JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run Anime Sets Netflix Release for March 2026

The long-awaited anime adaptation of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run finally has a release date. Netflix will premiere the series globally on March 19, 2026. The announcement came via the official JOJO anime series account.

This confirms the project first revealed at the JOJODAY event in April 2025. The new arc represents a major reboot for the iconic franchise.

First Episode Details and a New Kind of Hero

The debut will be a special 47-minute first episode. It will introduce Johnny Joestar, a paraplegic former jockey, as the new protagonist. He is a stark departure from previous heroic JoJos.

Johnny is described as flawed and driven by desperation. He teams up with Gyro Zeppeli, a master of the Spin technique. Their goal is to win the deadly cross-country horse race known as the Steel Ball Run.

The story is set in an entirely new timeline. This makes it a perfect starting point for new viewers. Manga readers have long praised this arc for its compelling characters.

A Major Franchise Reboot and Fan Expectations

Steel Ball Run is considered one of the manga’s most acclaimed storylines. Its adaptation is a significant moment for anime fans. The series moves from supernatural battles to a Western-themed adventure.

The setting is 1890s America. The race serves as a backdrop for a complex plot involving mystical Corpse Parts. According to the official announcement, the animation will be handled by David Production.

Fans have reacted with immense excitement online. The character dynamic between Johnny and Gyro is a major draw. This adaptation aims to redefine JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure for a new era.

The global Netflix release of the Steel Ball Run anime marks a pivotal expansion for the JoJo franchise. This highly anticipated adaptation promises to bring a beloved manga arc to life for a worldwide audience starting in March 2026.

Dropping this nugget your way

When exactly does Steel Ball Run release on Netflix?

The first episode premieres exclusively on Netflix on March 19, 2026. It will be a 47-minute special to kick off the new series.

Do I need to watch previous JoJo parts to understand this?

No, Steel Ball Run is a complete reboot in a new timeline. It is designed as a perfect entry point for new viewers to the franchise.

Who are the main characters in Steel Ball Run?

The protagonists are Johnny Joestar, a paraplegic former jockey, and Gyro Zeppeli, his mentor. They compete in a deadly cross-country horse race.

What is the Steel Ball Run race?

It is a fictional, grueling horse race across the United States in the 1890s. The race serves as the central plot device for the story’s adventure and conflict.

Why are fans so excited for this adaptation?

The Steel Ball Run manga is widely considered one of the best story arcs in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. Fans have waited years for its anime adaptation.

Trusted Sources

Official JOJO Anime Series Account (X).