The Founder of Diabolism (2018)
A landmark Chinese animated series blending xianxia cultivation lore, supernatural mystery, and a deeply resonant bond between two rivals reborn into an unfinished story.
The Founder of Diabolism - Series Information
- Original Title: 魔道祖师
- First Air Year: 2018
- Last Air Year: 2021
- Created by: Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Action, Adventure
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (35 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 35
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- First Air Date: July 9, 2018 (Australia - M), July 9, 2018 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: Tencent Video
- Production Companies: Tencent Penguin Pictures, B.C MAY PICTURES
- Production Countries: China
- Alternative Titles: Gran maestro del cultivo demoníaco (ES), 魔道祖师 完结篇 (CN), Магистр дьявольского культа (RU), 魔道祖師 前塵編 (JP), Великий майстер з культивування демонів (UA), 마도조사 (KR)
The Founder of Diabolism - Plot
A feared outlaw is reborn in another's body and joins an old rival to unravel ghostly mysteries—and maybe his own past.
The Founder of Diabolism - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of cultivation and mystery come to life:
WILL HIS RETURN BRING MORE CHAOS OR AT LAST PEACE INTO THE WORLD?
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The Founder of Diabolism - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
Main Cast
- Ajie
- Jiang Bian
- Guo Haoran
- Titus Jin
- Su Shangqing
- Shao Tong
- Chen Zhangtaikang
- Wang Chenguang
- Yang Tianxiang
- Liu Sanmu
Writers
- Liang Sha
- Zhu Ke
- Liu Xing
Executive Producers
- Xu Yuanyuan
The Founder of Diabolism - FAQs
Is The Founder of Diabolism based on a novel?
Yes. The series is a direct adaptation of the danmei (boys' love) web novel Mo Dao Zu Shi, written by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu and originally published on the Chinese platform JJWXC. The novel blends xianxia cultivation lore, supernatural mystery, and a central romantic relationship between two male leads.
What is the relationship between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji?
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji begin as rivals from opposing clans before their bond deepens into one of the most celebrated relationships in the danmei genre. While the animated series tones down explicit romantic content due to Chinese censorship, their connection remains the emotional core of the story throughout all three seasons.
Where can you stream The Founder of Diabolism?
The Founder of Diabolism is available to stream on Crunchyroll and the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, both offering it as part of their flat-rate subscription plans. Availability may vary by region. You can compare all current viewing options on JustWatch.
How many seasons and episodes does the series have?
The series ran for three seasons and 35 episodes in total. Season 1: The Past contains 15 episodes, Season 2: The Reborn contains 8 episodes, and Season 3: The Final contains 12 episodes. The show concluded in 2021 and is not in active production.
What is The Founder of Diabolism about?
The series follows Wei Wuxian, a once-feared cultivator who practiced forbidden demonic arts and was killed by his own allies. Reborn in a stranger's body centuries later, he reunites with Lan Wangji, his former rival, to investigate supernatural cases that gradually expose the dark truths behind his original downfall.
Who are the main voice actors in the series?
The principal voice cast includes Ajie as Wei Wuxian, Jiang Bian as Lan Wangji, Guo Haoran as Jiang Cheng, Titus Jin as Lan Xichen, Su Shangqing as Jin Ling, Shao Tong as Wen Ning, Chen Zhangtaikang as Lan Sizhui, Wang Chenguang as Lan Jingyi, Yang Tianxiang as Jin Guangyao, and Liu Sanmu as Nie Huaisang.
When did The Founder of Diabolism first air?
The Founder of Diabolism first aired on July 9, 2018, on Tencent Video in China. The series was produced by Tencent Penguin Pictures and B.C MAY PICTURES and became one of the most internationally recognized Chinese animated series of its era.
How was The Founder of Diabolism received by critics and fans?
The series earned strong acclaim from both critics and fans, praised for its atmospheric storytelling, intricate plot structure, and emotional depth. It is widely regarded as a landmark in Chinese animation and helped bring xianxia and danmei genres to a global audience, inspiring a live-action adaptation, The Untamed, in 2019.
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