siena: Naya Moreno
- Zofflec: Ethan Gallardo
Additional voices will be provided by Abigail Blythe, Kelly Greenshield, Peyton Howard, Joshua Hires, Tom Aglio, Mauricio Ortiz-Segura, Alex Hanback, Brandon Acosta, Eli Farmer, Abi Kumar, Conner Allison, and Seth Magill.
Behind the scenes, the English dub production is led by Voice Director Shawn Gann, with Susie Nixon as Producer. The adaptation is handled by Audrey Drake Rigg and Matthew Greenbaum, while William Dewell serves as the Mixer and Victor Acosta as the Engineer.
What is Sentenced to Be a Hero?
Based on Rocket Shokai’s award-winning light novel series, Sentenced to Be a Hero: The Prison Records of Penal Hero Unit 9004 offers a unique twist on the fantasy genre. The story centers on criminals who are “sentenced” to become heroes, forced to fight on the front lines against a demon lord’s army. These penal heroes possess the grim ability to be revived endlessly after death, making them disposable assets in a brutal war.
The protagonist, Xylo Forbartz, is a former Holy Knight convicted of the severe crime of killing a goddess. His journey intertwines with the mysterious goddess Teoritta, promising a dark and complex narrative. The series is animated by Studio Kai, known for its ability to balance action with effective character portrayal, and is directed by Hiroyuki Takashima. Kenta Ihara is responsible for the series composition and scripts. The opening theme song, “Kill the Noise,” is performed by the rock band SPYAIR.
This dark fantasy anime distinguishes itself by reinventing the familiar “isekai” (other world) formula, focusing on themes of imprisonment, endless death, and institutional savagery rather than traditional heroism. The series has garnered attention for its grim premise, extended premiere format, and strong production backing.
