A still from ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run’
| Photo Credit: Netflix
Netflix has officially announced the return date for JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run, confirming that the anime’s second stage will premiere on September 25.The release date was unveiled during Anime Expo 2026, ending months of speculation after the series debuted with a two-episode premiere earlier this year before going on hiatus. The upcoming second stage will consist of 11 episodes and, unlike the initial release, will follow a weekly rollout on Netflix.The story follows Johnny Joestar, a former jockey left paraplegic after an accident, who joins the cross-country Steel Ball Run race in search of a miracle. Along the way, he forms an unlikely partnership with the enigmatic Gyro Zeppeli, whose mysterious Spin technique becomes central to the unfolding story. As the race progresses, the pair become entangled in a conspiracy involving powerful Stand users and hidden forces far more dangerous than the competition itself.Produced by David Production, Steel Ball Run adapts the seventh part of Hirohiko Araki’s long-running manga series and marks one of the franchise’s most significant turning points. Set in an alternate continuity from previous JoJo stories, the series shifts the action to 1890s America, where the world’s greatest horse race becomes the backdrop for a sprawling supernatural adventure.The latest trailer also gave fans their first proper look at one of Steel Ball Run‘s most anticipated characters, Funny Valentine, the President of the United States and the saga’s central antagonist. Alongside his debut, Netflix and David Production confirmed that veteran voice actor Tomokazu Sugita will portray the fan-favorite villain, while the trailer also introduced new characters Mountain Tim and Hot Pants.The anime adaptation has been praised for faithfully recreating Araki’s distinctive artwork and atmosphere while making selective pacing adjustments for television. Fans have particularly welcomed David Production’s visual approach, which captures the unique style that has defined the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure franchise for decades.The announcement also brings relief to fans after the lengthy gap following the premiere sparked widespread calls for Netflix to clarify the show’s release schedule. The move to a weekly format has been welcomed by viewers eager to follow the story without another extended wait.JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run Stage 2 begins streaming exclusively on Netflix on September 25. Published - July 05, 2026 12:58 pm IST
