Gyro Zeppeli and Johnny Joestar Steel Ball Run featured image JoJo's Bizarre Adventure custom image by Diana Acuña
By
Hannah Diffey
Published 2 hours ago
Hannah is a senior writer and self-publisher for the anime section at ScreenRant. There, she focuses on writing news, features, and list-style articles about all things anime and manga. She works as a freelance writer in the entertainment industry, focusing on video games, anime, and literature.
Her published works can be found on ScreenRant, FinanceBuzz, She Reads, and She Writes.
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JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has officially crossed a long-awaited milestone. After years of fan speculation and hope, Steel Ball Run, widely considered one of Hirohiko Araki’s most ambitious arcs, has finally received its first official anime trailer. The reveal immediately ignited excitement across the fandom, signaling a bold new chapter for the franchise’s animated future.
Even more significant than the trailer itself is the confirmation from Netflix Anime that Steel Ball Run will debut as a special 47-minute opening episode, titled 1st STAGE, arriving exclusively on Netflix on March 19. This announcement positions the adaptation not just as another JoJo season, but as a prestige anime event designed to honor the arc’s scale and legacy.
A Landmark Moment for JoJo Fans Worldwide
The release of the Steel Ball Run trailer marks a historic first for the JoJo anime. This arc represents a complete narrative reset, introducing an alternate universe and a drastically different tone from previous parts. Seeing its visual style and atmosphere animated confirms that the franchise is willing to evolve rather than rely on formula.
Longtime fans have often labeled Steel Ball Run as JoJo at its creative peak. The trailer’s cinematic framing, grounded color palette, and emphasis on vast American landscapes suggest an adaptation that understands the arc’s Western-inspired identity. It feels less like a continuation and more like a reinvention of what JoJo can be.
Choosing to launch with a 47-minute episode further proves its importance. Rather than rushing introductions, the extended runtime allows space to establish the Steel Ball Run race, its global stakes, and its complex characters. This approach signals confidence, treating the premiere as an event rather than a standard episodic debut.
Netflix’s Role in Elevating the Steel Ball Run Adaptation
Characters from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Steel Ball Run riding their horses in the visualCredit to David Production
Netflix’s exclusive release of Steel Ball Run 1st STAGE reflects the platform’s growing investment in high-profile anime adaptations. By positioning the premiere as a feature-length episode, Netflix reinforces the idea that JoJo remains one of anime’s most globally marketable franchises, capable of drawing both longtime fans and curious newcomers.
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Dive into the world of movies and TV shows with Screen Rant, your source for news, reviews, and exclusive content. Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.The streaming platform also provides the flexibility needed for an arc as unconventional as Steel Ball Run. Its slower-burn storytelling, mature themes, and heavy reliance on atmosphere benefit from binge-friendly distribution and international accessibility. Netflix’s reach ensures the arc’s debut feels worldwide, not limited to a regional rollout.
Ultimately, the trailer’s release and premiere details suggest this adaptation aims to redefine expectations. Steel Ball Run isn’t just another JoJo installment, it’s a statement about the franchise’s longevity and ambition. With its March 19 debut, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is once again proving its ability to surprise, evolve, and make anime history.
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure
Created by
Hirohiko Araki
TV Show(s)
JoJo Bizarre Adventure
Video Game(s)
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle R
Character(s)
Will A. Zeppeli, Jonathan Joestar, Giorno Giovanna, Jotaro Kujo, Joseph Joestar, Jolyne Cujoh, Johnny Joestar, Josuke Higashikata, Gyro Zeppeli
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