Steel Ball Run 2nd Stage gets a new key visual and Anime Expo 2026 showcase with cast, composer, and special events. See dates, staff, and story details.
Warner Bros. Japan has unveiled a new key visual for Steel Ball Run JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure 2nd Stage, confirming that major announcements will arrive on July 3, 2026 during Anime Expo in Los Angeles. The presentation will take place at the Crypto.com Arena and promises new details, live music, and appearances from key members of the English cast.
Table of Contents
- What Is Steel Ball Run 2nd Stage
- When Will New Information Be Revealed
- Who Will Appear at the Anime Expo Panel
- What Special Events Are Planned
- What Is Steel Ball Run
- How Is the Anime Being Produced
- What Is Known About the 2nd Stage Release
What Is Steel Ball Run 2nd Stage
Steel Ball Run 2nd Stage is the continuation of the anime adaptation of Hirohiko Araki’s seventh JoJo part. The first stage debuted with a 47‑minute special episode on Netflix in March 2026, covering the opening segment of the cross‑continental race.
When Will New Information Be Revealed
Warner Bros. Japan confirmed that new details will be announced on:
- July 3, 2026
- Location: Crypto.com Arena, Anime Expo
- Time: 12:30 PM to 1:50 PM local time
The panel is part of Warner Bros. Japan Anime Production’s 15th anniversary celebrations.
Who Will Appear at the Anime Expo Panel
The event will feature:
- Yugo Kanno, composer for JoJo since Stardust Crusaders
- Daman Mills, English voice of Johnny Joestar
- Kaiji Tang, English voice of Gyro Zeppeli
The panel includes a live musical performance and an in‑depth conversation about the world of Steel Ball Run.
What Special Events Are Planned
Anime Expo will host a Steel Ball Run themed experience throughout the convention from July 2 to July 5, including:
- Decorated JoJo‑themed spaces
- Photo zones
- Anniversary showcases from Warner Bros. Japan
This immersive setup celebrates both Steel Ball Run and the studio’s broader anime catalog.
What Is Steel Ball Run
Steel Ball Run is the seventh part of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, originally serialized from 2004 to 2011 in Weekly Shonen Jump and later Ultra Jump, totaling 95 chapters.
The story is set in 1890 and follows a massive horse race across the United States with a million‑dollar prize. Key characters include:
- Johnny Joestar, a former jockey who lost the use of his legs
- Gyro Zeppeli, a mysterious competitor with unique techniques
Behind the race lies a web of conspiracies that transform the competition into a deadly struggle.
How Is the Anime Being Produced
The creative team remains consistent with the first stage:
- Directors: Yasuhiro Kimura and Hideya Takahashi
- Known for their work on Golden Wind
- Series Director: Toshiyuki Kato
- Has overseen every JoJo season
- Series Composition: Yasuko Kobayashi
- A long‑time writer for the franchise
- Character Design: Daisuke Tsumagari
- Also worked on Golden Wind
- Music: Yugo Kanno
- Sound Direction: Yoshikazu Iwanami
- Animation Studio: David Production
This continuity ensures that Steel Ball Run maintains the visual identity and tone established across previous JoJo adaptations.
What Is Known About the 2nd Stage Release
Netflix confirmed the following details:
- Premiere: Fall 2026
- Format: Weekly episode releases
- Distribution: Exclusive to Netflix
The platform clarified that the weekly format was planned from the beginning and is not related to production delays.