Cyberpunk Edgerunners 2 and a Revamped Ghost in the Shell Headline Anime Expo 2026's Sold Out Show

Anime Expo 2026 in Los Angeles drew a massive crowd as a sold-out, four-day event, with major studios and publishers unveiling a slate of high-profile announcements. According to Polygon, the convention featured key reveals including a continuation of the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners story and a significant creative pivot for the Ghost in the Shell franchise.

polygonAnime Expo 2026: Cyberpunk Edgerunners 2, Ghost in the Shell, and major reveals from the sold-out convention

"a sold-out, four-day event"

The sheer scale of the show reflected the industry's current momentum, with Polygon reporting that "major anime studios, publishers, and creators unveiled new trailers, premiered episodes, and announced sequels and original projects." The listings covered both long-awaited sequels and entirely new intellectual property from powerhouse animation houses.

One of the most talked-about reveals was the direction for Ghost in the Shell, which Polygon described as taking "a bold new direction." That phrasing suggests a departure from the franchise's established aesthetic or narrative approach, though specific plot details were not elaborated on in the announcements. Meanwhile, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 signals a direct follow-up to the critically acclaimed first season, continuing its dystopian narrative.

Beyond these flagship titles, the convention served as a barometer for the anime industry's expansion into original projects and multi-studio collaborations. Polygon's comprehensive roundup noted that numerous other sequels and first-look trailers were presented across the four days, making Anime Expo 2026 a defining moment for what fans can expect in the coming year.