Fans of Hirohiko Araki’s iconic JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series are in for a treat, as the highly anticipated anime adaptation of Part 7, Steel Ball Run, officially unveiled its first teaser trailer, key voice cast, and a worldwide 2026 release on Netflix. The announcements were made during a special global livestream held by Warner Bros. Japan on September 23, 2025, thrilling a dedicated fanbase that has eagerly awaited this unique installment.
The anime, produced by the long-standing studio David Production, promises to bring the epic transcontinental horse race and its bizarre stands to life with the animation quality fans have come to expect.
A New Frontier for JoJo: Plot and Setting of Steel Ball Run
Steel Ball Run marks a significant departure from previous JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure arcs, introducing an alternative reality and a fresh cast of characters. Set in the United States in 1890, the story centers around the titular Steel Ball Run, a grueling cross-country horse race.
The protagonist, Johnny Joestar, is a former jockey who lost the use of his legs. His life takes a bizarre turn when he encounters the enigmatic Gyro Zeppeli, a master of the “Spin” technique, which momentarily allows Johnny to walk. Desperate to regain the use of his legs, Johnny joins the Steel Ball Run alongside Gyro, embarking on a perilous journey filled with Stand battles and unforeseen enemies across the American frontier. Unlike the interconnected narratives of Parts 1-6, Steel Ball Run offers a standalone entry point, while retaining core JoJo elements like Stands and the Joestar lineage.
Teaser Trailer Unveiled, Showcasing David Production’s Vision
The newly released teaser trailer provides a first look at the animation style and character designs for Steel Ball Run. The footage, which premiered during the global livestream, gave fans a glimpse of the vast landscapes of the Wild West and the distinctive art style for which the series is renowned. David Production, the studio behind all previous JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure anime adaptations, is once again at the helm, ensuring continuity in the visual storytelling. The studio has consistently delivered high-quality animation that captures the unique aesthetic and dynamic action of Hirohiko Araki’s manga.
Assembling the Talented Voice Cast
The special event also confirmed the main Japanese voice cast who will bring the beloved Steel Ball Run characters to life.
The confirmed cast members include:
- 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 (Notably, Kenta Miyake is a familiar voice to JoJo fans, having previously voiced Muhammad Avdol in Stardust Crusaders).
These esteemed voice actors are expected to deliver the powerful and nuanced performances that JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is known for.
Key Creative Staff Revealed
The main creative team behind the Steel Ball Run anime has also been announced, featuring several returning talents from previous JoJo installments:
- Directors: Yasuhiro Kimura and Hideya Takahashi (returning from Golden Wind)
- Series Director: Toshiyuki Kato (who has contributed to every season)
- Series Composer: Yasuko Kobayashi (a veteran of the franchise, having worked on all previous parts)
- Character Designer: Daisuke Tsumagari (also from Golden Wind)
- Music Composer: Yugo Kanno (known for his work on Parts 3-6)
- Sound Director: Yoshikazu Iwanami (another consistent presence throughout the series)
This experienced team, under the continued animation by David Production, aims to deliver a faithful and compelling adaptation of one of the manga’s most highly praised arcs.
Global Streaming on Netflix in 2026
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 7: Steel Ball Run is slated for a worldwide release on Netflix in 2026. While an exact premiere date has yet to be confirmed, the global streaming availability ensures that fans around the world will be able to experience Johnny and Gyro’s bizarre adventure simultaneously. Netflix previously held exclusive global streaming rights for Stone Ocean, the sixth part of the anime. The decision to release on Netflix has generated discussion among fans regarding the potential for batch releases, similar to Stone Ocean, or a weekly schedule, with many hoping for the latter to maintain momentum. Regardless of the release format, the 2026 debut on a global platform marks a monumental moment for the JoJo franchise and its international following.
