Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League, the highly anticipated sequel to the visually stunning 2018 anime film Batman Ninja, is heading to Max on July 3, 2025. Warner Bros. Discovery made the announcement, building excitement for fans eager to see the Dark Knight’s latest adventure through the lens of Japanese anime.
A Ninja Returns
Following his return to present-day Gotham City, Batman finds himself once again drawn back to feudal-era Japan in Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League. He’s not just facing any ordinary foes; this time, he confronts the Yakuza League, a mysterious new threat formed from warped remnants of his greatest allies.
The Story Unfolds
The official synopsis teases a Gotham City under siege:
The Batman Family has returned to present-day Gotham City after traveling back to the warring states period and saving history from being altered in the previous film, Batman Ninja. The next day, they witness a startling event – the Japanese island has disappeared, and a giant island called ‘Hinomoto’ appears in the sky over Gotham City. Soon, countless Yakuza descend from the sky and attack the people of Gotham City. And, the Justice League has disappeared.
Batman’s Mission
Batman investigates a strange energy reaction emanating from Hinomoto, discovering a world where the Yakuza war with each other, and brutality reigns. At the top of the world is the Yakuza League, a group of superpowered individuals, who look suspiciously like the Justice League.
The Creative Team
The core creative team from Batman Ninja reunites for this sequel:
- Directors: Jumpei Mizusaki and Shinji Takagi
- Screenwriter: Kazuki Nakashima
- Character Designer: Takashi Okazaki
- Music: Yugo Kanno
Voice Cast
Renowned voice actor Koichi Yamadera returns to lend his voice to the caped crusader. Other confirmed cast members include:
- Batman/Bruce Wayne: Koichi Yamadera
- Robin: Yuuki Kaji
- Red Robin: Kengo Kawanishi
- Nightwing: Daisuke Ono
- Red Hood: Akira Ishida
- Alfred: Hochu Otsuka
- Commissioner Gordon: Masaki Terasoma
A Visual Spectacle
Fans can expect high-octane action, bold visuals, and fresh twists on beloved DC heroes and villains in this wholly original tale. The film blends iconic characters with bold storytelling and visually stunning animation.
Where to Watch
Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League will stream exclusively on Max beginning July 3, 2025.
Other Release Formats
The film was initially released for digital download on March 18, 2025, and on Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD on April 15, 2025.
Characters and Plot Details
Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League plunges the Dark Knight into a world where familiar heroes have been twisted into Yakuza lords.
Justice League Turned Yakuza
Batman encounters supervillains who look suspiciously like the Justice League. Examples of these Justice Leaguer variants include Kuraku the Man of Steel (Superman), Ahsa the Aqua Dragon (Aquaman), and Daiana Amazone the Eagle Goddess (Wonder Woman).
Superman
Kuraku, The Man of Steel, serves as the Lead Protector of the Hagane Family and leader of the Yakuza League.
Ra’s al Ghul
Ra’s al Ghul, the leader of the League of Assassins, also factors into the plot. He uses an Origami time-traveling system to alter the timeline where most Justice League members are Yakuza, especially turning the version of Superman into his loyal pawn.
Doomsday
Deiō Dōmuzu, or Doomsday, is the former leader of the Hagane Family until Kuraku killed him and took over the family before the event.
Production Details
Warner Bros. Japan produces Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League in collaboration with Kamikaze Douga. The film marks the latest example of Warner Bros. Discovery’s commitment to original anime storytelling for both local and international audiences.
Anime Expo Teaser
The film was first teased at Anime Expo 2024 in Los Angeles, drawing excitement from fans worldwide.
Special Features
The physical and digital releases include the special features “Bringing Justice to Japan” and “Anime Action: Choreographing the Fights”.
Reception
Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League currently has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on initial critic reviews.
A Growing Anime Trend for DC
Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League is not part of James Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe. The Elseworlds story imagines a world in which Batman and his friends become ninjas, and the results are action-packed and visually stunning. Although Suicide Squad ISEKAI is regarded as the first full-fledged anime TV series for DC, Batman Ninja certainly helped pave the way.
Legacy of Batman Ninja
The original Batman Ninja (2018) was a groundbreaking anime feature that transported Batman and a cast of villains, including the Joker, back in time to medieval Japan. In the film, Gorilla Grodd’s time displacement machine sends many of Batman’s worst enemies to feudal Japan, along with the Dark Knight and a few of his allies. The villains take over the forms of the feudal lords that rule the divided land, with the Joker taking the lead among the warring factions.
Critical Acclaim
On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film received an approval rating of 82% based on 17 reviews, with an average rating of 6.6/10. IGN awarded Batman Ninja a score of 9.7 out of 10, saying, “DC tried something new by bringing in visionary Japanese animators to offer a refreshing take on one of the company’s most beloved characters, and the finished product not only built upon the great adaptations that have come before, but surpassed them.”
Get Ready for July 3rd!
Mark your calendars for July 3, 2025, and prepare to stream Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League on Max! Get ready for a wild ride through feudal Japan with Batman and his allies as they face off against a Yakuza-infused Justice League.
