If you assumed Anime Expo 2026 would be the summer’s ultimate anime milestone, think again. On June 19, the powerhouse studio MAPPA hosted a commemorative livestream for its 15th anniversary. With a track record of producing some of the industry’s most prominent titles, the Tokyo-based studio certainly delivered on the hype, treating fans to a wealth of major updates and reveals.
Chainsaw Man: International Assassins Arc
MAPPA kicked things off with a high-octane trailer for the highly anticipated Chainsaw Man: International Assassins Arc. While the studio has yet to disclose a specific release date or confirm whether the story will be adapted as a standalone film or a televised series, the footage provided a chilling look at the chaotic killers stalking Denji—and yes, Kobeni’s iconic car made a surprise cameo.
In addition to the anime update, MAPPA unveiled an ambitious gacha-style mobile game based on the franchise. The reveal featured a gripping opening cinematic set to the explosive track “All the lynch!!! All the mince!!” by Maximum the Hormone.
Jujutsu Kaisen: The Culling Game Arc (Part 2)
The momentum continued with Jujutsu Kaisen. Fresh off the heels of the season 3 finale, MAPPA confirmed that production for the second half of The Culling Game Arc is already well underway. The teaser revealed polished, high-fidelity animation sequences, hinting that the return of the series might arrive sooner than fans anticipated. The event also featured a special “JuJu Talk” session with voice actors Junya Enoki (Yuji Itadori) and Megumi Ogata (Yuta Okkotsu).
Dorohedoro: Season 3
Fans of the studio’s grittier, more surreal works will be thrilled to hear that Dorohedoro has officially been renewed for a third season following its successful April debut. The teaser trailer promised plenty of intensity, declaring, “Nikaido awakens. The Cross-Eye boss’ face peels off. Saji becomes a pie.” Cryptic? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet.
Ranma 1/2: Season 3
MAPPA also provided an update on the Ranma 1/2 remake, the modern take on Rumiko Takahashi’s classic manga. Season 3 is slated for an October premiere, with a new trailer highlighting the escalating rivalry between Ranma and Ryoga as they vie for Akane’s affection. The series will continue its exclusive run on Netflix.
New Original Projects for Netflix
The studio’s partnership with Netflix continues to expand with three newly announced titles. Jimoto Saiko!, an irreverent dark comedy, follows a troubled delinquent navigating the absurdity of her hometown—complete with a gritty trailer that suggests a wild ride coming in 2027. Also joining the lineup is Beat & Motion, a heartfelt industry drama about a disillusioned aspiring animator finding fresh inspiration through an indie musician, based on the manga by Naoki Fujita. Finally, Fall in Love, You False Angels promises a compelling romance centered on two seemingly flawless student leaders hiding dark, interconnected secrets, with a 2027 release window.
The anniversary celebration also included a reflective look back at the Attack on Titan Final Season, featuring insights from director Yuichiro Hayashi and voice actor Yui Ishikawa (Mikasa Ackerman). Furthermore, the sports drama Oblivion Battery confirmed a second season arriving in 2027, and the event concluded with the premiere of My Life, an anniversary short film accompanied by a new track from the band PEOPLE 1.
MAPPA’s evolution into a cornerstone of the anime world is undeniable. While the studio has weathered past criticism regarding production culture, it remains a prolific force, consistently delivering some of the most visually stunning action sequences of the past few years. As the medium reaches new global heights, the challenge for giants like MAPPA remains balancing the demand for artistic excellence with the well-being of the creative talent behind the screen.
Source: Polygon
