In a thrilling announcement that has sent ripples of excitement through the anime community, Warner Bros. Japan has officially revealed that an anime adaptation of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Part 7 – Steel Ball Run is in production. This exciting news was unveiled during the highly anticipated JOJODAY event on April 12, 2025, which was designed to connect the 'past' and 'future' of the beloved series.
Hosted by Kendo Kobayashi, the event featured a star-studded lineup of voice actors, including Kazuyuki Okitsu (Jonathan Joestar), Daisuke Ono (Jotaro Kujo), Junichi Suwabe (Leone Abbacchio), and Fairouz Ai (Jolyne Cujoh). Additionally, Tomokazu Sugita (Joseph Joestar) and Yuki Ono (Josuke Higashikata) made special appearances via video, while Kenta Miyake, the voice of Muhammad Avdol, surprised fans with a live appearance.
The JOJODAY event was not just about announcements; attendees enjoyed playing JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure games and watching popular scenes from previous anime parts. Towards the end of the event, the spotlight turned to the future of the franchise, culminating in the highly anticipated announcement of the Steel Ball Run anime adaptation.
Steel Ball Run, which is based on the manga by Hirohiko Araki, is set in the United States during the 1890s. The story follows Johnny Joestar, a paraplegic former jockey, and Gyro Zeppeli, a disgraced former executioner, as they participate in a cross-country race with a staggering $50 million grand prize. As they navigate the challenges of the race, they uncover the sinister motives behind the event, orchestrated by President Funny Valentine, the race's sponsor.
The adaptation will be produced by David Production, the same studio responsible for the previous six parts of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. Their last release was the adaptation of Stone Ocean, which concluded in December 2022. Fans are eager to see how David Production will bring the unique style and storytelling of Steel Ball Run to life.
At the event, a teaser trailer and character visuals featuring Johnny Joestar and Gyro Zeppeli were unveiled, generating further excitement among fans. The teaser, while brief, hinted at the series' distinctive animation style and the thrilling adventures that await viewers.
In a bid to celebrate this announcement, all 24 volumes of the Steel Ball Run manga will be available for free on the Young Jump app for a limited time, from April 13 at 00:00 to April 14 at 23:59 JST. This initiative allows fans to dive into the story before the anime adaptation hits screens.
VIZ Media, the English publisher of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, plans to release the Steel Ball Run manga in English in Summer 2025. This will mark the first part of the series to exist in a different continuity from the original story arc that concluded with Part 6, Stone Ocean.
The anticipation for Steel Ball Run is palpable, with fans eagerly discussing the potential release date. While no specific date has been confirmed, industry insiders speculate that the anime could debut in early 2027, given the current production timeline. More updates are expected at Jump Festa 2026, where fans hope to see a full trailer and detailed information about the series.
The announcement of Steel Ball Run also coincided with the reveal of a new mobile game based on JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, which is set to launch on Android and iOS. A countdown is currently underway, leading up to a full reveal of the game on June 30, 2025, at 6 PM JST.
As the JoJo franchise continues to expand, the Steel Ball Run anime adaptation is set to introduce new fans to the series while delighting long-time followers. The unique blend of adventure, supernatural elements, and engaging characters has made Steel Ball Run a fan-favorite story arc within the JoJo universe.
The series retains key elements that have defined the JoJo brand, such as the use of Stands—supernatural abilities unique to each character. Despite the shift to a new timeline, fans can expect callbacks and familiar names that tie into the broader JoJo legacy.
In summary, the official announcement of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run marks a significant moment for fans of the series. With a beloved story, talented production team, and exciting promotional events, the anime adaptation is poised to be a major highlight in the anime landscape in the coming years. As fans await further details, the legacy of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure continues to grow, promising thrilling adventures and unforgettable characters for generations to come.
