Overlord Season 5 is one of the most anticipated isekai anime shows, but will it actually happen? Given the popularity and success of the previous anime seasons as well as the amount of material left from the light novel series it's based on, fans are expecting the series to return. The anime, known as Ōbārōdo in Japan, is based on the light novel series written by Kugane Maruyama and illustrated by So-bin. The series, which debuted in July 2015, was produced by the animation studio, Madhouse, and its story revolves around a man who becomes a part of the game he plays and decides to explore the new world while trying to solve a mystery.
The fourth season of Overlord wrapped up in September 2022 with Episode 13 featuring an exciting twist by showing Renner's Demon Form. The season finale got fans hyped for the future of the isekai series as the episode concluded with a text saying, "The End Begins," so the Overlord anime is clearly not over yet. So, when can we expect Overlord Season 5 to arrive?
Here's all the Overlord Season 5 information so far, including details on when it will possibly be released, the upcoming feature film, and more updates.
Is Overlord Season 5 happening?
Despite the success of the previous seasons and the anticipation, Overlord Season 5 hasn't officially been announced, and the uncertainty has divided anime fans. While some are skeptical about the anime's possible return, some remain optimistic regarding the renewal of the series. Both factions have drawn upon the author's statements to support their respective viewpoints about the renewal of Overlord.
However, if fans look at the original source material, there are currently 16 volumes, and so far the anime series has only explored until the 14th volume, so the possibility of a fourth season is promising. However, it's worth noting that the studio has only two more volumes to adapt. Looking back, the anime series adapted three volumes in each season, so it's likely that Madhouse is still waiting for Maruyama to complete Volume 17 before starting production.
Author Kagune Murayama already confirmed that the series will conclude after Volume 18, so there will be enough source material for another season. The gap between the premiere of Season 3 and Season 4 was four years, so fans are hoping that the studio will confirm Season 5 much sooner.
Overlord Season 5 Release Date Speculation
Unfortunately, there's still no release date for the next volume of the light novel series, so it's likely that Overlord Season 5 will arrive sometime in 2025 or later.
It's possible that the production team are focused on finishing the upcoming Overlord: Holy Kingdom Arc movie first. Although announced in May 2021, the film doesn't have a release date yet, but we do know that it will adapt Volumes 12 and 13 of the source material. If the movie comes out in 2024 - and if Season 5 is announced following its release, there's a good chance that the fifth season will air by late 2025 or early 2026. However, it's worth reiterating that this is just speculation, so fans will have to wait for an official announcement from Madhouse about the production of Overlord Season 5.
Overlord Season 5 Possible Plot
If Overlord Season 5 is announced, the studio will likely start by adapting Volume 15 of the dark fantasy light novel series. Yen Press licensed the Overlord light novel series for English releases, and provided the following description for Volume 15:
War with the Nation of Darkness is inevitable―or so the Theocracy’s leaders believe with every part of their beings. With such an obvious threat on their borders, there’s no time to waste on lesser concerns, so they decide to eliminate the elf king who has been a thorn in their sides for too long! Meanwhile, Ainz sets out for the elf country on what he’s decided to call a paid vacation. His real goal is to create an opportunity for Aura and Mare to make some friends their age―even as the Theocracy armies march on the capital! The twins know their wise ruler has his hopes pinned on them and won’t stop until they bring this forest under the control of Ainz Ooal Gown!
Overlord Season 5 Cast: Will Satoshi Hino return to voice Ainz Ooal Gown?
Japanese voice actor Satoshi Hino is well-known for playing the role of Ainz Ooal Gown / Momonga in the Overlord anime series, so that will likely remain unchanged in the upcoming Overlord The Movie: Holy Kingdom film and the potential fifth season. However, as far as casting goes, nothing has officially been confirmed yet, but we will update this section with the latest details once they're officially revealed.
Where to Watch Overlord
In North America and select regions, the first four seasons of Overlord are available to watch on Crunchyroll. The two compilation movies, titled Overlord: The Undead King and Overlord: The Dark Hero, are also streaming on the service. Both 2017 films act as a recap to the TV anime series.
