Anime Expo 2026, held in Los Angeles, served as a major platform for the anime industry, unveiling a slate of new trailers, episode debuts, and significant project announcements. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 and The Ghost in the Shell were among the prominent titles revealed, alongside numerous other productions from major studios.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Returns
Fans of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners can anticipate a return to Night City with Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, set to premiere in Fall 2026 on Netflix. Produced by CD Projekt Red and Studio Trigger, the series will feature a new cast of characters. The first episode debuted at Anime Expo, offering a glimpse into the continuation of the story. Early impressions suggest the new season will maintain the brutal tone of its predecessor while exploring Night City from different perspectives.
The Ghost in the Shell Enters a New Era
Science Saru's new take on The Ghost in the Shell, drawing inspiration from the manga, is scheduled for release on July 7, 2026, on Prime Video. The 10-episode series, produced by Science Saru, Bandai Namco Filmworks, Kodansha, and Production I.G., was highlighted for its use of traditional hand-drawn animation techniques, particularly in emphasizing the human form. The executive animation director, Shuhei Handa, noted this artistic choice. The pilot episode is already available for viewing.
Star Wars: Visions Gets Its Own Series
Star Wars: Visions Presents — The Ninth Jedi is expanding into its own series, with the first episode premiering at Anime Expo. Directed by Shunsuke Tada and supervised by Kenji Kamiyama, the new series promises new villains and swordplay. It is set to premiere on August 5, 2026, on Disney Plus and Hulu, produced by Lucasfilm and Production I.G.
Kagurabachi Debuts at Anime Expo
Kagurabachi is set to launch on Crunchyroll in April 2027. During Anime Expo, attendees were treated to a 20-minute preview of the first episode. Produced by Cypic, Shochiku, and CyberAgent, the anime features stylized katana action and a notable soundtrack.
Fantasy Anime Updates
Major fantasy series also made appearances. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End season 3 is expected in October 2027, with Delicious in Dungeon's return confirmed for the same month. Both are produced by Madhouse and Studio Trigger respectively and will be available on Crunchyroll and Netflix. Witch Hat Atelier season 2 is also in development, though a release date remains TBD. These series are produced by Madhouse, Bug Films, Studio Trigger, and Kadokawa.
Solo Leveling Continues Its Expansion
The Solo Leveling franchise is expanding with a feature-length film titled Solo Leveling: Beyond the System, slated for release in 2027. Following two successful seasons, the project will have a global theatrical run before becoming available on Crunchyroll. The film is produced by A-1 Pictures and directed by Tao Tajima.
CloverWorks Showcases New Projects
CloverWorks announced its original film Grotesqqque, set for November 6, 2026, and The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All, arriving in January 2027. Grotesqqque is described as a rock-infused adaptation. These join CloverWorks' slate of anticipated continuations, including My Dress-Up Darling season 3 and Bocchi the Rock! season 2.
Warner Bros. Japan Announces New Slate
Warner Bros. Japan revealed upcoming projects including Devil's Crest, premiering on November 6, 2026, on Prime Video, and Blade & Bastard, slated for 2027 on HIDIVE. Updates were also provided for JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run and a new Fist of the North Star anime.
WIT Studio's Future Projects
WIT Studio announced LONA (Laboratory of Optics and Neural Analysis), a new series by Akiko Nogi set for Spring 2027. Studio president George Wada also introduced the Tokyo Anime Next festival, a new awards program organized with the Association of Japanese Animations and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, scheduled for October 30 to November 2 in Tokyo.
Studio Trigger's Next Collaboration
Studio Trigger teased a fourth collaboration between Hiroyuki Imaishi and Kazuki Nakashima, the creative duo behind Kill la Kill and Gurren Lagann. While details are scarce, the project is one of the most anticipated teased at the expo.
