Steel Ball Run reveals second stage release at Anime Japan 2026

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run has been one of the most anticipated parts made by Araki to be animated. During the Anime Japan 2026 event, we finally got an update regarding the following episodes. We now have an official announcement surrounding the second stage of the story, and it is confirmed that it will debut exclusively on Netflix. David Productions has released a new teaser trailer.

This is an important announcement because the first stage premiered on March 19, 2026. Fans had gotten a special 47-minute episode, which immediately raised the popularity because the story instantly started with high stakes, as the world of Steel Ball Run kept viewers hooked.

Still from the anime - Source: David ProductionStill from the anime - Source: David Production
Still from the anime – Source: David Production

Moreover, after the debut of the premiere, the production team did not give any update on the upcoming episode. Now it is revealed that JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run’s second stage will continue the journey of Johnny Joestar and Gyro Zeppeli. Both of them are committed to this race and deep into this transcontinental horse race that defines this series.

The story is currently set in the later 19th century America. This is because after Stone Ocean, the world of JoJo’s was reset. Because of this, we are introduced to a new formula of storytelling. Those who have read the manga consider this to be one of the best-written parts by Hirohiko Araki. Additionally, Steel Ball Run manages to incorporate Western aesthetics with a twist of supernatural intrigue.

Still from the anime - Source: David ProductionStill from the anime - Source: David Production
Still from the anime – Source: David Production

It is noted that the next phase of this story is going to focus on an extremely brutal part of the race that is roughly around 750 miles into a desert terrain. The core part of this new arc introduces a region known as Devil’s Palm. Moreover, this is the part in the narrative where notable strange phenomena start to begin. When Steel Ball Run started, it seemed like a bizarre story about a long horse race where people participated to win a grand sum of money.

But the second phase is going to evolve into something far more sinister, as hidden agendas and conspiracies begin to surface. Now, the teaser revealed at Anime Japan 2026 hints at darker stakes, intense battles, and deeper character development. These are just some elements that longtime JoJo fans have come to expect from the series.


Star-studded cast and returning staff

Still from the anime - Source: David ProductionStill from the anime - Source: David Production
Still from the anime – Source: David Production

With the second phase of Steel Ball Run, it has been reported that most of the cast members would be making a comeback. As David Production is continuing to animate this series, one thing is for sure: There is not going to be any difference in terms of animation. Although there is a chance that, with the amount of time they are taking to work on specific episodes, the quality might increase. Other notable cast members include:

  • Kaito Ishikawa as Diego Brando
  • Rie Takahashi as Lucy Steel
  • Kenta Miyake as Steven Steel

We are also going to get supporting characters like Sand Man and Pocoloco, who also play key roles in shaping the unpredictable nature of the race.


What to expect from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run?

Still from the anime - Source: David ProductionStill from the anime - Source: David Production
Still from the anime – Source: David Production

With the second phase of the show confirmed to be released soon, the anticipation is at an all-time high. The continuation of the story promises more than just expanding on the race but also takes a deeper dive into the struggles of the characters. Fans should also expect the introduction of new characters, and this time, most of them are not only physically strong but also highly intelligent, which is going to make battle sequences incredibly intense. For now, all eyes remain on Netflix as it prepares to deliver the next chapter of this epic journey across the American frontier.