By Ryan Epps Published Jul 11, 2026, 3:00 AM EDT Polygon Lists From Edgerunners to Steel Ball Run, Anime Expo delivered a packed slate
Image: Netflix Sign in to your Polygon.com account Anime Expo has long been the premier stage for the industry outside of Japan, and this year's convention was no exception. Across four packed (and completely sold-out) days in Los Angeles, various anime studios, publishers, and creators unveiled new trailers, debuted highly anticipated first or second episodes, and announced everything from blockbuster sequels to ambitious original projects.
Whether it was Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 kicking off its next chapter, The Ghost in the Shell charting a bold new direction, or powerhouse studios pulling back the curtain on what's next in their anime slate, there was no shortage of enticing reveals. If you couldn't keep up with every panel, here's a look at the biggest announcements from Anime Expo 2026.
Producers : CD Projekt Red and Studio Trigger
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is back with a whole new cast of characters just waiting to get lost in the unforgiving world of Night City. The first episode of Edgerunners 2 premiered during Anime Expo, so fans got to experience firsthand what’s in store for the next phase of one anime’s most heartbreaking stories, told this time through a very different lens. Early reviews suggest the new series is just as brutal as the last, offering interesting new perspectives on Night City. The series is set to release later this Fall.
Executive Animation Director Shuhei Handa stated that the team used traditional hand-drawn techniques specifically to emphasize the human body on The Ghost in the Shell. Image: Prime Video Release date : July 7, 2026
Producers : Science Saru, Bandai Namco Filmworks, Kodansha, and Production I.G.
Science Saru’s The Ghost in the Shell is one heck of a ride. Taking cues from the manga this go-around, series creators explained to Polygon at the event what drove them to elevate the franchise in a special way for a new audience, and early reviews already attest to its greatness. The mostly hand-drawn series is reported to be 10 episodes long, with the pilot already available to watch on Prime Video.
Producers : Lucasfilm and Production I.G.
Arguably one of the best Star Wars: Visions episodes is finally getting the continuation it long deserved. Directing the new series is Shunsuke Tada with supervision from Kenji Kamiyama, the original creator of the series. Anime Expo attendees were lucky enough to see the first episode, teasing exciting new villains and swordplay. Star Wars: Visions Presents - The Ninth Jedi premieres on August 5 on both Disney Plus and Hulu.
Producers : Cypic, Shochiku, and CyberAgent
It’s no surprise that one of the most exciting new anime slated to premiere on Crunchyroll next year stole the attention from most other announcements on Day 2 of Anime Expo. In celebration of its still ongoing world tour, Kagurabachi premiered 20 minutes of the first episode, which is set to release next year, wowing attendees with a flurry of stylistic katana action layered against a beautiful soundtrack. Get ready, Demon Slayer , because Kagurabachi might be next year’s anime to beat.
Graphic by Polygon I Source images: Madhouse Release date : October 2027 ( Frieren and Delicious in Dungeon ), TBD ( Witch Hat Atelier )
Where to watch : Crunchyroll ( Frieren and Witch Hat Atelier ), Netflix ( Delicious in Dungeon )
Producers : Madhouse ( Frieren )…