Just as it seemed the waters had calmed after release date issues, the animated adaptation of STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure finds itself in a new media storm. The release of the series’ second episode brought the debut of the official closing theme, but revealing the person behind its musical production sparked a massive wave of harsh criticism toward Netflix and the production.

The controversy began on September 25 with the premiere of the song Shinukaikiruka, performed by artist Yuki Chiba to accompany the second and third stages of the race. Although the piece attempts to maintain an urban rhythm, the official credits revealed the theme was produced by Lukasz Gottwald, known in the Western music industry under the alias Dr. Luke. The producer’s presence generated immediate rejection due to serious legal backgrounds and accusations of sexual assault he faced in 2014 alongside singer Kesha, a dispute that ended in a settlement only in 2023.

For many viewers, the decision also breaks with a long-standing franchise tradition. For years, animated adaptations of Hirohiko Araki’s work were known for using licensed classic tracks from beloved Western bands like Yes, The Bangles, Savage Garden, or Enigma. In response to widespread dissatisfaction, fan-made edits suggesting iconic rock and country themes to accompany the protagonists’ journey have circulated, alongside formal requests for the streaming platform to replace the official closing theme in weekly episodes.

This new setback comes just months after discomfort caused by the series’ initial airing schedule. Following the release of the 47-minute special in March 2026, lack of information about subsequent episodes caused significant frustration, forcing the production committee to confirm that the remaining installments would air weekly until completing the planned eleven-episode block for this phase.

Steel Ball Run is the seventh part of the acclaimed manga written and illustrated by Hirohiko Araki, originally published between 2004 and 2011. The story is set in late 19th-century North America and follows Johnny Joestar, a former prodigy rider who lost the use of his legs, and Gyro Zeppeli, a mysterious executioner who masters a mystical technique. Together, they decide to compete in an exhausting horse race across the continent with a promise of a massive prize, unaware that the competition hides a dark conspiracy involving the planet’s most valuable relics.

The animated adaptation is handled by the prestigious studio david production, featuring direction by Yasuhiro Kimura and Hideya Takahashi, alongside Toshiyuki Kato as series director. Script supervision is by Yasuko Kobayashi, character design by Daisuke Tsumagari, and the memorable soundtrack composed by Yugo Kanno. The opening theme titled SPIN is performed by the group Kroi.

What do you think of the new ending, and do you believe Netflix should change the song due to fan criticism?