Picture Credit: Netflix
It is hard to overstate just how big of a splash Blue Eye Samurai made when it first sliced its way onto Netflix in late 2023. After quickly becoming a massive hit, scooping up early Emmy awards, and cementing itself as a towering achievement in adult animation, the wait for season 2 has been agonizing, and that wait is set to continue throughout the rest of 2026, but we’re finally getting an update soon. Ahead of Annecy Film Festival, here’s everything we know about Blue Eye Samurai season 2 so far…
Created by the husband-and-wife team Amber Noizumi and Michael Green, the series blew us all away with its stunning visuals (courtesy of French animation studio Blue Spirit) and its hyper-violent, emotionally resonant revenge tale. Here at What’s on Netflix, we’ve been tracking Mizu’s next chapter closely.
Here is our comprehensive, up-to-date preview of everything you need to know about Blue Eye Samurai season 2.
When will Blue Eye Samurai Season 2 release on Netflix?
You might want to sit down for this one.
While creators Michael Green and Amber Noizumi initially stated in interviews that they were targeting a 2026 release, we exclusively reported that Season 2 is not coming to Netflix until 2027.
Given the sheer scale and caliber of this animation, it’s not entirely surprising. The renewal order back in December 2023 was unlike standard upfront animated renewals, and Netflix didn’t officially confirm that production was fully underway until much later. Good animation takes time—and as the creators have previously stated, they have a grand 3-season arc planned for the series, meaning they are playing the long game here.
How many episodes will be in Season 2?
Season 2 will be a slightly tighter affair. We’ve learned that the second season will consist of 6 episodes (down from the first season’s 8), with each installment running roughly 44 minutes.
Who is in the cast for Season 2?
The stellar ensemble cast that brought Edo-period Japan to life is largely returning. Expect to hear the voices of:
- Maya Erskine as our relentless protagonist, Mizu
- Kenneth Branagh as the vile Abijah Fowler
- Brenda Song as Akemi
- Darren Barnet as Taigen
- Masi Oka as Ringo
- George Takei as Seki
- Randall Park as Heiji Shindo
- Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa as The Swordmaker
Supporting players like Stephanie Hsu (Ise), Ming-Na Wen (Madame Kaji), Harry Shum Jr. (Takayoshi), and Mark Dacascos (Chiaki) are also expected to be back in the vocal booth.
New Cast Additions:
As we’ve previously covered right here on What’s on Netflix, there are some exciting fresh faces joining the fray.
- Freddie Fox (Slow Horses, House of the Dragon) will be playing a new character named “Poet”.
- Eve Ridley (The Witcher) has also signed on to voice a character named “Sarah”.
Given the distinctly British names, it’s a safe bet we’ll be meeting both of these characters across the pond! (There have also been persistent internet rumors that Jason Isaacs might be lending his voice to the show, but we’ll have to wait for official confirmation on that front).
Behind the Scenes
Co-creators Noizumi and Green are back to pen the new scripts, alongside returning executive producer and supervising director Jane Wu.
We also learned that Alan Taylor, who masterfully directed Season 1’s jaw-dropping seventh episode (“Nothing Broken”), is returning to the directing team alongside Ryan O’Loughlin, who directed episodes 2 and 4 of season 1, will also return.
Our understanding is that John Aoshima (Ultraman: Rising) has been drafted in to direct this season as one of the new directors.
What to expect from the story in Season 2?
“Revenge does not hesitate. And I will have it.”
The biggest shift in Season 2 is the change in scenery. Mizu is heading to uncharted territory: London. She is dragging an imprisoned Abijah Fowler along as a “living map” to track down the remaining two white men who might be her father: Skeffington and Routley. The creators have promised that Mizu’s religion is still revenge, even if she has to burn London to the ground to get it.
Meanwhile, back in Japan, things are just as tense. The plot will follow Akemi and Taigen as they navigate the treacherous political chess game of Edo Castle under a dangerous new Shogun, while the lovable Ringo searches for a new purpose.
During a major tease at the Annecy Animation Film Festival, Dylan Thomas (Director of Adult Animation at Netflix) revealed that the new storyboards are “crazier, they’re bigger, and even more heart-wrenching than season one”. Even juicier, Amber Noizumi dropped a massive hint with a smirk: “There are also going to be maybe some people you thought died… who maybe are still alive.” Could it be Seki? Heiji Shindo? Only time will tell.
Are you excited for the return of Blue Eye Samurai? Let us know in the comments down below!
