Michael Tatum (Crowley) & Paul Castro Jr. (Riddle) talk the Twisted-Wonderland fandom, Disney villains, and the pressure of stepping into iconic roles
The highly anticipated English dub of the Disney/Aniplex series Twisted-Wonderland is finally here, bringing the beloved mobile game’s world of magical, villain-inspired students to a whole new audience.
Mama’s Geeky sat down with two pivotal members of the English cast – veteran voice actor Michael Tatum, who voices the “exceptionally gracious” Headmage Dire Crowley, and Paul Castro Jr., who embodies the tyrannical and intense Riddle Rosehearts – to discuss fan expectations, the pressure of iconic roles, and their deep respect for the fandom.
The Pressure Of A Pre-Built Fandom
Twisted-Wonderland has enjoyed massive success as a game and manga series for years, creating a devoted fanbase long before the anime adaptation arrived. For Tatum and Castro, stepping into these established roles came with a unique kind of pressure.
Tatum revealed that the anticipation has been building for years: “I have been aware of Twisted’s existence for several years now because fans of Black Butler by the same creator have been coming to my table at conventions for years being like, ‘Have you heard of this?’”
After years of hoping the anime would come to fruition, Tatum admitted landing the role of Crowley was a massive relief.
“The pressure has been on for a while and it was almost a relief to get the part. I’m like, oh my God, I don’t want to explain to fans why I didn’t get it!” Tatum joked, adding, “If they waited much longer, I would have to play like, I don’t know, one of the gargoyles.”
For Paul Castro Jr., the connection to the property was more recent, but the intimidation was just as real.
“I’m a huge fan of Disney, and I love the villains,” Castro explained. “Voicing Riddle was not even something I was even imagining. I was like, okay, there’s no way that character is going to happen. Maybe some of these other ones that are a little closer to my jovial self that I am, not this tyrant that is angry at everything.”
The overwhelmingly positive fan reception has since alleviated the stress for Castro. “To see the fans response and to know that they’re so passionate… it’s such a relief. And I feel so happy to create an aspect of this series that they can enjoy in a different way.”
Finding Love In Villainy
Twisted-Wonderland sees students sorted into dorms based on iconic Disney villains, and both actors spoke passionately about the influence of those classic characters.
For Michael Tatum, voicing Crowley is a chance to pay “homage to all the Disney villains I grew up being inspired by.”
“It’s so lovely to get to play a fun, interesting, beautifully designed character who is also gives me a chance to kind of be a love letter to very important parts of my upbringing,” Tatum shared.
Castro, whose character Riddle is inspired by the Queen of Hearts, described the demanding process of embodying the fiery dorm leader of Heartslabyul.
“He is such a rule-abiding and intense character… he really rules with an iron, red iron fist,” Castro said. “It’s tough to live in that place that Riddle does. And he must have some real conviction about why he cares so much. And I’m excited for people to see all of those reasons for why he feels the way he does.”
Which Dorm Would They Choose?
When asked the burning question – which of the seven dorms they would be sorted into – the answers were surprising.
- Michael Tatum (Dire Crowley): “I think Jafar’s land, Scarabia, is like, just the aesthetics. But also Jafar was one of the first villains I tried to imitate as a young actor.”
- Paul Castro Jr. (Riddle Rosehearts): Despite playing the Head of Heartslabyul, Castro believes he would be placed there simply to cause chaos. “I could see myself absolutely being in [Riddle’s rival] Ace’s position and being put into this very strict dorm and messing up all the rules… I would be the cause of all Riddle’s madness, funny enough.”
The Ultimate Form Of Flattery: Cosplay
The passion of the Twisted-Wonderland fandom is perhaps best seen in their intricate cosplays. Both actors expressed immense respect for the effort involved.
Tatum, a self-proclaimed admirer of the craft, sees it as a shared experience: “It feels like I’m sharing a role with this extended family of people that are all part of it, that all get the character. And also it just looks amazing.”
Castro agreed, calling it “one of the largest forms of flattery” to know that their work has inspired fans to dress up. “It affected someone in such a way to want to dress up as them.”
Tatum even praised Castro’s own subtle nod to Riddle, noting that at a recent cast gathering, Castro was “dressed to the nines in this wonderful suit that was very much an homage to Riddle and he kind of won the party.”
An Introduction For New Fans
For those who are brand new to the world of Night Raven College, the actors offered a succinct pitch for the series:
Michael Tatum: “How would you feel about getting to go to a wizarding school, but for evil? Based on all the coolest villains that you know, you may not have seen the movies, but you know who these villains are. They are part of our cultural DNA.”
Paul Castro Jr.: “If you love Disney, if you love anime, this combines both of those things kind of at the highest quality with wonderful writing and a cast of characters that I think everybody can find somebody that they resonate with.”
Twisted-Wonderland is currently streaming, inviting fans new and old to step into the magical, nefarious halls of Night Raven College. Watch our full interview for more behind-the-scenes tidbits.
NEXT: KPop Demon Hunters Interview: HUNTR/X & Directors Talk Global Phenomenon
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.