Crunchyroll used its Anime Expo 2026 showcase to announce a wave of new anime projects, theatrical releases, and returning series, headlined by the reveal of Solo Leveling: Beyond the System, a new theatrical film that continues the story after Season 2. The streaming platform also shared a first look at the upcoming Ghost of Tsushima Legends anime and revealed new titles arriving over the next two years.
Why it matters: Crunchyroll continues to expand its anime lineup with exclusive premieres, game adaptations, and original productions, reinforcing its position as one of the largest global anime streaming platforms. The announcements also give fans a clearer look at what to expect from the service through 2027.
The details: Hosted by Tim Lyu and Lauren Moore at the Peacock Theater during Anime Expo 2026, the Crunchyroll Showcase featured trailers, cast appearances, exclusive artwork, and multiple world premiere announcements.
Leading the presentation was Solo Leveling: Beyond the System, a new anime theatrical film now in production. Aleks Le, the English voice of Sung Jinwoo, surprised attendees by confirming that the story will continue beyond the second season of the anime.
The film serves as a direct sequel to Solo Leveling Season 2 and is being animated by A-1 Pictures, the studio behind the television adaptation. Production is handled by Aniplex, Netmarble, D&C MEDIA, Kakao Piccoma, and Crunchyroll. A teaser visual and promotional concept video were shown during the event, while additional details will be announced at a later date.
Crunchyroll also revealed the first character visuals for Ghost of Tsushima Legends, the upcoming anime adaptation inspired by the multiplayer mode of the Ghost of Tsushima video game. Director Takanobu Mizuno leads the project, with HAYATE Inc. overseeing production. Gen Urobuchi and Satoshi Maejima are handling the script, Takashi Okazaki is designing the characters, and KAMIKAZE DOUGA is producing the animation.
No release window was announced, but Crunchyroll said more production details will follow.
One of the showcase’s biggest surprises came through a recorded message from Dave Grohl, who revealed that Nirvana’s “Breed” will be used as the opening theme for The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy At All. The anime adaptation is scheduled to debut in early 2027 and follows Aya, a high school student who falls for a mysterious CD shop employee, unaware that the person is actually her classmate Mitsuki.
Fans of Kagurabachi also received new content during the event. Japanese voice actor Taihi Kimura joined Crunchyroll News Editor-in-Chief Kyle Cardine for a live Q&A, while attendees were given an exclusive first look at Chihiro Rokuhira’s provisional character design sheet. The anime adaptation is scheduled to stream on Crunchyroll next year.
Crunchyroll also confirmed several new and returning series for its streaming catalog.
The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 5 will continue Naofumi’s journey as new threats emerge involving the other Cardinal Heroes. The next season is scheduled to premiere in 2027.
Romantic comedy Dengeki Daisy is also heading to Crunchyroll in 2027. The series follows an orphan whose connection with a mysterious hacker draws her into a world of espionage.
Fantasy anime Magical Buffs: The Support Caster is Stronger Than He Realized! is set to debut in January 2027. The story centers on support mage Wim Strauss, who joins a new guild after being expelled from his previous group.
The Vermilion Mask is scheduled to arrive in October 2026. The fantasy series follows Peru, a disciple of legendary mask maker Gaston Roux, whose life changes after being possessed by the Mask of the Warrior God. He later embarks on a journey to destroy the remaining cursed masks scattered across the world.
Crunchyroll also previewed Overgeared, which is set to premiere later this year. Based on the popular web novel, the series follows an unlucky VR gamer named Grid, who acquires the legendary class “Pagma’s Successor” and begins forging some of the game’s most powerful equipment.
The bigger picture: Many of the showcase’s biggest announcements continue the growing trend of adapting successful web novels, manga, and video games into anime. Alongside established franchises such as Solo Leveling and The Rising of the Shield Hero, Crunchyroll is also investing in newer titles that could become future long-running series.
Between the lines: Several announcements remain early in development, with premiere dates, additional casting, and distribution details still to come. However, the lineup demonstrates Crunchyroll’s long-term release strategy, with projects already scheduled through 2027.
For Filipinos: Filipino anime fans can expect these titles to become available through Crunchyroll as they premiere globally. Major franchises such as Solo Leveling and Ghost of Tsushima already have strong local followings, making them among the platform’s most anticipated upcoming releases.
What’s next: Crunchyroll is expected to announce more information, including release schedules, additional trailers, and voice cast details, in the coming months as production progresses on its upcoming films and series.
The Bottom Line: Anime Expo 2026 served as Crunchyroll’s biggest showcase yet, with Solo Leveling: Beyond the System leading a packed slate of theatrical films, returning favorites, and new anime adaptations that will shape the platform’s lineup through 2027.
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