Steel Ball Run Anime Announced

The wait is finally over! Fans of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure can now celebrate as the highly anticipated Steel Ball Run anime has officially been announced. This news comes straight from Crunchyroll and JoJo News, confirming that the next chapter in Hirohiko Araki’s legendary series is heading to screens soon. If you’ve been craving more stand battles, wild adventures, and that signature JoJo flair, this is the update you’ve been waiting for. Let’s break down everything we know so far about the *Steel Ball Run* anime adaptation.  

What Is Steel Ball Run? A Quick Recap

Steel Ball Run is the seventh story arc in the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga series. Unlike previous parts, which were set in Japan, Europe, or fictional towns, this arc takes readers (and now viewers) to late-19th-century America. The story follows Johnny Joestar, a former horse racer who lost his ability to walk after a tragic incident. Desperate to regain his strength, Johnny teams up with Gyro Zeppeli, a mysterious Italian cowboy with a pair of magical steel balls (yes, you read that right). Together, they enter the “Steel Ball Run” cross-country horse race, a deadly competition with a $50 million prize. But there’s more at stake than money—hidden in the race is a secret that could change the world.  


For longtime JoJo fans, Steel Ball Run is often praised as one of the most creative and intense arcs in the series. It blends Western themes, supernatural elements, and Araki’s signature storytelling into a wild ride. Now, with the anime on the way, newcomers and die-hard fans alike can experience this epic tale in motion.  

Steel Ball Run Anime Announcement: Key Details 

The official announcement was made on April 12, 2025, by Crunchyroll and JoJo News. While exact release dates are still under wraps, here’s what we know:  

1. Production Studio: The anime will be produced by David Production, the studio behind previous JoJo adaptations. This is great news, as David Production has consistently delivered the vibrant art style, over-the-top action, and faithful storytelling that fans love.  

2. Cast & Crew: While voice actors haven’t been confirmed yet, rumors suggest that some fan-favorite actors from earlier JoJo seasons might return in new roles. The director is expected to be Naokatsu Tsuda, who helmed earlier parts of the anime, ensuring the same bold aesthetic and pacing.  

3. Format: Steel Ball Run is a long manga (over 90 chapters), so the anime will likely span multiple seasons or cours. Expect the first season to cover the early stages of the race and introduce key characters like Funny Valentine, the main antagonist.  

Why Steel Ball Run Is a Big Deal for JoJo Fans 

If you’re new to JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, you might wonder why this announcement is so exciting. Here’s why Steel Ball Run is a game-changer:  

- A Fresh Start: Unlike other JoJo parts, Steel Ball Run takes place in an alternate universe, meaning newcomers can jump in without prior knowledge. It’s a perfect entry point for anime-only fans!  

- Unique Setting: The Wild West-meets-steampunk vibe offers a fresh backdrop for the series’ trademark weirdness. Think horseback duels, dusty landscapes, and supernatural mysteries.  

- Complex Characters: Johnny Joestar is one of Araki’s most layered protagonists—a broken man seeking redemption. Gyro’s humor and wisdom make him an instant fan favorite.  

- Mind-Blowing Powers: The “Spin” technique replaces stands in this arc, adding a new layer of strategy to battles. Imagine controlling rotational energy to attack, heal, or even warp reality!  

What to Expect from the Steel Ball Run Anime

Based on the manga and David Production’s track record, here’s what the Steel Ball Run anime might bring:  

1. Breathtaking Animation 

David Production’s work on JoJo has always been visually striking. From the glittering golden ratios of Golden Wind to the eerie atmospheres of Stone Ocean, the studio knows how to adapt Araki’s art. For Steel Ball Run, expect sweeping desert vistas, intense horse races, and the Spin’s hypnotic effects to come alive with bold colors and dynamic animation.  

2. Faithful Adaptation

The studio has a reputation for sticking close to the source material while adding small tweaks to enhance pacing. Key moments—like Johnny’s first use of the Spin or Gyro’s hilarious pizza-themed jokes—will likely get the spotlight they deserve.  

3. A Killer Soundtrack  

Every JoJo part has iconic music, from opening themes to battle tracks. Steel Ball Run’s Western setting opens the door for bluesy guitars, folk melodies, and maybe even a surprise rock anthem. The soundtrack could become as memorable as “Sono Chi no Sadame” or “Great Days.”  

4. New Villains, New Challenges  

Without spoiling too much, Steel Ball Run introduces some of the smartest and most dangerous antagonists in JoJo history. President Funny Valentine, with his dimension-hopping stand Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, is a villain you’ll love to hate.  

When Will Steel Ball Run Release?  

While no exact date has been confirmed, industry insiders speculate a late 2025 or early 2026 release window. Crunchyroll will likely stream the anime globally, with simuldubs in multiple languages. Social media is already buzzing with fan theories, memes, and countdowns—so stay tuned for updates!  

How to Prepare for Steel Ball Run

If you’re new to JoJo, here’s how to get ready:  

1. Watch Previous Parts: While Steel Ball Run is standalone, earlier seasons (especially Stone Ocean) provide context for the series’ multiverse.  

2. Read the Manga: The Steel Ball Run manga is complete and available in English. Dive in to spot differences once the anime drops!  

3. Join the Community: Follow hashtags like SteelBallRunAnime or forums like r/StardustCrusaders to share hype with fellow fans.  

Final Thoughts: The Steel Ball Run Hype Train Is Here!  

The Steel Ball Run anime announcement is a dream come true for JoJo fans. With David Production at the helm, this adaptation has the potential to be the wildest, most visually stunning arc yet. Whether you’re here for the horseback battles, the emotional storytelling, or Gyro’s terrible jokes, one thing’s for sure: the JoJo universe is about to get even weirder, and we’re all here for it.  


Stay tuned for more news, and remember—keep practicing your Spin technique. You’ll need it for the ride ahead!