One Punch Man Season 4 Might Be the Series Turning Point
(Image credit: ©J.C.Staff | Crunchyroll)
It’s been a wild ride for One Punch Man fans lately. With Season 3 still airing, there’s already buzz around what Season 4 could bring to the table. The anime, originally titled Wanpanman in Japanese, skyrocketed to fame thanks to its overpowered hero Saitama and a blend of comedy, action, and sheer absurdity. But after a rocky Season 2 and an even messier Season 3, many are wondering if a fourth season could finally put things back on track.
A Possible Release Window for Season 4
Here’s the big question: When will Season 4 arrive? Looking at past patterns, it’s not easy to tell. Season 1 dropped in 2015, followed by Season 2 in 2019. Fans then had to wait until October 2025 for Season 3 to return. If we’re going by that timeline, we could expect Season 4 sometime in late 2027 or 2028. That’s assuming production goes smoothly - which, let’s be honest, is a big “if.”
For now, fans still have two more episodes left in Season 3. Here’s when they’re coming:
- Episode 11 - December 21, 2025
- Episode 12 (Finale) - December 28, 2025
With any luck, the final episode might sneak in a teaser for Season 4 before the credits roll. It’s a long shot - but fans are holding out hope.
Why Season 3 Missed the Mark
It’s hard to sugarcoat this. Season 3 has been disappointing. Fans were hoping for a comeback after the underwhelming second season, but instead, the latest episodes have been full of stiff animation, awkward still frames, and rushed scenes. It got so bad that the anime started getting called One Frame Man online. Adding to the picture, director Shinpei Nagai openly urged people to stop harassing the team, writing that
“This is taking a toll on my mental health, and it only brings negatives to the work, the staff, and the original creators,” - Shinpei Nagai, Director
Behind the scenes, the issues make more sense. Episode 8 had production dates visible in a few frames, showing it was finished just 11 days before it aired. That kind of last-minute scramble speaks volumes about how stretched the animators must have been. Combine that with poor pacing and cut content from the manga, and it’s no wonder long-time fans are frustrated.
There was even a scene where Millennium Emperor Nova, one of Child Emperor’s most powerful attacks, was animated without including the moon. In the manga, the moon appears with the crater left by Saitama in Season 1 - a powerful visual callback that was just... gone. It’s the kind of detail that really stings when it’s missing.
What Season 4 Is Likely to Cover
If Season 4 happens, it’ll have some seriously good material to work with from the manga. These upcoming storylines are packed with big fights, major twists, and new characters. Here's what could be included:
- The intense finale of the Monster Association Arc, which features some of the best battles in the series
- The introduction of the Neo Heroes, a new group with mysterious goals
- Bigger developments surrounding “God”, the strange figure hinted at throughout the story
- New emotional depth for Genos, Child Emperor, and Zombieman
- More involvement from Blast, a character fans have waited years to see in action
- And of course, more moments showing off Saitama’s insane power - and how it might change the world around him
This is the kind of content that, if animated well, could easily bring the series back to its former glory.
Who Should Handle Season 4? Fans Have Ideas
It’s safe to say that many don’t want JC Staff anywhere near Season 4. While the studio has worked on good shows in the past, the production schedule they’ve been dealing with lately is overwhelming. Across 2024 and 2025 JC Staff worked on about 18 productions. That kind of output makes it hard to give any one series the attention it needs.
So, who’s next in line? A few studios come up often in discussions:
- Madhouse, the original studio behind Season 1, especially if director Shingo Natsume returns.
- Bones, the team behind Mob Psycho 100 - which was also written by ONE, the creator of One Punch Man.
- Ufotable, known for Demon Slayer and some of the cleanest animation in the industry.
- MAPPA, although fans are torn about its track record with overworking animators.
- Even Trigger and Kyoto Animation are thrown into the mix for their visual style and emotional storytelling.
Every studio has strengths. What One Punch Man needs now is a team with the time, passion, and resources to bring it to life properly.
What Fans Really Want from Season 4
Let’s be real! people are disappointed. Some fans have already stopped watching, saying even Season 2 looks better now. But not everyone’s given up. There’s still hope that the anime can turn things around. Yusuke Murata once explained why he teamed up with ONE, saying,
“If I’m going to die, I want to do something I really love to do. I want to draw manga with Mr. One.” - Yusuke Murata, Manga Illustrator
A lot of viewers are asking for a full reboot or a new studio that can finally do the story justice. One thing that keeps coming up is how the anime should stick closer to the redrawn manga, especially in fights like Child Emperor vs Phoenix Man. That version added way more depth and buildup.
Fans also want Season 4 to bring back the balance between action and comedy. Season 3 tried, but it just didn’t land because of the pacing issues. And honestly, where has Saitama been? Viewers feel like he’s barely had any real screen time this season, and when he does show up, his best moments are either skipped or just not the same.
Where To Watch and What’s Next
If you’re still riding this rollercoaster, you can watch the latest One Punch Man episodes on Crunchyroll every Sunday. While you're at it, you can also check out the full Season 3 official trailer 2 down below which might help you set expectations if you haven’t started yet.
Looking for more upcoming anime news? You might also want to check out what’s brewing for Spy X Family Season 4 or what we know about Gachiakuta Season 2.
Final Word on Season 4
Right now, One Punch Man is at a crossroads. It has one of the strongest manga runs in recent years, but its anime adaptation has stumbled badly. Season 4 could be a second chance - not just for the series, but for the fans who’ve stuck around since day one.
If the right team is chosen, and if the production is given enough time, Season 4 could remind everyone why they fell in love with One Punch Man in the first place. Until then, we wait - and keep our fingers crossed.
