It’s been a bit since we got anything from the Fate universe. The last animated project released was the duology film adaptation of Fate/Grand Order: Divine Realm of the Round Table Camelot. Now, Type-Moon’s mega multiverse franchise is returning to our screens again with a brand new TV anime. This time they are adapting the manga and light novel series, Fate/Strange Fake under the subtitle, -Whispers of Dawn-. If you’re new to the franchise or haven’t heard of this story, look at our handy Fate Beginner’s Guide to catch up!
So where does Strange Fake fit in with the rest of the franchise? Funny enough, it takes place in the canon central timeline alongside Fate/Stay Night and Fate/Zero. After the Fifth Holy Grail War (in the late 2000s) the mages of the United States use gathered data on the Third Holy Grail War (early 1940s) and decide to replicate the London Mage Association’s ritual in the hopes of having their own Holy Grail War. However, due to the natural order of the Holy Grail and their lack of experience with such, things take an immediate and odd turn for the worst when they are launched into what would be called the False Holy Grail War. Certain classes are omitted from the summonings and the heroes called to fight are a mixed bag of familiar faces and absolute weirdos that, by definition, shouldn’t be considered worthy to be called a “Heroic Spirit.”
Familiar characters include Gilgamesh and Enkidu as the archer and lancer spirits, respectively. New heroic servants include Alexandre Dumas (the author of The Count of Monte Crisco) and Jack the Ripper as this war’s caster and berserker.
Fate/Strange Fake -Whispers of Dawn- is being produced by A-1 Pictures and is scheduled to begin broadcasting on December 31st, 2022. An added surprise is that Aniplex and A-1 Pictures are working closely with the English localization team to have the series simulcast, worldwide. Four cast members for the Japanese and English versions have been announced.
- Sajou Ayaka will be played by Kana Hanazawa (Durarara!!, Angel Beats) and Anjali Kunapaneni (Genshin Impact, Heaven Offical’s Blessing)
- Saber will be played by Yuuki Ono (Dakaichi, BEASTARS) and Ben Balmaceda (Fruits Basket, The World Ends With You).
- Gilgamesh will be played by Tomokazu Seki and David Vincent, both reprising the role from previous work as the character.
- Enkidu will be played by Yu Kobayashi and Marin Miller, both reprising the role as well.