Highlights from the Crunchyroll Anime Future Forum

On Wednesday, October 7 in New York, the inaugural Crunchyroll Anime Future Forum brought together leaders and creators from Japan and around the world to examine, discuss, and collaborate on how anime is shaping the future of the medium.

With nearly 500 attendees from Japan and the U.S., attendees participated in sessions centered on fandom, technology, storytelling, and IP. The event featured a new 2026 Global State of Anime Fandom 2026 study from National Research Group, the international expansion of Crunchyroll Manga, the unveiling of a new anime destination on PlayStation, a division in the content team Crunchyroll Storyworks, and conversations with Japanese leaders from Aniplex, MAPPA, TOHO and Shueisha, and special guests Samuel L. Jackson andJames Gunn.

Highlights

• The Creative Engine Behind Franchises: James Gunn and Manabu Otsuka discussed the creative, production, and franchise-building approaches behind globally resonant entertainment.
• Transmedia Storytelling: Leaders from Kamikaze Douga, Bandai Namco Filmworks, UP STUDIO, and Crunchyroll Storyworks explored how stories can move across anime, games, and live action while preserving creative vision.
• Protecting Creative Integrity in a Global Fan Economy: Industry and legal leaders examined how studios, publishers, creators, and platforms can protect IP, support fair value, and maintain trust with global fans.
• The Evolution of the Theatrical Experience: Executives from Sony Pictures Entertainment, IMAX, TOHO, and Crunchyroll discussed the role of anime, premium formats, and live experiences in turning cinemas into cultural destinations.
• The Spider-Verse Effect: Bob Persichetti and Kristine Belson explored how Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse expanded the creative language and global possibilities of animation.
• From Page to Platform: Publishing leaders from Shueisha, Link-U, Square Enix, and Kodansha discussed digital manga, global licensing, fan translation communities, and evolving creator economics.
• The Influencers Shaping Anime Fandom: Amber Glenn, Jordan Howlett, and Big Sean shared how anime informs identity, discipline, creativity, and community.
• Storytelling Reimagined: Leaders from Promise, Big Shot Pictures, and The Wisdomous Company considered how emerging technologies can support creative workflows while protecting creative vision and IP.
• Beyond Gameplay: Leaders from The Game Awards, Vertigo Entertainment, Lyrical Media, and PlayStation Productions discussed adapting game worlds into emotionally resonant film and television.
• The Power of Character: Samuel L. Jackson and Mitchel Berger discussed the characters, emotional stakes, and creative choices that make stories endure across cultures and generations.

Source: Email Correspondence

crunchyroll Anime Forum