A New Chapter in the Galaxy: Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 Unleashes New Anime Adventures

After captivating audiences with two critically acclaimed seasons, Star Wars: Visions is back, returning to its anime roots with a brand-new volume. Dropping on Disney+ on October 29, Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 promises nine new shorts from a lineup of celebrated Japanese animation studios, including both returning favorites and fresh faces.

While the second volume embraced a global perspective with studios from around the world, Volume 3 returns to the anthology’s origins, celebrating the unique artistry of Japanese anime. This season, however, is not just a simple return to form; it’s an ambitious expansion. For the first time, the series will feature sequels to fan-favorite stories from the first volume.

Three shorts, in particular, will continue the narratives of some of the most memorable characters and worlds. Production I.G’s “The Ninth Jedi” gets a sequel titled “The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope,” continuing the quest of the heroine Kara. Fans can also look forward to “The Duel: Payback” from Kamikaze Douga and “The Lost Ones” from Kinema Citrus Co., which will revisit the compelling sagas of Ronin and F.

The lineup of participating studios is a who’s who of Japanese animation talent, blending veteran creators with rising stars. Returning studios include Kamikaze Douga, Kinema Citrus Co., Production I.G, and Studio Trigger. They are joined by five new collaborators: ANIMA, David Production, Polygon Pictures, Project Studio Q, and WIT Studio.

A standout new short that has already garnered attention is “Black” from David Production. Directed by Shinya Ohira (known for his work on Akira and Spirited Away), the short is described as a psychedelic, opera-infused journey into the mind of a stormtrooper during the destruction of the Death Star. Ohira promises a short that is “something nobody’s ever seen before,” offering a uniquely personal and visually striking perspective on a pivotal moment in galactic history.

With its blend of fresh perspectives and thrilling continuations of beloved storylines, Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 is shaping up to be a must-watch event for fans of both Star Wars and animation. The anthology continues to be a vibrant canvas for artists to explore the franchise’s rich lore and themes in bold, new ways.