Anime’s influence on global entertainment continues to grow, and Crunchyroll is preparing to bring some of the industry’s biggest names together to discuss where the medium is headed next. The company has revealed the first slate of keynote speakers, panelists and programming for the inaugural Crunchyroll Anime Future Forum, which will take place on October 7, 2026, in New York.
The invitation-only event will bring together leaders from Japan’s anime industry and major voices from film, animation, technology, gaming and entertainment. Confirmed participants include representatives from Shueisha, TOHO, MAPPA and Aniplex, alongside filmmakers Guillermo del Toro and James Gunn. Anime superfans Amber Glenn, Big Sean and Jordan Howlett will also take part, while the creative team behind Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse is set to appear during the event.
Crunchyroll Brings Anime Industry Leaders Together in New York
The Crunchyroll Anime Future Forum will be held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on Wednesday, October 7, adjacent to New York Comic Con. More than 400 industry leaders are expected to attend the one-day gathering, which will focus on the theme “Designing for Anime’s Future.”
The program will explore four major areas shaping anime’s next chapter: fandom, technology, storytelling and IP protection. Scheduled sessions include “Transmedia Storytelling: Bridging Gaming, Live Action & Anime Fandoms,” “The Evolution of the Theatrical Experience,” “From Page to Platform: The Future of Manga” and “The Influencers Shaping Anime: Voices, Vision & Viral Power.”
Confirmed anime industry speakers include Yuta Momiyama, Jump Plus Editor-In-Chief and Digital Manager at Shueisha; Taichi Ueda, film producer and Executive Officer at TOHO; Manabu Otsuka, President and CEO of MAPPA; and Atsuhiro Iwakami, President and Representative Director and Group CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Japan and Chairman of Aniplex.
Guillermo del Toro, James Gunn and Anime Superfans Join the Forum
Guillermo del Toro, a longtime anime and manga fan, is among the most prominent filmmakers confirmed for the event. James Gunn, whose distinctive filmmaking style has also been influenced by anime, will join the growing lineup.
Olympic gold medal-winning figure skater Amber Glenn, multi-platinum artist and author Big Sean and content creator Jordan Howlett are also scheduled to participate as prominent anime superfans. Their presence highlights the forum’s broader goal of examining anime’s growing cultural reach beyond Japan and its expanding influence across entertainment.
The directors of the upcoming 2027 film Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, Bob Persichetti and Justin K. Thompson, will also appear in a panel moderated by Sony Pictures Animation President Kristine Belson.
Sony and Crunchyroll Executives Will Lead the Day’s Programming
Sony Group Corporation President and CEO Hiroki Totoki will open the Crunchyroll Anime Future Forum with opening remarks. Sony Pictures Entertainment Chairman and CEO Ravi Ahuja will deliver midday comments, while Crunchyroll President Rahul Purini will close the event with observations and news.
The forum is designed to create conversations between established anime companies, emerging creatives and leaders from industries increasingly connected to anime. With representatives from animation, film, television, gaming, music, technology and merchandising gathering in one place, the event will focus on a central question: where is anime going next?
