Anime NYC 2025 – Netflix Panel Unveils Anime Lineup, Including Sakamoto Days, Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, and Blue Eye Samurai

Anime NYC kicked off the festivities with Netflix this year with some big reveals and sneak peeks at their animation line-up. There were a bunch of trailers and visual posters that were unveiled at the first panel at New York’s popular anime convention, with some favorite anime series returning like Sakamoto Days, Record of Ragnarok, and Devil May Cry, along with a new title like Splinter Cell: Deathwatch. Hosted by Jacki Jing, the panel was full of surprises in store for attendees, but general audiences wouldn’t have to wait for the announcements, as the streamer showed what’s to come this year and for 2026.

Kicking off the panel was Netflix’s successful original series Sakamoto Days, which is currently streaming part 2 of the first season. A midseason trailer and a preview were shown, giving audiences a glimpse of what’s coming up for the rest of the episodes. Joining the stage was voice actor Vinnie Hacker, who is taking on the role of antagonist Slur. Hacker spoke about his interest in playing the villain, drawing inspiration from classic baddies like Bleach’s Aizen and Berserk’s Griffith. He described Slur’s personality as complicated, charming, and dangerous. The actor said he enjoys the range of emotions that the anime series evokes.

Next on the program is the new season of Blue Eye Samurai. Attendees were given a first look at the second season, which is currently in production. Co-creators and EPs Michael Green and Jane Wu made their presence on stage to discuss what fans can expect in the new season. They revealed the new setting in 1650s London, as the main character, Mizu, is taken to new heights and experiences. They added that they were able to keep it authentic to the Japanese culture and the history of England during that period. Both of them chatted about how important it was for Mizu to represent the mixed Asian community and to have a strong female protagonist in a series like this. Afterwards, everyone was given a preview of a scene coming from the new season.

The panel introduced a new animated show to the line-up of Netflix originals, Splinter Cell: Deathwatch. Based on the popular video game franchise, it is being produced by Derek Kolstad. Known for creating the John Wick films, the developer of the new series was the last to join the stage to discuss his first foray into animation. He explained that he was a fan of the novels that the video games were based on, as well as the games themselves. Drawing inspiration from classic action films like Unforgiven and Jet Li’s performance, Kolstad went into detail on how he channeled the action from his experience on film to animation. He also spoke on the casting of Liev Schreiber in the series and how he was able to embody the main character of Sam Fisher. He also spoke on the addition of Kirby Howell-Baptiste as a new character named Zinnia McKenna and how her relationship with Sam is fostered like a father-daughter type of dynamic. Coming on October 14^th, fans will get a chance to see the new series and how it’ll adapt the popular franchise.

Before the year is over and going into 2026, fans will get to see the return of favorites like Record of Ragnarok and Devil May Cry with new trailers from both of these shows. Everyone will have lots to look forward to with these titles as Netflix continues to deliver more anime goodness on its platform.