Few anime titles of the last decade have matched One-Punch Man’s impact. From its origins as a webcomic by ONE to its explosive rise through Madhouse’s stellar first season, the franchise quickly became a global sensation. But despite its enduring popularity, fans have grown increasingly uneasy about the fate of Season 3.

This unease hit a breaking point during AnimeNYC 2025. What was supposed to be a celebratory panel left audiences frustrated when the event ended without a release date, staff confirmations, or even a proper trailer. For a series that was rumored to return in October 2025, such silence feels like more than just a delay, it feels like a warning sign.

A One-Punch Man Panel That Raised More Questions Than Answers

AnimeNYC’s One-Punch Man event, billed as “The Hero!!,” seemed like the perfect opportunity to revive excitement for the franchise. Fans were treated to live performances by JAM PROJECT and BABYMETAL, who revealed Season 3’s opening and ending theme songs. While the music reveal was exciting, it fell short of expectations for an update-packed panel.

Many attendees walked in anticipating the first trailer or at least some clarity about the staff behind One-Punch Man Season 3. Instead, the panel concluded with vague teases, leaving fans more anxious than before. The lack of transparency feels particularly concerning given how little has been shared about the project since its initial announcement.

The response was immediate. Social media lit up with disappointed comments, with many fans voicing concerns about whether production troubles were being hidden. For a series that thrives on momentum, leaving its audience hanging may do more harm than good in the long run.

A Pattern of Disappointing One-Punch Man Updates

AnimeNYC was not the first time fans walked away with more questions than answers. Just a month earlier at Anime Expo 2025, One-Punch Man hosted another panel featuring voice actors Makoto Furukawa (Saitama) and Kaito Ishikawa (Genos). Once again, however, no new footage, cast information, or release confirmations surfaced.

Adding fuel to the fire, English voice actor Kyle Herbert, known for playing Atomic Samurai, admitted in July that he had yet to hear anything regarding dubbing for Season 3. Considering the anime was rumored to be only a few months from release, this silence set off alarm bells across the fandom.

The lack of marketing from J.C. Staff has also raised eyebrows. Most anime series slated for the Fall 2025 season have already launched campaigns, trailers, or at least official art. By contrast, One-Punch Man’s strategy, or lack thereof, suggests the productionof Season 3 may not be as far along as fans were led to believe.

Mixed Messages From the One-Punch Man Creators

Custom Image by Ana Nieves

Despite the cloud of uncertainty, creator ONE has expressed confidence in the project. At Anime Expo, he shared a heartfelt thank-you message to U.S. fans, accompanied by a new illustration. His words praised the production team for their passion and assured fans he was excited about the anime’s return.

While the optimism was appreciated, it did little to silence speculation. Fans are painfully aware that One-Punch Man Season 2 already faced criticism due to inconsistent animation and pacing under J.C. Staff’s leadership. Without clear evidence that lessons have been learned, reassurances from creators feel like hollow comfort.

The contrast between ONE’s confidence and the studio’s silence only deepens the mystery. If production truly is on track, why not show at least a teaser trailer to calm fan concerns? Until those questions are answered, doubt will continue to overshadow excitement.

The One-Punch Man Franchise is at Risk of Losing Momentum

Custom Image by Ana Nieves

The biggest danger facing One-Punch Man is not simply a delayed release, it’s the risk of losing cultural relevance. Anime fans have more options than ever, and competition in the shōnen and seinen space is fierce. Hits like Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man have already seized the spotlight that once belonged to Saitama.

Delays and mismanagement could erode goodwill the franchise has built since its early days. Season 1 remains beloved, but Season 2 already fractured fan trust. If Season 3 follows a similar path or suffers from extended silence, One-Punch Man risks being remembered as a series that peaked early and never recovered.

That said, the franchise does have bright spots. The upcoming One-Punch Man collaboration with Fortnite has sparked excitement, with new skins and power-ups that will bring back some hype. While fun, these marketing tie-ins cannot replace the real centerpiece: the anime itself. Without a strong third season, the brand risks becoming more about merchandise than story.

The Future of One-Punch Man Hangs in the Balance

One-Punch Man’s failure to deliver meaningful updates at AnimeNYC is more than a minor setback, it’s a sign that something may be fundamentally wrong behind the scenes. While live performances and music announcements are entertaining, they cannot mask the absence of real progress on the anime itself.

If J.C. Staff and the production committee do not act quickly to restore fan confidence, they risk squandering the entire One-Punch Man anime and one of anime’s most iconic properties. Saitama may be unbeatable in battle, but in the world of anime production, even the strongest hero is vulnerable to poor planning and lost momentum.

Created by

ONE, Yusuke Murata

First Film

One-Punch Man: Road to Hero

Cast

Makoto Furukawa, Kaito Ishikawa, Max Mittelman, Zach Aguilar, Robbie Daymond, Hikaru Midorikawa, Marieve Herington, Laura Post, Rich Brown

Video Game(s)

One Punch Man: A Hero Nobody Knows, One-Punch Man: Road to Hero