The JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run anime has released a new key visual for its upcoming second stage, giving fans a fresh look at the series. The new artwork shows Johnny Joestar, Gyro Zeppeli, Diego Brando, and Mountain Tim in what appears to be a dangerous stretch of the race. The visual hints that the legendary horse race is entering one of its most challenging parts yet.
The second stage of the anime is scheduled to debut on Netflix in Fall 2026, continuing the split-cour release format. The first stage premiered on March 19, 2026, with a 47-minute episode that introduced viewers to the world of the Steel Ball Run race. The upcoming second stage will release episodes weekly, following a traditional broadcast schedule rather than a batch release.
Netflix confirmed the release plan in a statement addressing fan concerns about the schedule. The streaming platform explained that the split-cour format was always part of the original plan and reflects the wishes of the production committee.
“We are planning a split-cour release across the entire run of episodes. The next cour (2nd STAGE) will begin streaming in fall 2026 on Netflix, with one new episode released each week. This release schedule is part of our original plan and reflects the wishes of the production committee.”
The split-cour format means the series will air in separate batches with breaks between them, allowing the animation studio extra production time. This approach is common for longer anime narratives, though some fans have expressed frustration over the extended wait between stages.
Anime Expo 2026 Panel Announced With Special Guests
A special panel for JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run will take place at Anime Expo 2026 in Los Angeles. The panel is scheduled for July 3, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena from 12:30 PM to 1:50 PM PT. New information about the series will be revealed during this event.
Composer Yugo Kanno, known for his work across the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure franchise, will attend the panel for a live performance and discussion about the series. English voice actors Daman Mills (Johnny Joestar) and Kaiji Tang (Gyro Zeppeli) will also join the panel to share their thoughts and build excitement for the upcoming second stage.
Anime Expo attendees can also experience a Steel Ball Run booth with themed displays and photo opportunities throughout the event. The booth will be located in the South Hall Lobby Space.
Warner Bros. Japan Anime Production will also host a 15th anniversary industry panel at the convention. The panel takes place on July 4, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 12:20 PM in Room 408AB, featuring updates on upcoming titles including Steel Ball Run. Voice actors Laura Post and Damien Haas will appear as guests.
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Production Team and Cast Return for Second Stage
The animation for JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run continues under David Production, with the core creative team returning for the second stage. Directors Yasuhiro Kimura and Hideya Takahashi, who previously worked on Golden Wind, are co-directing the anime. Toshiyuki Kato serves as series director, while Yasuko Kobayashi oversees the series scripts. Daisuke Tsumagari returns as character designer.
The Japanese voice cast includes :
- Shogo Sakata as Johnny Joestar
- Yohei Azakami as Gyro Zeppeli
- Kaito Ishikawa as Diego Brando
- Rie Takahashi as Lucy Steel
- Kenta Miyake as Steven Steel
- Masaaki Mizunaka as Sand Man
- Kenichiro Matsuda as Pocoloco
The English dub cast features :
- Daman Mills as Johnny Joestar
- Kaiji Tang as Gyro Zeppeli
- Damien Haas as Diego Brando
- Frankie Kevich as Lucy Steel
- Jamieson Price as Steven Steel
The story follows Johnny Joestar, a paralyzed former jockey, and Gyro Zeppeli, an outlaw, as they participate in the Steel Ball Run race across America. The 4,000-mile race offers a $50 million prize. The second stage will cover one of the manga’s most memorable storylines, including the characters reaching the “Devil’s Palm” region.
The first five parts of the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure anime are available on Crunchyroll and Netflix, while Stone Ocean streams exclusively on Netflix.
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