Rey Mysterio vs. The Darkness Drops First U.S. Trailer Ahead of SDCC

The masked wrestling icon is stepping into the spotlight once again—this time as an animated supernatural hero.

¡Viva Calavera!, the Mexican animation studio behind Rey Mysterio vs. The Darkness, has released the series’ first official U.S. trailer ahead of its debut at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, giving American audiences their first proper look at one of Latin America’s most distinctive animated productions.

Originally premiering in Latin America on Max and Cartoon Network, the ten-episode series blends lucha libre, Mexican folklore, supernatural horror, and anime-inspired action into an adventure unlike anything currently airing in Western animation.

A Hero Beyond the Wrestling Ring

Executive produced by—and featuring the voice of—WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio, the story follows Oscar, a young wrestling fan who unexpectedly joins forces with his childhood idol after dark supernatural forces begin invading the world.

Standing against them is the mysterious villain Uroboros, whose growing influence unleashes monsters rooted in Mexican mythology, forcing Rey to become far more than a legendary luchador.

Rather than simply adapting Rey Mysterio’s wrestling persona, the series transforms him into a mythic protector, combining high-energy lucha libre choreography with fantasy storytelling and supernatural creatures.

Mexican Mythology Meets Anime-Style Action

One of the show’s biggest strengths is its visual identity.

Instead of relying solely on traditional superhero aesthetics, Rey Mysterio vs. The Darkness embraces:

• Mexican folklore and legends
• Lucha libre culture
• Colorful 2D animation
• Fast-paced anime-inspired action sequences
• Stylized monster designs

The result feels closer to productions such as The Book of Life, Maya and the Three, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem than to a conventional sports cartoon, while still maintaining its own distinct artistic voice.

For fans of animation, the project is particularly noteworthy because it showcases how Mexican studios continue expanding their presence in international animation with original, culturally rooted stories.

SDCC Marks Its U.S. Debut

The series will make its official U.S. public debut during San Diego Comic-Con 2026, where attendees will be able to watch the first public screening of the show.

The convention will also host a special panel titled “Rey Mysterio vs. The Darkness: From Screen to Comics,”featuring Rey Mysterio alongside the creators known collectively as the Calavera Hermanos. Acclaimed filmmaker and animator Jorge R. Gutierrez (The Book of Life, Maya and the Three) will moderate the discussion.

The creators are also scheduled to participate in signing sessions throughout the convention, making SDCC a major milestone in the franchise’s expansion into the U.S. market.

Why This Matters

Animation inspired by Latin American culture has gained significant momentum over the past decade, but relatively few productions combine regional mythology with action aimed at a global audience.

Rey Mysterio vs. The Darkness stands out because it doesn’t simply use Mexican culture as decoration—it places it at the center of its worldbuilding.

With exclusive industry screenings reportedly planned for DreamWorks Animation, Disney, and Pixar following Comic-Con, the project appears poised for an even broader international rollout.

Whether you’re a lifelong wrestling fan or simply looking for original animated storytelling beyond traditional superhero franchises, this is one series worth keeping on your radar.