Among the most discussed titles of the spring anime season was Steel Ball Run, the seventh installment in Hirohiko Araki’s legendary JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure odyssey. After generating significant buzz with a captivating two-episode debut, the series fell into a mysterious hiatus. Persistent fan demand eventually compelled Netflix to confirm that the saga would resume this autumn with its “second stage” broadcast on a weekly schedule.
Following an official update at Anime Expo 2026, we now have definitive confirmation: Steel Ball Run returns with fresh episodes starting September 25. This second cour—aptly dubbed the “second stage” to mirror the cross-country race central to the plot—will consist of 11 episodes.
Produced by the long-standing JoJo veterans at David Production, the Steel Ball Run adaptation has masterfully captured the unique aesthetic of Araki’s manga. While the production condensed certain dialogues and streamlined specific sequences to bolster the premiere’s pacing, the result is a high-energy experience. Set against the backdrop of the 1890s American frontier, this arc marks a fresh start for the franchise, existing within a distinct continuity while still weaving in echoes of the broader JoJo mythology.
The story follows Johnny Joestar, a paraplegic former jockey, and the enigmatic Gyro Zeppeli, a master of a supernatural art known as “the Spin.” Together, they enter the Steel Ball Run, a grueling equestrian race across the continent with a $50 million prize. However, their journey quickly spirals into a dark conspiracy, introducing them to the series’ iconic power system: Stands.
Netflix’s decision to drop the initial episodes with such a significant, unexplained gap was undeniably jarring. Nevertheless, with a clear release date now on the calendar, the frustration is giving way to excitement as fans prepare for the full continuation of this surreal adventure.
Source: Polygon
