Fans of Hirohiko Araki’s iconic JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series can rejoice as the highly anticipated anime adaptation of Part 7, Steel Ball Run, has officially unveiled its teaser promotional video, key cast members, and a worldwide 2026 debut on Netflix. The announcements were made during a special global livestream event held in Tokyo by Warner Bros. Japan and David Production.
The Long-Awaited Adaptation Arrives
Steel Ball Run, often regarded as a fan-favorite arc, transports the JoJo universe to a reimagined late 19th-century America. The story centers around the titular Steel Ball Run race, a grueling 4,000-mile cross-continental horse race with a grand prize of 50 million dollars. The anime will follow Johnny Joestar, a former jockey paralyzed from the waist down, who finds a new purpose and the ability to briefly stand after an encounter with the mysterious Gyro Zeppeli. Together, they embark on a bizarre and dangerous adventure, seeking the secrets behind Gyro’s powers and facing numerous adversaries during the race.
David Production, the animation studio behind all previous JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure anime adaptations, is returning to helm Steel Ball Run. The series will be directed by Yasuhiro Kimura and Hideya Takahashi, who previously co-directed JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind (Part 5). Toshiyuki Kato, who has served as a series director across multiple JoJo parts, will act as the series director. Yasuko Kobayashi is returning to oversee the series scripts, a role she has held for all prior JoJo anime installments. Character designs are handled by Daisuke Tsumagari, known for his work as an animation director on Golden Wind. Yugo Kanno, the composer for Stardust Crusaders, Diamond is Unbreakable, Golden Wind, and Stone Ocean, will compose the music, with Yoshikazu Iwanami returning as sound director.
Teaser Trailer Highlights 19th Century Wild West Adventure
The newly released teaser trailer offers fans a glimpse into the vibrant animation and the distinct atmosphere of the 19th-century setting, complete with horse racing action and the eccentricities characteristic of the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure franchise. The trailer showcases the visual style David Production is known for, promising a faithful adaptation of Araki’s intricate artwork.
Main Cast Revealed for Iconic Characters
The global livestream also confirmed the main Japanese voice cast who will bring the beloved Steel Ball Run characters to life:
- 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 (Kenta Miyake also famously voices Muhammad Avdol in Stardust Crusaders)
This cast selection has already generated significant excitement among fans, particularly with seasoned voice actors taking on pivotal roles.
Global Streaming Exclusive to Netflix in 2026
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 7: Steel Ball Run is slated for a worldwide release on Netflix in 2026. This continues Netflix’s exclusive global streaming partnership with the franchise, following the successful run of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean. While an exact month or season for the 2026 premiere has yet to be specified, the confirmation of its global availability ensures that fans around the world will be able to experience the epic horse race adventure simultaneously. Netflix had previously announced its streaming plans for Steel Ball Run on September 11, 2025, in commemoration of its tenth anniversary in Japan.
The Steel Ball Run manga originally ran in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine from 2004 before moving to Ultra Jump in 2005, concluding in 2011 with 24 volumes. VIZ Media has licensed the manga in English.
