Review: Star Wars: Visions: Volume Three

Star Wars: Visions is an anthology series created for Disney+, consisting of animated short films inspired by the Star Wars franchise. Episodes are typically self-contained stories, made with different studios. Recently, the series returned for a third season, premiering on October 29, 2025.

The first season consisted of anime short films produced by Japanese studios. The second season branched out to international studios, including countries like Ireland and South Africa. However, the third season returns to the anime format. Anime fans can expect work from studios like Studio Trigger, Wit Studio, and David Production.

This wasn’t the only way the series harkens back to the original with its nine new stories. Starting things off, the third volume includes a sequel to the first series’ first episode, “The Duel.” The second episode, “The Lost Ones,” is also a sequel to “The Village Bride.” Finally, “The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope” also serves as a sequel to “The Ninth Jedi.”

The continuations start with “The Duel: Playback,” which brings us back to the black-and-grey world of the series’ start. Ronin faces off against the menacing Grand Master, a corrupted Jedi. As Ronin’s story had previously been expanded on in other media, including a novel, his return is something many fans had anticipated. Soon, they will see him fight amid beautiful imagery, unexpected twists, and plenty of Ewoks.

“The Bounty Hunters” revolves around a bounty hunter and her spider-like droid. Her companion is a medical droid and an assassin all in one. The two have a new job, but things prove much more sinister than they first appear, leading to the characters having to fight their way out of a situation. Of course, they’ve also got a few new allies to help them.

While fans know that anime isn’t always cute, it’s still something some love about anime, and “The Song of Four Wings” heavily delves into this aesthetic. A princess fights the Empire after her civilization was destroyed, in a premise that should sound familiar to Star Wars fans. With some powerful tech, she protects a child all the while uncovering a plot against a planet.

“The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope” is another sequel episode, continuing the story of the sabersmith’s daughter, Kara, as she’s on the run from her pursuers. She finds an ally in the friendly droid, Teto. Soon, however, tragedy will strike with Kara realizing what it will take to become a Jedi Knight. As “The Ninth Jedi” was already a fan-favorite, this is an episode many fans have already been anticipating. Many might also feel Teto steals the show, especially with him voiced by Freddie Highmore in the English dub.

“The Smuggler” sees the titular smuggler team up with a young prince, bringing him to safety for a quick job. The prince has another companion, however, who also has something of a bit. As many fans noted, the story can read like an abridged version of the original, showcasing just how series like this can reinterpret the franchise in different ways.

Of all the shorts, “Yuko’s Treasure” feels the most likely to have been made with the younger Star Wars fans in mind. A bear-like droid protects a young orphan named Yuko. Unfortunately, not all orphans are lucky to have droids looking out for them, with some find themselves in dangerous company. These forces could also spell trouble for Yuko and his guardian. The short has a cartoonish style, a dark turn, but everything comes to a heartfelt ending. Steve Buscemi also appears in the English version of the story.

“The Bird of Paradise” takes a turn for the existential. A Jedi Padawan, Nakime, is knocked off a cliff after fighting a Sith with her master. She then finds herself going on a spiritual journey, paying tribute to other journeys of the mind in the Star Wars universe. To illustrate the different worlds, the short film explores different animation styles, showing off different imagery. Science-fiction fans can also appreciate George Takei lending his voice to the episode, playing a Yoda-like frog.

“The Lost Ones” takes place on a planet already surviving the aftermath of the Empire. Survivors, however, are rescued by a Jedi. However, a figure from their savior’s past will resurface, and they have already turned to the dark side. The story is an emotional one, dealing with themes of trauma, all with a surprising shout-out to another sci-fi franchise. The art style also provides a cool contrast, with stylized characters in a detailed environment.

David Production gives the volume its final story with “Black.” Once again, it features a trip inside the mind. This time, it’s in an Imperial Trooper during a tense fight. The final short is meant to be a feast for the eyes, with surreal, psychedelic imagery, patterned somewhat like a music video. All in all, it delves into a question that has haunted many a psyche over the years: what do you think you’ll see during the last moments of your life? After all, what does it really mean to see your life flash before your eyes?

Some new viewers might initially worry that they need to rewatch some of the earlier episodes to follow along, especially since this season boasts three sequels. Even long-time fans might worry they might need a bit of a refresher. However, everything is self-contained and isn’t too much of an issue. Of course, there’s no reason fans can’t enjoy the first season, especially if they’re watching it for the first time.

This season returns to the anime aesthetic for the most part, returning to its roots from the first volume. While it’s a bit of a departure from the previous season, there are still various styles seen throughout the episodes, from kawaii to surreal. After all, with different studios are working on the episodes, the series always had this in mind. Anime fans in particular can enjoy each episode as a “short film” of sorts, appreciating the range different studios can provide.

Ultimately, this series has a lot of elements than Star Wars fans can appreciate. With a few returns to previous stories, many fans will also likely be left curious about where the series is going next.