Highlights
- Anime Expo 2026 delivered major announcements, including Solo Leveling: Beyond the System and Ghost of Tsushima: Legends.
- Highly anticipated titles such as Kagurabachi, Witch Hat Atelier season 2, Black Clover season 2, and Steel Ball Run revealed new updates.
- The convention showcased the industry's growing slate for 2026-2027, featuring adaptations, original anime projects, and theatrical releases.
One of the biggest anime conventions, Anime Expo 2026, closed its run on July 5, unveiling a dense slate of new announcements, including anime films, series, games, and productions. The expo started on July 2 in Los Angeles, bringing together Japanese studios, licensors, streaming platforms, and thousands of fans.
The four-day event hosted multiple panels spanning Crunchyroll, Aniplex, Warner Bros. Japan, Netflix, VIZ, Kodansha, and several other companies. Anime Expo delivered dozens of updates, including the first Solo Leveling film, Witch Hat Atelier season 2, STEEL BALL RUN, and exclusive first looks at upcoming anime that will shape the release calendar in 2027.
While announcements came from many anime companies and studios, Crunchyroll headlined the expo with more than ten new announcements and updates. Elsewhere on the floor, Warner Bros. Japan, Netflix’s TRIGGER panel, and Disney’s Star Wars: Visions team revealed their own projects, highlighting how Anime Expo has become a launchpad for new anime releases.
Significantly, the 2025 breakthrough Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle confirmed its much awaited streaming schedule at the expo. The movie will come on Crunchyroll and Netflix on July 28, as per the streamer’s licensing agreements in selected regions.
Here’s a roundup of the biggest announcements that defined Anime Expo 2026.
1. Solo Leveling Gets its Theatrical Debut
One of Anime Expo’s biggest surprises was the announcement of Solo Leveling: Beyond the System, a new anime feature film that continues the story after the TV anime’s season 2. Animated by franchise studio A-1 Pictures, the movie also revealed a teaser visual and promotional concept video.
Sung Jinwoo’s English voice actor, Aleks Le, appeared on stage during the panel. Producers confirmed that additional details will be announced later. The film marks the franchise’s first theatrical installment following the anime’s global success.
2. Ghost of Tsushima: Legends Unveils First Character Visuals
The upcoming anime adaptation of Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Tsushima video game’s Legends multiplayer mode received its first character showcase during Anime Expo, as well. The presentation offered an early look at Takashi Okazaki’s character art featuring three warrior categories: ronin, assassin, and hunter, from the lore.
Ghost of Tsushima Legends is directed by Takanobu Mizuno, with Gen Urobuchi handling story composition and script. The anime will be co-produced by Crunchyroll, Aniplex, Sony Music Entertainment, and PlayStation Productions.
3. Delicious in Dungeon Season 2 Debuted New Footage
Fans also received a fresh preview of Delicious in Dungeon season 2, one of the most anticipated returning series. The Anime Expo presentation confirmed that production remains underway and the release is scheduled for October 2027.
Studio TRIGGER and Netflix are producing the series following Ryoko Kui’s manga, continuing Laios and his party’s dungeon expedition. Delicious in Dungeon season 2 will exclusively premiere in 2027.
4. Kagurabachi Shared an Exclusive First Look
Kagurabachi, the Spring 2027 anime, screened the first 20 minutes of its first episode during its Anime Expo panel featuring Japanese voice actor Taihi Kimura. Attendees were shown Chihiro Rokuhira’s provisional character design sheet, giving fans their earliest look at how the swordsman will appear in animation.
Editor-in-Chief of Crunchyroll, Kyle Cardine, also attended the panel. Kagurabachi has already become the next big shōnen; on top of that, following the screening, online discussions pointed out that the anime could become a potential Anime of the Year candidate after its release on Crunchyroll.
5. Witch Hat Atelier Season 2 Returns to Continue Coco’s Magical Journey
One of Anime Expo 2026’s most anticipated updates came with a new look at Witch Hat Atelier season 2. Based on Kamome Shirahama’s award-winning manga, the series follows Coco, a young girl who discovers that magic is learned rather than inherited after a life-changing incident.
The new trailer teased the next stage of Coco’s apprenticeship. A significant distribution update also revealed that Witch Hat Atelier season 2 will be available on Crunchyroll worldwide, excluding Asia. The first season was exclusively streamed on Netflix.
6. MASHLE: Magic and Muscles Season 3 Reveals Premiere Date
The popular fantasy shōnen anime MASHLE revealed its first trailer at the Anime Expo. The series’ next chapter is titled The Tri-Magicathlon Divine Visionary Final Exam Arc, which follows Hajime Komoto’s original manga’s fourth story arc.
MASHLE season 3 is set to premiere in January 2027, as part of the Winter 2027 anime lineup.
7. The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All Revealed its Opening Theme
The yuri romance adaptation delivered one of Anime Expo’s most unexpected music announcements. During the panel, a special video message from Dave Grohl revealed that cult grunge band Nirvana’s iconic song Breed will serve as the anime’s opening theme.
The reveal drew attention because having an American band song as an opening is quite uncommon in the anime industry. The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All is scheduled to premiere in early 2027 on Crunchyroll. The series follows Aya, a high school student who has a crush on a mysterious CD shop employee.
8. Steel Ball Run Enters its Second Stage This Fall
Warner Bros. Japan announced at its panel that the much-awaited ‘second stage’ of the Steel Ball Run: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure anime will begin on Sep 25. Additionally, the panel confirmed that the new episodes will finally get a weekly release on Fridays on Netflix. Three new characters, Funny Valentine, Hot Pants, and Mountain Tim, were revealed as well.
Steel Ball Run: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure will have 11 episodes in the second stage. The first stage, featuring only one episode, which racked up a 9.5 rating on IMDb, is available on the streamer.
9. Here U Are Received its Anime Trailer
The popular Chinese manhwa Here U Are officially entered the upcoming anime list with its first trailer. The series follows university students Yang Yu and Huan Li, whose initially awkward relationship gradually develops into romance.
Crunchyroll’s Anime Expo panel revealed that the adaptation is headed to international audiences, adding another boys' love title to the growing adaptation slate.
10. The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 5 Continues Naofumi's Journey
Anime Expo also brought a major update for isekai fans with a new preview for The Rising of the Shield Hero season 5. The next installment follows Naofumi and his companions as they face new threats tied to the remaining Cardinal Heroes. While the panel did not reveal an exact premiere date, it confirmed the fifth season drops sometime in 2027 on Crunchyroll.
11. Devils' Crest Locks a Prime Video Date
During a Warner Bros. Japan industry panel, the upcoming anime series, Devils' Crest, unveiled its first promotional video (PV), key visual, and other production updates. The series will premiere exclusively on Prime Video on Nov 6, 2026.
The opening theme was confirmed as Shinka, a new song performed by famous singer Ado. Additionally, two new cast members, Yuya Hirose and Satomi Amano, were announced, expanding the cast list.
12. ELECEED Reveals Lead Cast
One of the highly anticipated webtoon adaptations, ELECEED, received its first promotional video, giving fans a glimpse at the fantasy worldbuilding. The Anime Expo panel also revealed that Junya Enoki has been cast as protagonist Yu Kazahaya.
Prior to its expo panel, the production committee revealed that ELECEED will not be released in 2026 and is now scheduled to premiere in 2027.
13. New sci-fi Original Fate Rewinder Targets 2027
Another new anime unveiled at Anime Expo 2026 was Fate Rewinder, a science-fiction mystery centered on Chrono, a hero equipped with the “Retry Eye.” The implant is capable of rewinding time to prevent tragic deaths.
During its Anime Expo panel, Fate Rewinder’s visual and teaser trailer were shown. The series is currently scheduled for April 2027, the same window as Kagurabachi.
14. Aoashi Season 2 Confirmed for October 2026
Sports anime returned to the Anime Expo stage with a new look at Aoashi Season 2. The upcoming season continues Ashito Aoi’s football journey after his difficult junior high days. Crunchyroll had previously confirmed that the anime will be a part of its Fall calendar, releasing on Oct 4.
15. Black Clover Season 2 Reveals Trailer and Theme Song
After years of waiting, Black Clover season 2 received one of Anime Expo’s most favorable reactions with its main PV and opening song confirmation. The highly anticipated Black Clover season 2 will start streaming on Crunchyroll in October; however, the specific date has not yet been announced.
Japanese singer WANIMA is singing the opening song Kienai Riyū. The season will continue Asta and the Magic Knights’ quest into the Spade Kingdom following the finale of the TV series in 2021.
16. Overgeared Showcased Fantasy Game World
Another adaptation generating attention at Anime Expo 2026 was Overgeared, based on the bestselling Korean web novel. The story follows Grid, an unlucky VR gamer whose life changes after obtaining the legendary class ‘Pagma’s Successor,’ transforming him into a master blacksmith capable of forging powerful equipment. Anime Expo attendees were treated to a new preview ahead of the series’ planned release later in October 2026, with Black Clover and The Apothecary Diaries’ upcoming seasons.
17. RE:BEL ROBOTICA Announces 2027 Premiere with Yuki Kajiura Score
The original anime RE:BEL ROBOTICA previewed its teaser visual and trailer at the expo. The series is set to premiere in 2027.
SILVER LINK will animate the series, while composer Yuki Kajiura, known for her work on Sword Art Online, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and others, is scoring the RE:BEL ROBOTICA theme and insert songs. The teaser trailer gave fans an early preview of one of Kajiura’s insert tracks, as well.
18. Magical Buffs Bring a Support Mage in the Spotlight
Anime Expo also highlighted Magical Buffs: The Support Caster Is Stronger Than He Realized!, an upcoming fantasy adaptation scheduled for January 2027. Rather than following a conventional hero, the series centers on Wim Strauss, a talented support mage expelled from his guild after overshadowing their leader. The Anime Expo presentation debuted a new trailer, positioning the series as another addition to the growing fantasy anime lineup for 2027.
19. Gacha Girls Corps Blends Gacha Gaming with Isekai Adventure
The isekai genre gained a new entry with Gacha Girls Corps, which received a new trailer during Anime Expo. The story follows Heihachi, a mobile game enthusiast who is transported to another world after an unusual in-game mechanic.
Gacha Girls Corps is also scheduled for January 2027. The adaptation combines gaming mechanics with comedy and adventure tropes, reflecting the continued popularity of mobile game-inspired fantasy stories like Sword Art Online.
20. Dengeki Daisy Anime Casts Two Leads
After years of fan demand, Dengeki Daisy officially entered the anime lineup with the world premiere of its first trailer at Anime Expo 2026. Yoshino Aoyama will voice protagonist Teru Kurebayashi, while Taku Yashiro plays Tasuku Kurosaki, the mysterious janitor in the anime’s central plotline. The series is set to premiere in 2027 on Crunchyroll.
21. The Vermilion Mask Unveils Cast and October Premiere
The Vermilion Mask, another fantasy adaptation, revealed its first promotional video and primary Japanese voice cast at the expo. The showcase also confirmed an October 2026 premiere on Crunchyroll as a split two-cour broadcast.
The series follows Peru, the apprentice of legendary mask maker Gaston Roux, whose life changes after falling under the influence of the powerful "Mask of the Warrior God." The footage previewed the intense battles that drive his journey, setting up a dark-fantasy revenge arc.
22. MURCIÉLAGO Manga Gets a 2027 Anime Adaptation
Anime Expo 2026 confirmed a TV anime adaptation of the manga MURCIÉLAGO, set for a 2027 release. The event screened its teaser PV, key visual, and a special illustration from the creator to mark the announcement.
The series will stream exclusively on HIDIVE across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand as part of the platform’s 2027 slate. Based on Yoshimurakana’s long-running manga, the series follows former serial killer Kuroko Koumori, who now works for the Japanese government.
23. Jurassic Shadows Announced as New Original Anime
A new original project, Jurassic Shadows, was revealed with Norihiro Naganuma, known for directing The Apothecary Diaries, attached to lead the production. The announcement included the reveal of the main staff, a promotional video, and a concept visual. The series is described as an action anime blending dinosaurs, ninjas, and the modern beauty concept of ‘kesho,’ or make-up, aiming for a stylized world distinct from typical period or monster-action narratives.
24. A Returner's Magic Should Be Special Season 2 Sets October Return
A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special confirmed its second season will premiere this October on Crunchyroll at the expo. Alongside the release window, the panel announced that musician krage will perform the ending theme song, titled Everlasting. No additional cast or staff changes were detailed.
25. Fist of the North Star Confirms 2027 Second Cour
Warner Bros. Japan used its Anime Production 15th Anniversary Panel to unveil a ‘2nd Cour Broadcast Commemorative Visual’ for Fist of the North Star: HOKUTO NO KEN. Based on Buronson and Tetsuo Hara’s legendary manga, the new adaptation revisits Kenshiro’s journey through a post-apocalyptic wasteland where martial arts determine survival. HOKUTO NO KEN cour 2 is scheduled to release in 2027.
26. Studio TRIGGER Teases a New Imaishi-Nakashima Project
In one of the weekend’s more mysterious reveals, Studio TRIGGER and Netflix confirmed that director Hiroyuki Imaishi and screenwriter Kazuki Nakashima are working together on their fourth project. However, the anime release window or further details were not shared.
27. Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi
Lucasfilm and Production I.G showcased the first look at the upcoming anime series Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi. The anime, adapted from the ‘Ninth Jedi’ short in Star Wars: Visions anthology’s Volume 1, will premiere on Aug 5, 2026.
Apart from these new announcements, Anime Expo 2026 screened several of the upcoming Summer 2026 anime episodes, including Daemons of the Shadow Realm, Mushoku Tensei season 3, and the like. It also screened the first episode of 2025’s hit anime Gachiakuta season 2.
Anime Expo 2026 demonstrated how broad the anime industry’s pipeline has become, balancing blockbuster sequels with new adaptations, theatrical projects, and original productions. From Solo Leveling: Beyond the System making the leap to theaters to long-awaited adaptations like Kagurabachi, the convention offered a clear snapshot of what fans can expect through late 2026 and 2027.
