Crunchyroll recently hosted its annual Industry Panel during Anime Expo 2025 on July 5, where it unveiled a plethora of exciting new series acquisitions alongside exclusive previews of anticipated titles. This event served as a highlight for anime enthusiasts, showcasing future projects and offering a glimpse into what viewers can expect from the streaming service in the coming years.
One of the most thrilling announcements was the return of “Black Clover” for a new season, which will be exclusively available on Crunchyroll. Studio Pierrot is back on board to animate this much-anticipated sequel. In a heartfelt message delivered by the original creator, Yuki Tabata, fans learned about the significance of this return, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the manga. Tabata expressed his excitement about the new anime season, referring to the previous movie as a testament to the show’s passionate fanbase. He conveyed gratitude to all supporters and emphasized his commitment to delivering an exhilarating continuation of the series that fans from Japan and worldwide would thoroughly enjoy.
In another significant reveal, Masahiko Minami, the president of Studio Bones, took to the stage to announce the production of “Daemons of the Shadow Realm,” an anime adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa’s manga. Known for her work on “Fullmetal Alchemist,” Arakawa’s new series is touted as an otherworldly fantasy where mystery and the uncanny converge. Directing the adaptation will be Masahiro Ando, known for his work on “Sword of the Stranger.” During the panel, attendees were treated to a teaser trailer, effectively setting the stage for what promises to be a captivating series.
Voice actor Yusuke Kobayashi was also present to confirm that “Re:ZERO” Season 4 will stream exclusively on Crunchyroll in 2026. The beloved series will once again see Studio WHITE FOX and director Masahiro Shinohara returning to continue the story. A new teaser trailer was unveiled, generating even more excitement among fans eager for the next installment of this gripping narrative.
Additionally, “Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation” is set for its third season, also premiering on Crunchyroll in 2026. A teaser featuring Eris Greyrat was shared with the audience, showcasing the stunning animation crafted by Studio Bind, which is helmed by director Ryosuke Shibuya. Fans are eager to see how the story evolves and how the characters will continue to develop in this immersive fantasy world.
Another anticipated title, “Classroom of the Elite,” is preparing for its fourth season to be released on Crunchyroll. The series, animated by Studio Lerche, continues to draw in a dedicated fanbase with its intricate plot and character development. Furthermore, it was announced that “Classroom of the Elite – Merge Puzzle Spacial Exam” is now part of the Crunchyroll Game Vault, expanding the franchise’s reach beyond just anime.
A unique addition to the upcoming lineup is “Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider,” which will be available for streaming on Crunchyroll starting October 2025. This series, animated by LIDENFILMS, follows the journey of a 40-year-old man who reawakens his dreams of becoming a Kamen Rider after a life-altering encounter during a robbery. Directed by Takahiro Ikezoe, this show promises to blend comedy and action in a refreshing narrative.
The romantic comedy genre is also well-represented, with a new series slated for release in January 2026. Titled “You and I Are Polar Opposites,” this animated series is being developed by Lapin Track, with Takayoshi Nagatomo serving as the director and Teruko Utsumi overseeing the series composition. A new trailer was released, introducing the main voice cast, including Sayumi Suzushiro and Shogo Sakata, which adds to the anticipation surrounding this title.
Beyond these exciting series announcements, Crunchyroll’s Industry Panel featured a special teaser video showcasing never-before-seen footage from “Sentenced to Be a Hero.” This series is set to premiere in January 2026, animated by Studio KAI, and aims to capture the attention of fans with its unique premise.
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the beloved anime “Ouran High School Host Club,” Crunchyroll revealed a collaboration with the clothing brand Steady Hands. This partnership includes a new line of merchandise featuring newly illustrated art by character designer Kumiko Takahashi. Enthusiastic fans can pre-order these cozy items on the Steady Hands website, adding a stylish touch to their anime merchandise collections.
During the panel, a fan giveaway took place, offering one lucky attendee the chance to win a replica of Misato Katsuragi’s iconic jacket from the groundbreaking animated series “Neon Genesis Evangelion.” This jacket, crafted from premium leather, serves as both a fashionable everyday item and a cosplay piece, reflecting the timeless influence of the series. Along with the jacket, winners receive a replica of Misato’s cross necklace, enhancing the collectible aspect for fans.
To mark the 30th anniversary of Hideaki Anno’s monumental work, Crunchyroll introduced this exclusive jacket to their lineup of store products. Available for purchase at Anime Expo and through the Crunchyroll Store online, the jacket stands as a testament to the lasting impact of “Neon Genesis Evangelion” on anime culture.
As Anime Expo 2025 concluded, the announcements made during the Crunchyroll Industry Panel left fans buzzing with excitement and anticipation. From returning favorites to new adventures, the streaming service is set to deliver a diverse array of content that caters to various tastes within the anime community. With a mix of genres, unique stories, and beloved franchises making a comeback, Crunchyroll continues to solidify its position as a leader in the streaming anime landscape.
These announcements not only highlight the vibrant and evolving nature of the anime industry but also reflect the dedication of creators and studios to provide fans with engaging and high-quality content. As viewers eagerly await the release of these upcoming titles, the excitement surrounding Crunchyroll’s offerings is palpable and promises to keep the anime community engaged for years to come.
