calling all villains: Story Setup & Character Guide

Calling All Villains is an upcoming animated web series created, developed, and produced by ZAMination. The project focuses on Mr. Puzzles, a character originally introduced through SMG4, and expands his story into a new setting with a new group of villainous companions.

The series is not presented as a direct continuation of SMG4. Instead, it moves the story forward by several years and follows Mr. Puzzles after the events surrounding the end of his former ambitions. This approach gives longtime viewers continuity details to investigate while allowing new audiences to begin without watching the entire original series first.

The concept originated from Luke Lerdwichagul, the creator of SMG4. ZAMination writers Zach, Andy, and Micah were involved in developing Mr. Puzzles’ personality and characterization during their work on SMG4. Their involvement helps explain why the new series can preserve recognizable elements while establishing its own identity.

Video Highlights:

• The announcement introduces Calling All Villains as an original animated series.
• Mr. Puzzles remains the central character after SMG4’s conclusion.
• The story is set years later rather than immediately continuing the previous show.
• New viewers can start with the spinoff without extensive prior knowledge.
• Returning fans can expect references and Easter eggs connected to SMG4.

The story begins after SMG4 has reached its conclusion. The announcement describes the original series as having ended in December 2025 after a long run, while the available series information places Calling All Villains years after the final War of the Fat Italians events.

Mr. Puzzles survives his sacrificial act alongside Mr. WPNZ, but his previous path has collapsed. His fame-seeking goals are no longer available to him, and the cancellation of PUZZLEVISION leaves him facing an unfamiliar future. The narrative therefore starts with a character who has already experienced major change, rather than introducing him at the height of his influence.

His central question is moral and personal: should he return to the villainous identity that defined him, or attempt to become a better person? The series uses that dilemma as the foundation for adventures with Mr. WPNZ and a new cast of villainous friends.

Is It a Sequel?

Calling All Villains is best understood as a follow-up spinoff, not a direct continuation. It acknowledges what happened to Mr. Puzzles but does not require viewers to know every event from SMG4. This distinction matters because the series can develop its own tone, cast, and story structure without discarding the character’s established history.

For returning viewers, the connection creates opportunities to recognize callbacks, character history, and Easter eggs. For newcomers, the premise is straightforward: a former villain must decide what to do after losing the path he once pursued.

The confirmed cast information currently identifies two central characters. Mr. Puzzles serves as the protagonist, while Mr. WPNZ acts as the deuteragonist. A broader group of villainous friends is planned, but the available material does not provide a complete official roster.

Mr. Puzzles’ role is especially significant because he is both the lead and a former antagonist. Rather than following a traditional hero, the series places a flawed villain at the center and asks whether his identity can change. His past actions remain part of the story, making redemption possible but not automatic.

Mr. WPNZ’s presence gives Mr. Puzzles a continuing relationship to navigate. The pair survived the previous conflict together, and their shared history provides a natural foundation for dialogue, tension, and cooperation as they enter the unfamiliar world of the spinoff.

What Makes Mr. Puzzles Different Here?

The new series presents Mr. Puzzles after a major emotional shift. He is no longer simply pursuing fame, control, or recognition. Instead, he must live with the consequences of his earlier behavior while deciding whether villainy is an unavoidable part of who he is.

That setup creates several possible forms of conflict:

• External adventures in an unfamiliar world.
• Arguments between old habits and new intentions.
• Pressure from villainous companions or rivals.
• Memories of former actions and failed ambitions.
• The temptation to become “the worst” if he cannot be “the best.”

Because Calling All Villains is designed to welcome new viewers, preparation should be selective. You can begin with the announcement material, understand the basic premise, and then decide whether you want additional SMG4 context.

The following process keeps the setup focused without turning the series into homework.

Recommended Viewing Mindset

New viewers should pay attention to the emotional starting point rather than trying to identify every reference. The important questions are easy to follow:

• What does Mr. Puzzles want now?
• How does Mr. WPNZ respond to his change?
• Can Mr. Puzzles separate his identity from his former villainous behavior?
• What kind of relationships will he form with the new cast?

Returning SMG4 fans can use those same questions while also tracking continuity clues. The announcement specifically indicates that Easter eggs and nods are intended for people familiar with the earlier series.

Calling All Villains was teased in March 2026, officially announced later that month, and promoted with announcement material in July 2026. The pilot is planned for Halloween, October 31, 2026. Since the series is upcoming, the episode count and long-term release schedule should be treated as subject to future confirmation.

The show also represents a notable production change within the wider SMG4 fandom. The available information identifies it as the first official SMG4 series developed and produced outside Glitch Productions, with ZAMination leading the project.

Production Notes

The project combines an existing character with a new creative structure. Luke Lerdwichagul provided the concept idea, while ZAMination is responsible for creating, developing, and producing the animated series. This gives the show a clear relationship to SMG4 without making it dependent on the original production team.

The pilot is expected to establish:

• Mr. Puzzles’ new life after PUZZLEVISION.
• His relationship with Mr. WPNZ.
• The tone of the unfamiliar setting.
• The first members of the new villainous ensemble.
• The direction of his redemption-versus-villainy conflict.

For ongoing updates, use the Calling All Villains page on the SMG4 Wiki as a reference point, but verify release news through official ZAMination announcements when possible.