The highly anticipated second part of the Beastars Final Season anime is officially set to premiere in 2026, bringing the complex narrative of Legoshi, Haru, and their world to a definitive close. This announcement, made during Netflix’s Anime Expo 2025 panel, marks the culmination of an acclaimed series that has redefined 3DCG animation and captivated a global audience with its intricate social commentary and compelling characters.
The Journey So Far: A Unique Narrative Unfolds
Since its debut, Beastars has stood out in the anime landscape. Adapted from Paru Itagaki’s award-winning manga, the series plunges viewers into a modern world inhabited by civilized, anthropomorphic animals, where a strict cultural divide exists between carnivores and herbivores. The initial premise, which might have been dismissed by some as “furry-bait,” quickly revealed itself as a deeply thoughtful exploration of societal prejudice, identity, and the raw instincts lurking beneath a veneer of civilization.
The first season of Beastars premiered in Japan in October 2019 and became available globally on Netflix in March 2020. It introduced audiences to Legoshi, a timid gray wolf grappling with his predatory instincts and his blossoming, yet forbidden, feelings for Haru, a small dwarf rabbit. The mysterious murder of an herbivore student at Cherryton Academy served as the catalyst, forcing Legoshi to confront the inherent tensions between carnivores and herbivores.
Studio Orange, the animation powerhouse behind Beastars, has been consistently praised for its innovative use of 3DCG animation, delivering a distinctive visual style that breathes life into Itagaki’s unique character designs and dynamic action sequences. This commitment to pushing animation boundaries has been a cornerstone of the series’ critical and commercial success.
The second season, which aired in Japan in early 2021 and streamed on Netflix globally in July 2021, delved deeper into the emotional and psychological struggles of its characters. It resolved the murder mystery of Tem, revealing the accidental nature of the act by Riz, a bear struggling with his carnivorous urges. This season further cemented the series’ reputation for tackling complex themes with nuance and sensitivity.
The Final Act: What to Expect from Part 2
The Beastars Final Season is an ambitious undertaking, designed to faithfully adapt the remaining arcs of Paru Itagaki’s completed manga. The manga, which concluded in October 2020 after 22 volumes and 196 chapters, presents a rich and expansive conclusion to Legoshi’s journey.
Part 1 of the final season premiered globally on Netflix on December 5, 2024, laying the groundwork for the ultimate resolution of the series’ central conflicts and character arcs. The second part, arriving in 2026, is expected to focus primarily on the “Revenge of the Love Failure arc,” the manga’s climactic storyline. This arc introduces Melon, a mixed-species antagonist who emerges as a formidable foe, forcing Legoshi to confront his deepest instincts and make difficult choices that will determine his future and his place in a divided world. Fans can anticipate a dramatic and action-packed conclusion, as Legoshi is offered a deal to expunge his criminal record if he helps take down Melon.
Shinichi Matsumi, who has helmed the series since its inception, returns as director for the final season, with Nanami Higuchi continuing to pen the scripts, ensuring a consistent creative vision for the grand finale. Satoru Kōsaki also returns to compose the series’ distinct musical score. The returning main voice cast, including Chikahiro Kobayashi as Legoshi, Yuki Ono as Louis, and Sayaka Senbongi as Haru, will bring their beloved characters to life for their final arcs. Additionally, new cast members have been announced for the second part, including Houko Kuwashima as Leano, Yūko Minaguchi as Toki, and Tomokazu Seki as Deshico, among others, hinting at the breadth of new characters and stories yet to unfold.
The ending of the manga was met with mixed reactions from some fans, particularly regarding the resolution involving Melon. It remains to be seen whether Studio Orange will adhere strictly to the manga’s ending or provide an alternative conclusion that might align more closely with broader fan expectations, a possibility given the anime’s past flexibility with certain manga elements.
The Legacy of Beastars
Beastars has garnered significant acclaim, winning over a dozen awards and nominations since its release. Its success lies in its ability to transcend typical anime conventions, offering a mature and profound exploration of identity, acceptance, and the struggle to live authentically in a society built on inherent divisions. The series has resonated with viewers by crafting relatable, all-too-real characters within its unique anthropomorphic setting.
The conclusion of Beastars in 2026 will undoubtedly be a momentous occasion for fans, marking the end of a captivating journey. It promises to deliver an impactful and emotional conclusion, tying together the intricate relationships and conflicts that have developed throughout the series and leaving a lasting legacy as a groundbreaking work in contemporary anime.
