Crunchyroll treated fans to fireworks of a different kind at Anime Expo on July 4, unveiling the first trailer for “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” Season 2 and confirming its acquisition of worldwide streaming rights for a January 2026 release.
The reveal took place during a Crunchyroll-hosted panel at downtown LA’s Peacock Theater, where fans got their first look at the anticipated return of the acclaimed fantasy series. The streaming platform secured rights for all territories excluding Asia, though India and the Indian subcontinent are included in the deal, with plans for a simulcast from Japan.
The panel featured key talent including Japanese voice actor Chiaki Kobayashi, who voices Stark and is known for “Hell’s Paradise,” producer Yuichiro Fukushi from “One-Punch Man,” and composer Evan Call, who previously worked on “Violet Evergarden.” Each spoke about their experiences on the series and about the upcoming season.
Fukushi revealed that Tomoya Kitagawa will direct Season 2. Kitagawa previously contributed storyboards and directed multiple episodes in the first season. Season 1 director Keiichiro Saito, known for “Bocchi the Rock!,” will oversee the new season as supervising director.
The creative team for Season 2 includes assistant director Daiki Harashina (“takt op. Destiny”), series composition by Tomohiro Suzuki (“One-Punch Man”), and character design by Takasemaru (“Violet Evergarden”), Keisuke Kojima (“100 Meters”), and Yuri Fujinaka, who worked on key animation for “SPY x FAMILY CODE: White.” Concept art will be handled by Seiko Yoshioka, who contributed background art to “Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo,” while Call returns to compose the music.
Based on the ongoing manga by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe, the series is produced by animation studio Madhouse, the powerhouse behind “Yu Yu Hakusho,” “Trigun,” “Cardcaptor Sakura,” “Death Note,” “One-Punch Man” Season 1, and “Overlord.”
The first season proved a critical darling, earning nominations for Anime of the Year and taking home wins for Best Drama, Best Director, Best Background Art, and Best Supporting Character at the 9th Annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards earlier this year.
The story follows immortal elven mage Frieren who, decades after defeating the Demon King with her human companions, embarks on a reflective journey to understand humanity and confront her regrets about not forming deeper bonds with her now-deceased friends.
The series features an ensemble voice cast including Atsumi Tanezaki and Mallorie Rodak as Frieren, Kana Ichinose and Jill Harris as Fern, and Kobayashi alongside Jordan Dash Cruz as Stark, among others in both Japanese and English versions.
Watch the trailer here:
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