Star Wars: Visions continues to expand the galaxy far, far away through the unique lenses of diverse animation studios, offering fresh and imaginative takes on the iconic saga. With the release of Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 on October 29, 2025, fans have been treated to another collection of nine original animated short films, including the intriguing seventh episode, “The Smuggler.” This anthology series, exclusively available on Disney+, empowers creators to explore the Star Wars universe with unparalleled creative freedom, blending distinct animation styles with compelling new narratives.
Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 Overview
Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 follows in the footsteps of its critically acclaimed predecessors, delivering a rich tapestry of storytelling that reinterprets the core themes and aesthetics of Star Wars. Unlike Volume 2, which featured studios from around the world, Volume 3 returns to the format of its first installment, primarily showcasing Japanese anime studios. This approach has allowed for a distinct artistic consistency while still celebrating a wide array of visual styles and narrative approaches within the anime tradition.
The third volume consists of nine self-contained shorts, each crafted by different animation houses, including series veterans like Kamikaze Douga, Kinema Citrus Co., and Production I.G., alongside newcomers such as ANIMA, david production, Polygon Pictures, Project Studio Q, and WIT Studio. A notable aspect of Volume 3 is the continuation of some beloved storylines from previous seasons, with sequels to “The Duel,” “The Village Bride,” and “The Ninth Jedi” providing deeper exploration of established characters and worlds. This blend of new and continuing narratives enriches the Visions experience, offering both fresh perspectives and satisfying developments for long-time viewers.
Episode 7: “The Smuggler”
Among the nine captivating shorts in Star Wars: Visions Volume 3, Episode 7 is titled “The Smuggler.” This particular episode was produced by Studio Trigger, a studio known for its dynamic animation and distinctive storytelling, which also contributed to Volume 1.
While specific plot details for “The Smuggler” are generally kept under wraps to allow viewers to experience the story fresh, the title itself suggests a classic Star Wars archetype: the rogue or anti-hero navigating the fringes of galactic society. Smugglers are a foundational element of the Star Wars lore, often operating in moral grey areas and providing a unique perspective on the conflict between the Empire and the Rebellion, or other major galactic factions. Their stories typically involve high-stakes deliveries, narrow escapes, and encounters with a colorful cast of characters, from bounty hunters to crime lords.
Given Studio Trigger’s reputation for high-octane action, expressive character animation, and often quirky humor, “The Smuggler” likely offers a visually vibrant and fast-paced adventure. The episode is expected to explore themes of survival, loyalty, and perhaps even an unexpected turn towards heroism, all filtered through Trigger’s unique artistic vision. As with all Visions shorts, “The Smuggler” presents a non-canonical interpretation of the Star Wars universe, allowing for creative liberties that might diverge significantly from established lore, yet still resonate with the core spirit of the saga.
Fans eager to delve into “The Smuggler” and the rest of Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 can find all nine episodes streaming on Disney+. The anthology format ensures that each episode, including “The Smuggler,” stands as a complete and memorable story, contributing to the ever-expanding and diverse interpretations of Star Wars.
