Netflix is facing new backlash following the release of the ending theme for STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure at the start of the anime’s 2nd and 3rd STAGE, with some fans calling for the song to be replaced after learning that Dr. Luke is credited as its producer.
The ending, “Shinukaikiruka” by Yuki Chiba, debuted with Episode 2 on September 25. The official credits list Chiba as lyricist, Lukasz Gottwald as composer and Dr. Luke as producer. Gottwald and Dr. Luke are the same person. The song was released digitally alongside a creditless ending video.
Initial criticism focused partly on the song itself. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has historically used licensed songs from outside Japan for many of its endings, and some viewers had expected STEEL BALL RUN to continue that tradition. The previous songs included:
- Phantom Blood / Battle Tendency “Roundabout” by Yes
- Stardust Crusaders “Walk Like an Egyptian” by The Bangles
- Stardust Crusaders: Battle in Egypt “Last Train Home” by Pat Metheny Group
- Diamond Is Unbreakable “I Want You” by Savage Garden
- Golden Wind “Freek’n You” by Jodeci
- Golden Wind “Modern Crusaders” by Enigma
- Stone Ocean “Distant Dreamer” by Duffy
Fans quickly began posting alternative edits to the new ending, using songs like “A Horse with No Name,” “The Chain” and “Pony.” Fans are again posting hundreds of comments under unrelated posts on Netflix, urging the streamer to change the outro.
The reaction expanded after attention turned to Dr. Luke’s involvement. Kesha accused the producer in 2014 of sexually assaulting her in 2005. Dr. Luke denied the allegation and filed a defamation lawsuit against her. Their lengthy legal dispute ended in a settlement in 2023, with neither side admitting wrongdoing.
That history has led some JoJo viewers to argue that the issue is more than simply disliking the song. Posts on numerous fan communities specifically call for the ending to be changed because of Dr. Luke’s production credit, while others urge fans to make their concerns known to Netflix and Warner Bros. Japan.
The campaign comes only months after Netflix faced another major online backlash over the STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure release schedule. Following the 47-minute 1st STAGE in March, fans criticized the lack of clarity about when the series would continue. Netflix later confirmed that the anime would return with weekly episodes, while stating that the split-cour and weekly strategy had been the production committee’s original plan.
STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure previously revealed the opening video and song ahead of the 2ND and 3RD STAGE premiere on September 25. The anime previously confirmed 11 episodes for stages 2 and 3, along with weekly streaming on Netflix.
The opening theme song is “SPIN” by Kroi, the band which also performed the opening songs for SAKAMOTO DAYS and Liar Game. You can watch it below.
Steel Ball Run is the seventh part of Hirohiko Araki’s legendary JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga. Set in late 19th-century America, the story follows former prodigy jockey Johnny Joestar and mysterious outlaw Gyro Zeppeli as they compete in a transcontinental horse race for a massive cash prize. Beneath the surface, however, they face dangerous conspiracies that threaten to take over the competition. The first episode was a 47-minute special covering Stage 1 of the race, and it released on March 19, 2026.
You can watch the latest trailer for the anime below.
Also check out the English dub version of the trailer:
The manga by Hirohiro Araki began in 1987, while the Steel Ball Run part ran from 2004 to 2011. The full staff for the latest anime installment includes:
- Director: Yasuhiro Kimura & Hideya Takahashi (Golden Wind)
- Series Director: Toshiyuki Kato (Every Series)
- Series Structure: Yasuko Kobayashi (Every Series)
- Character Design: Daisuke Tsumagari (Golden Wind)
- Music: Yugo Kanno (Stardust Crusaders, Diamond is Unbreakable, Golden Wind, Stone Ocean)
- Sound Director: Yoshikazu Iwanami (Every Series)
- Animation: david production (Every Series)
A key visual for the 2nd STAGE was previously revealed.
Source: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure YouTube Channel, Netflix Official X
©LUCKY LAND COMMUNICATIONS/SHUEISHA, JOJO’S Animation SBR Project
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