The Steel Ball Run: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure anime confirmed Yuki Chiba’s “Dead or Alive” as its ending theme, released September 25, 2026, with production by Dr. Luke amid his legal controversies.
The anime adaptation of Hirohiko Araki’s Steel Ball Run unveiled its ending theme, “Dead or Alive,” performed by Yuki Chiba, on September 25, 2026, coinciding with the debut of stages 2 and 3 on Netflix. The song, produced by Dr. Luke, marks his first original anime composition, though his history of legal disputes with Kesha remains a point of contention. The opening theme, “SPIN” by Kroi, had been revealed earlier in September, setting the stage for the transcontinental horse race narrative.
Opening Theme Combines Genre-Blending Sound
Kroi’s “SPIN,” the opening theme for Steel Ball Run, blends Western, Funk, Soul, and Hip-Hop influences, as described by the band. The track, released on September 24, 2026, precedes the weekly Netflix episodes of stages 2 and 3, which began streaming on September 25. The anime, based on Araki’s 1987 manga, follows Johnny Joestar and Gyro Zeppeli in a 4,000-mile race across 1890s America, offering a $50 million prize. The first five parts of the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure anime are available to stream on Crunchyroll and Netflix, while Stone Ocean can currently be watched on Netflix.
Ending Theme by Yuki Chiba Reflects High-Stakes Narrative
“Dead or Alive,” the ending theme, was specifically crafted for the anime’s life-or-death race stakes. Yuki Chiba, known for his 2024 hit Team Tomodachi,
wrote the lyrics and collaborated with Dr. Luke, who also produced the track. The song features string arrangements by MIO.O and mixing by Grammy-winning engineer Serban Ghenea, who has worked with artists like Taylor Swift and The Weeknd. Released through Warner Music Japan and 300 Entertainment Japan, the theme underscores the series’ perilous journey.
Production Credits Highlight Industry Veterans
The anime’s production team includes veteran figures from previous JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure adaptations. Director Yasuhiro Kimura and Hideya Takahashi, and series director Toshiyuki Kato, oversee the project. Music by Yugo Kanno, who has composed for Stardust Crusaders, Diamond is Unbreakable, Golden Wind, and Stone Ocean, complements the narrative. Animation is handled by david production. The English dub features voices like Daman Mills as Johnny Joestar and Tomokazu Sugita as Funny Valentine, with the first episode premiering March 19, 2026.
Streaming Schedule and Fan Anticipation
Netflix will release 11 episodes of stages 2 and 3 weekly, beginning September 25. The platform describes the series as a grueling adventure
where Johnny Joestar and Gyro Zeppeli face conspiracies alongside their race. Fans of the manga, which ran from 2004 to 2011, have expressed excitement for the adaptation’s continuation. The first stage’s 47-minute premiere on March 19, 2026, set the tone for the transcontinental rivalry turned alliance.
Dr. Luke’s Controversial Role Sparks Discussion
Dr. Luke’s involvement in Steel Ball Run has drawn attention due to his 2005 legal battle with Kesha, where he denied allegations of drugging and sexual assault. The case settled in 2023, but the controversy persists. While the anime’s producers have not commented on the matter, fans have noted the tension between the artist’s creative contributions and his legal history. The ending theme’s release on September 25, 2026, coincides with ongoing debates about his role in the project.