Blue Eye Samurai has forged a path as one of Netflix’s most visually distinct and narratively ambitious animated series — and now, it’s adding some serious directorial firepower to its second season. John Aoshima, who recently co-directed Ultraman: Rising, is stepping in to helm an episode of the upcoming season, marking a significant creative addition to an already lauded production. While Ultraman: Rising doesn’t appear to be continuing on Netflix with further sequels, the streaming giant clearly took note of Aoshima’s talent behind the camera.
Deadline confirmed Aoshima’s involvement with Blue Eye Samurai season 2 and also revealed that he’s signed a multi-year overall deal with Warner Bros. Animation. Under this agreement, Aoshima will develop and direct a range of feature animation projects, although specifics about his first film under the new deal have yet to be disclosed. His name now joins a Warner Bros. slate that includes titles like The Ice Dragon (based on George R.R. Martin’s book), Thing One and Thing Two from Dr. Seuss, and revivals of classic properties like Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes, and The Flintstones. Whether Aoshima’s contributions will reshape any of those franchises remains to be seen, but his track record suggests a strong vision that balances stylised action with emotional resonance.
Aoshima brings with him two decades of experience in animation. He started with shows like American Dad!, which recently surprised fans with a four-season renewal at FOX. He’s also directed standout episodes of Gravity Falls and DuckTales, and has worked in animation departments for iconic series including The Simpsons, Futurama, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. On the film side, he contributed to the visually stunning Kubo and the Two Strings.
Production updates for Blue Eye Samurai season 2 remain under wraps. It hasn’t been announced which episode Aoshima will be directing or how far along the series is in development. What is known is that series creators Amber Noizumi and Michael Green are taking their time to ensure the same meticulous visual quality and emotional storytelling that made season 1 a breakout hit. Viewers likely won’t see Blue Eye Samurai season 2 until sometime in 2026, but early signs suggest it will be worth the wait.
Blue Eye Samurai and Ultraman: Rising are available to stream on Netflix.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Caleb from Love and Deepspace.
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